Rev 13:13-14 (KJV) 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Emphasis, mine)
The Beast of the Apocalypse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Don’t Be a Victim of Counterfeit Miracles!
In every Earthly realm and dimension there are real things and counterfeit things. For every emotion, dream, strategy, and possession we have, there is a true version and a false version. The true version is the gift of God. The false version is a satanic deception.
The end product tells if the gift is from God or a satanic deception. The gifts of God result in life and healing, even though the experience of the gifts might be painful. The satanic deception leads to loss and death, even though the experience offered by the deception might be initially pleasant. Remember: The pleasures of sin lasts but for a season (Hebrews 11:5).
Not Every Miracle Comes From God
Some Christians are tricked into accepting satanic deceptions because the gift or opportunity presents with a supernatural part. Far too many believers indulge in seances and trust in horoscope readings. They embrace every angel as being divine (remember, demons are fallen angels), and equate all that is supernatural as having a Godly origin. Today’s verses show us that the devil uses supernatural manifestations to deceive and intimidate. Here we see a strange beast that has the power to “bring down fire from Heaven.” He deceived people with the “miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.” The deception was so thorough, that it convinced many to worship the beast. Resisting this deception had grave consequences, spelled out in Rev 13:15-18 (KJV):
“as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Satanic Miracles Deceive & Seduce You Into False Worship
Ah! So here we see how Satan uses supernatural manifestations and fear of physical suffering such as starvation and poverty to bully masses of people into accepting the dreaded “mark of the beast.” The faithful should depend on God to supply their need (Philippians 4:19). The unbelieving trust wealth and access to commerce as the security for their survival. Kneeling to the threats of satan is the last coup in a life-time of thinking that we can take care of ourselves. The mark of the beast is the brand of idolators, and the seal of those who habitually do not trust the Lord.
Beware & Live a Life of Vigilance
Christian friend, we have a dire need to have our priorities straight at all times. The Lord is our Salvation, our Shepherd, our Healer, our Righteousness, and our Banner. He is the strength of our lives. Our help comes from the Lord Who made the Heavens and the Earth (Psalms 121:2). He is our Shepherd Who supplies our need: All of them.
The Lord supplies our need, whether the bank account is empty or full; whether our health is good or bad. He supplies our need whether married or single, working or jobless. The Lord’s desire and ability to take care of us does not depend on any circumstance in our lives. He alone is God. Trust Him at all times, so that when the time of testing comes, you will not be deceived or bullied into denying Him Who is our one, true, and only wise GOD.
May these words educate, comfort and urge you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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