Devotion: Revelation 13:10

Revelation 13:10 “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.

It is funny how we rarely dig into the book of Revelation, yet here we are for the third time this month alone pulling out nuggets of wisdom and truth about patience. Today’s verse speaks of what is widely considered the Great Tribulation and speaks of a time of great persecution and trial for believers. Whether you are a pre or post Tributionist believer, we can agree on the fact that none of us want to be present during this time in history because it will be a very unpleasant experience for all involved.

At this point in the story, the Antichrist will have been empowered by Satan to rule and to wage war against the believers for forty-two months. This will be a period of great persecution and the believers, whether they be new believers that have come about since the beginning of the End times or believers who are still present on earth when the Antichrist takes power, we don’t know. But they will have war waged against them, and we know war is never a pleasant experience for those in the crosshairs.

This verse instructs Christians that while the beast will persecute them, God is sovereign. The saints are called to “endurance and faith” rather than violent resistance. John reminds the people who are reading his words that though we may face persecution, whatever happens will ultimately happen and God will be glorified in it. We may not understand at the time but once we get through the trial and come out the other side we often see God’s guiding hand leading us through and out.

I pray we escape the trials and tribulation that the believers of Revelation will experience, but we know that if any are to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. It cannot be thwarted. And if any are to die by the sword, by the sword will they die. There is no escape and there is no need to fight. We stand firm in our beliefs and know that we will be with God one way or another and our momentary trials are just a blink in the eye of eternity, so persevere, trust, and let Him be our strength and hope.

Prayer: Lord, Whatever may come, I pray that I am able to stand strong in my faith as I stand on Your foundation. Hold me up, Lord, and keep me steady. Amen

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