(The following is the December 18 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 13 and pay close attention to verses 5-10.)
One theme from Revelation is believers' need for endurance and faithfulness amid persecution. This is evident in chapter 13, where a beast fights against Christians and kills many. Unbelievers worldwide worship the beast and are safe from its attacks while it tries to kill faithful believers. We read about the beast: “It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of the life of the Lamb who was slaughtered” (vv. 7-8). This beast’s universal impact commands worship from every people group on the planet. Still, there are Christians faithful to the one true God who do not bow to it.
How can believers, amid intense pressure and persecution, refuse to participate in this abomination and remain loyal to Christ? The text gives two clues: (1) Those who bowed to the beast included “everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered” (v. 8). God has known and secured his children from eternity past, and nothing can change that. (2) “This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints” (v. 10). Jesus assured us that those who stand firm to the end are the ones who will be saved (Matt. 24:13).
How can you know your name is in the Lamb’s book of life? Persevere in the faith to the end. Hold fast to Christ when others reject or abandon him. Trust and obey his Word when others scoff at it and blaspheme its Author. “Endurance and faithfulness from the saints” prove your name’s place in the Lamb’s book of life.
Next Step:
What is the most challenging opposition you’ve ever faced? Imagine spiritual opposition many times as forceful against you, including the threat of death. Are you secure in Christ to endure that?