Governments can serve God’s good purposes, protecting people and maintaining order. But human power becomes beastly when it demands the allegiance and worship that belong to God alone.

Revelation 13 reveals the spiritual reality behind oppressive and tyrannical power. The beast appears fearsome, speaks against God and wages war against God’s people. Yet its authority is only given for a limited time. It may take Christians’ freedom or even their lives.

Jesus does not conquer by becoming a greater beast. He conquers as the Lamb who was slain, and his kingdom will never end.

So what should Christians do when power demands worship? Do not fear the beast as though it were God. Remember that you belong to the Lamb, and continue with patient endurance and faithfulness.

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