"And to the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for 42 months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming His name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them" (Revelation 13:5-7). You may have seen Stephen Fry's comments about why he doesn't believe in God, due to the inexplicable and indiscriminate nature of suffering and evil in the world. While it's an old argument which is easily refuted with Christian apologetics - he does at least have a point that there are questions worth asking about the relation of the sovereign God to evil. John is suffering under brutal oppression and persecution from the economic, religious and military superpower of Rome. It seems in this vision he sees the Roman Empire and its opposition to God's people as a foreshadowing of a future satanic empire in the last days. This empire will seek to destroy and we're even told will succeed in devastating God's people!
However, there's a couple of phrases to notice that bring God into the picture. Firstly, God has "allowed" this to happen. While evil is pictured as a raging out of control beast with grand schemes, it does have boundaries, and operates only by God's permission. It is no true threat to Him. Like taking a dog for a walk on the leash, it's permitted to run so far before the person in charge stops the dog with the leash and pulls them back in. Secondly, God has fixed its time "42 months" - it is a short time, (3.5 years, half of 7 years). This evil will not last forever or go unchallenged for long. God has determined how long it will be allowed to rampage and then is going to intervene to save His people and judge evil. In all of this, as we live in a world cursed with evil and suffering, we need to remember that God is in control, and we can trust Him with what He allows and the times He appoints - He is good, we can look at the Cross of Jesus for a reminder of His love and for reassurance that He has already secured the defeat of evil for us.
Praise God Today: "Glorious and Mighty"Pray Today:
- For the Bethany Care Shelter ministry that will be operating out of Carrubbers in the evenings this week, ministering love and shelter to the homeless, and seeking to point them to the hope, love and refuge that can only be found in Christ.
- For the constructive discussions happening in church life about our Vision, Mission and Values in these days - for God to clearly guide and give wisdom.
- For those struggling with suffering in their own lives or their families at this time - to know something of God's help, peace and strength to face these days.
