Thursday: The Beast From the Earth
Daily Lesson for Thursday 13th of June 2024
Read Revelation 13:1-18:11-18. How does this second beast differ from the first beast of Revelation 13:1-18?
The first beast rose out of the sea; the second beast comes “up out of the earth” (Revelation 13:11, NKJV). The sea represents “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” (Revelation 17:15, NKJV).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
The earth, then, represents a sparsely populated area of the world. This second beast arises near the close of the prophetic period during which the first beast exercises authority (Revelation 13:5). That is, it rises to prominence around a.d. 1798.
The United States precisely fits this description. It declared its independence in a.d. 1776, adopted its constitution in a.d. 1789, and was recognized as a world power by the late nineteenth century.
John continues, “He had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11, NKJV). Horns in Bible prophecy symbolize power. Unlike the first beast, this beast has no crowns on its horns, suggesting it is not a monarchy. The two horns represent the two primary governing principles that are the source of the United States’ power and success—political and religious liberty.
Read Revelation 13:1-18:11, 12. What change do you see in this beast, and how does it speak?
This gentle, lamblike nation ultimately speaks like a dragon. It exercises “all the authority of the first beast” (Revelation 13:12, NKJV) and abandons its principles of religious liberty, causing “the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast” (Revelation 13:12, NKJV). The United States will lead out in requiring everyone on earth to worship the first beast by recognizing the Papacy’s spiritual and secular authority. According to this prophecy, the United States forms an image to the beast—a union of church and state—and it will require everyone to worship this image.
What’s fascinating is that at the time when first identified as this beast power, the United States was nowhere near the military and economic behemoth it was to become and remains now.
Think about the political instability in America today. How might that one day lead to the fulfillment of this prophecy?
(16)
In 1980, Billy Graham, the well-known American Evangelist, was urged to support Ronald Reagan's candidacy for the President of USA by Rev Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority evangelicals. He refused and his response was that it would be disturbing if there was a wedding between religious fundamentalists and the political right. He maintained that the hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it.
While that incident occurred nearly 45 years ago it is almost prophetic regarding what is happening today. I might add that while that took place in the USA we are seeing similar alliances between religious conservatives and politics in non-Christian countries as well.
The real danger of all this for Seventh-day Adventists is that we are tempted to think that we have something in common with fundamentalists because like them we are Bible-believing Christians. I refuse to accept the "fundamentalist" label regarding my beliefs, preferring to be known as a Bible-believing follower of Jesus. I reject the political alignment that is often associated with fundamentalism.
The lamb-like quality of Christian fundamentalism is that it has the appearance of Bible-based morality but it has the beast-like quality of wanting to achieve that morality by political power and restriction of freedom. I have purposely not referred to the USA in this discussion because it is easy to become fixated by its very partisan current political climate.
How should Christian's react? Many Seventh-day Adventists like to capitalise on the current political climate and make prophetic statements about "ushering in the final conflict". I have a long memory and remember similar statements about John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, the 9/11 attack and so on. I am not called apon to be a prophet or even an interpreter of prophecies.
Tim Costello, a senior fellow at the Centre of Public Christianity in Australia has this to say about the current political climate:
We still have work to do outside the realm of political persuasion or prophetic vindication.
I am concerned that Brother Finley, author of the lesson, is not accurate on the Theology of the "two horns" of the "beast from the earth" which we agree is USA. the two horns represent "republicanism and protestantism" which are the foundations of government and religion in the USA. republicanism is uniquely American and is the first and only government that was formed to PROTECT THE "INALIENABLE RIGHTS" of the individual.
Ellen White writes in Spirit of Prophecy
...rather than becoming immersed in a conversation/argument about politics and political parties (which is a moving target) lets focus on the battle between good and evil which is a battle taking place in the USA between republicanism and all the forms of government (feudalism, socialism, communism, fascism, totalitarianism, etc.) which are opposed to protection and defense of individual "inalienable rights" or "rights given by God" and those who believe and follow the belief that "The State" is God.....and the final days will find all of humanity either on the side of Good or the side of evil
I want to try and answer the question in the highlighted section of the lesson, It's a long one based on some findings I came across.
Think about the political instability in America today. How might that one day lead to the fulfillment of this prophecy?
Here are some reflections based on current events and the themes in Revelation 13. Keep in mind that this is a prediction.
1)Polarization and Allegiance:
[a]The political divide in America has intensified, with extreme partisanship and ideological clashes.
[b]Revelation’s imagery of allegiance to the beast could symbolize blind loyalty to political figures or ideologies.
[c] If this polarization escalates, it might lead to a scenario where people prioritize political loyalties over ethical or spiritual considerations.
(2) Idolization of Power:
[a] The second beast’s call to create an image mirrors the desire for power and control.
[b] In times of instability, people may seek strong leaders who promise stability, even if it means compromising values.
[c] This idolization of power could align with the beast-like authority described in Revelation.
(3) Economic Dependence and Mark of the Beast:
[a] Revelation mentions a mark preventing buying and selling without allegiance to the beast.
[b] Economic pressures could drive compliance with such systems.
[c] If political instability leads to economic crises, people might accept restrictive measures for survival.
(4)Spiritual Battle Amid Chaos:
[a] Revelation portrays a cosmic struggle between good and evil.
[b] Political turmoil can exacerbate societal divisions, creating an environment ripe for spiritual conflict.
[c] Individuals’ choices during these times may reflect deeper allegiances.
In summary, the prophetic predictions come, and the themes in Revelation resonate with human history. Political instability could potentially contribute to scenarios mirroring the prophecy, emphasizing the need for discernment and steadfastness.
Maurice has correctly highlighted a sometimes misunderstood point;
The beast is described as having lamb-like horns, but the Bible does not say the beast itself is like a lamb, only the horns. It is fully a beast, not a lamb. The Bible does not suggest that the speech and horns are utilised separately, centuries apart. A plain reading suggests both horns and speech have been, are, and will be, utilised concurrently.
Regarding the horns, the text definitively uses "lamb", not "sheep". Horns may develop in lambs from as young as three months, but will not grow to full size until much later. When the beast appears, the horns do not appear to be fully developed. The Bible does not say if the horns develop further, nor if the baby horns were a ruse by the beast to appear less harmful.
I have seen well-meaning church members insist the beast is lamb-like, and later becomes dragon-like, but I'm sure John was correct in calling it a beast, as in "wild beast", never a domestic animal. John used language and symbols in Revelation that would be familiar to non-Jewish converts, and we must be careful to read well, and not attach our own modern cultural assumptions to the plain text of the Bible.
The term "beast" represents a nation in prophecy and not the characteristics of the nation it represents.
I tend to agree, and applying this to the US, we can see that it has always been a complex entity. Yes, it provided a place for persecuted Christians but those Christians were quickly doing plenty of their own persecuting (ie. the Puritans). There was also a great deal of unfairness and violence done towards the indigenous people that lived in North America (on a side note, North America may not have been as sparsely populated as the lesson indicates - some feel there could have been as many as 100 million people prior to Columbus). The USA has always had good ideals, but living up to them is another matter. Satan will always exploit those entities not in full connection with God.
Instability comes from a weak condition. Being founded in God gives a firm hold. There is no safer place than close to the One Who holds the key to open all the doors and all the right moves to the impossible puzzles around us.
American making an image to beast will not take place suddenly. Many things (situations or events) will be put into motion before this is possible. These situations will take place gradually or over time. Some of these situations are (or maybe) subtle, dramatic, surprising or appear normal, isolated, and insignificant; but cumulatively will have the effect of making it possible for America to take away our religious liberties.
Over the years we have seen many changes in America that are leading to this grand event. Pay attention to the Supreme Court, the political polarization, the disregard for truth, and the active role of religion in politics and law. It is very disturbing to watch these situations unfold.
Ellen White suggests that virtually the entire chapter of Revelation 13 has a future fulfillment.
"In the last days Satan will appear as an angel of light, with great power and heavenly glory, and claim to be the Lord of the whole earth. He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week…. Then will take place the final fulfillment of the Revelator's prophecy." [Revelation 13:4-18, quoted.] 19MR 282.1
It is noteworthy that EG White's "final fulfillment" dissects the verses we've studied this week, attaching particular focus on a specific portion (Rev 13:4-18) which includes the verses 5 an 6 ("power was given unto him to continue forty and two months") that we typically only apply to historical events long past.
In support of this concept of a dual interpretation --- "final fulfillment" of Rev 13 -- EG White also writes in 3 SM 387 (1889): “The persecutions of Protestants by Romanism, by which the religion of Jesus Christ was almost annihilated, will be more than rivalled when Protestantism and popery are combined.”
In reading this week’s lesson, I’m reminded of how easy it is to be distracted. There is a lot of political unrest around the world. “Religious” talk is becoming more out in the open, and often it’s hand in hand with politics. We most certainly need to be aware of what is going on, but if I make that my focus, I’ve totally missed the point. There is a world out there that needs to see Jesus living in me. My relationship with him needs to be my focus and remember what Revelation 14:3-4 says. Am I following The Lamb?
Regarding the question at the end of the lesson: My thoughts are that the driving force behind the nation’s transition from ‘speaking as a lamb to speaking as a dragon’ might not necessarily be the Christian community.
If being actively involved in the transition at all, religious institutions, because of a lukewarm, non-committal approach toward faith in the Word of God, abdicate their responsibility to call out error by being too willing to compromise by accepting to embrace the 'social gospel' as their 'new religion’ instead of the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I see the force toward the transition coming mostly from the non-religious, secular sector of society. People from all walks of life, private industry leaders and governmental office holders, as well as apostate religious organizations, become motivated to promote the re-writing of society’s moral codes. AI would be of great help to them when establishing the new judicial value system which defines what is right and wrong based on ‘circumstances’ – ‘situation ethics’.
Intolerance toward any opposition to their 'new-world vision', defining how best to resolve issues regarding the environment, societal, and political problems, causes them to eliminate the individual's right to liberty of thought and conscience, and pursuit of happiness. They becoming zealots for their cause of promoting their own ‘way of life’, willing to ‘remove’ any opposition, firmly believing that ‘the end justifies their means’.