A Revelation Invitation

…and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

… And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.(Revelation 13:3b-4,7b-8 ESV)

I’ve always enjoyed the climactic scene of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz when the Wizard, the little, unimpressive man behind the curtain, is exposed as a fraud. In the land of Oz the intimidating image projected on the big screen holds sway. The people of Oz are in awe of the Wizard believing him to be as great and powerful as he boasts. Dorothy and her companions were also fearful until they met the man behind the curtain. Suddenly, the charade was over. In Revelation we learn that the beast that arose out of the sea is propped up by the dragon. Fear is an appropriate response because the beast and the dragon behind it are indeed dangerous. The people of the Roman Empire fear and worship the beast and the dragon behind the beast. However, God’s people, who realize that the beast is fraudulent and the dragon behind it is defeated, are not fooled.

After God delivered Israel from the Egyptian army, Moses raised the question: “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11 ESV). Israel had just seen a demonstration of God’s awesome power over the gods of Egypt. A misguided world asked a similar question of Rome, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” The Empire appeared to be invincible. What evidence was there to the contrary? However, the people of the Roman Empire were sorely mistaken in believing that lie.

In his attempt to undo God’s redemptive plan Satan found Rome to be a useful cudgel with which to attack the church. In exchange Satan gave his power and authority to Rome. He was the “god” behind all of those Roman gods. The world had never seen this much power at the command of one government. Every land over which Rome’s armies marched was compelled to submit to that authority. Many people benefited from Rome’s power, peace and prosperity giving it their allegiance, surrendering to its rule and delighting in its bounty. Besides, who could fight against it? The world was amazed and went along with Rome’s charade. Ultimately, Rome wasn’t the source of that prosperity and couldn’t keep its promises to lavish this largess on its loyal subjects.

In later history the people of England boasted that the sun never set on the British Empire. Who could fight against it? That boast was true then, but not much remains of that empire today. More recently the Soviet Union built an empire spreading its communist philosophy with a religious, evangelistic fervor. Who could fight against it? Despite its imposing military strength, it couldn’t deliver what it promised and ultimately it collapsed. The United State emerged from World War II as the preeminent military, economic and cultural power in the world. Who can fight against it? Its final history has not yet been written, but we already see cracks in its standing as a superpower as well as its growing antipathy toward the church. Christians must resist getting caught up in the self-promotion and the boasts of any human institution or charismatic, messianic pretender. They are all flawed parodies of God’s rule over the earth. Eventually, they will be seen for what they inevitably become—feeble vessels to do the dragon’s bidding in opposing the kingdom of God.

We whose names have been written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain must resist worshiping worldly power. The solutions to the world’s problems are not political or military. Winning culture wars does not win souls. We must not be seduced by prosperity. We must not be deceived by idolatry. Jesus is Lord. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. His kingdom will endure after all others fall.

Heavenly Father, you have showed us true, compassionate, merciful rule through your son where the weak are not exploited but lifted up. Help me see through the vacuous boasts and beguiling rhetoric of human leaders. Reveal to me your righteous rule, your eternal kingdom, so that I will not be lured into false worship and into trusting empty promises. Your promises are sure and they are wonderful. Amen.