Devotional 22 March 2025

March 22, 2025 • Steve Torres

Revelation 13:5.jpg

"And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. [2] And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. [3] One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. [4] 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?” [5] And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. [6] It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. [7] Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, [8] 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. [9] If anyone has an ear, let him hear: [10] If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints." (Revelation 13:1-10, ESV)

The beast in Revelation 13 reflects the power and cruelty of Rome. With elements resembling the empires described in Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7), Rome embodied Babylon’s pride, Persia’s dominance, and Greece’s cultural influence. Its seemingly fatal wound — the chaos following Julius Caesar’s assassination — appeared to threaten its survival. Yet Rome revived under Tiberius, inspiring awe across the known world. So powerful was Rome’s influence that the Jews, during Jesus’ trial, cried out, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).

But the beast is given three and a half years to rule, that is, limited rule. This number symbolizing incompleteness. It was not seven, the symbol of divine completeness, but a limited rule that would end.

As Rome’s emperors demanded worship — some even claiming divinity — believers faced relentless persecution. Nero, and later Domitian and others sought to crush this new faith. Yet the command to God’s people remained clear: endure. Whether facing imprisonment, violence, or even death, Christians were called to hold fast to their faith.

Today’s “beasts” may not wear crowns or sit on thrones, but they still demand allegiance. Corrupt systems, cultural pressures, or ideologies hostile to God’s truth can challenge our faith. Yet Revelation’s message rings true: the saints must endure. Whether in comfort or hardship, we are to remain steadfast, trusting that God’s kingdom will outlast every earthly power. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Hold firm. No beast, no empire, no threat can overpower the victory secured in Christ.