September 08, 2020: SOAP #3932: Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13
Scripture: Revelation (NIV) 13:16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no-one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.
Observation: I remember reading this passage many years ago and thinking: “This is crazy! Who would ever take a mark or allow a computerized chip to be placed in their hand or forehead?” As soon as I finished thinking those thoughts, the Lord strongly impressed on my mind, “When the time comes, it will not be the ones who accept the mark who will be considered crazy, but those who refuse it!” At that time, I could not see how that would ever be, but today people could very easily be duped into receiving such a mark.
Tomorrow when I go to the bus barn to drive a school bus, someone will pass a thermometer by my forehead to see if I have a fever which may indicate that I have been infected with Covid-19. Once a serum is available, it would be easy to implant a small chip into each one who has been inoculated. It would be easy to screen everyone entering a bank or grocery store. And the crazy ones will be those who reject the inoculation and the chip.
Application: Today it is essential to have a current relationship with the Holy Spirit. I must “walk” and “talk” with Him every day. I need the Holy Spirit to lead me in “paths of righteousness” and safety.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, you do see around corners and what is ahead. I am dependent of your guidance. May every day bring fresh spiritual skills in recognizing your voice. As you anointed men of old to write the Bible, anoint my heart today to understand what I read. Prepare me each day for what lies ahead. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 