OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2020
July 1, 2020
Revelation 13:2 – And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Thought: The pictures that John tells us he saw represent different aspects of the beast which rose up out of the sea. All three of the animals depicted are strong, fierce, and blood-thirsty. They can attack and devour at a moment’s notice. It was the dragon, that is, the devil that “gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” In other words, the Roman government did not work on behalf of Christianity. Its powers were devilish. Its methods were deceptive. Its ends were destructive. The people of God were up against a mighty foe.
Daniel 7:2-7
July 2, 2020
Revelation 13:3 – And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Thought: One of the heads involves one of the Roman Emperors. In some way, he was wounded severely. It was a wound from which it appeared he would not recover. The text does not specifically tell us who the ruler was. Too, we are not told who inflicted the wound. Thus, commentators are mixed as to the identity of the individual. Instead of dying, however, “his deadly wound was healed.” In some way, his reign was revived. His recovery caught the attention of all. The text says: “…and all the world wondered after the beast.” Evil powers do not die easily.
Acts 8:9-11
July 3, 2020
Revelation 13:4 – And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?
Thought: Men have a tendency to worship the wrong things. Here, individuals worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast. His power made him stand out. “Who is like unto the beast?” His power seemed unconquerable. “Who is able to make war with him?” Sadly, they had not honestly considered God’s power. He bestowed all power upon His Son. These questions could be asked of Him: “Who is like unto the Christ? “Who is able to make war with Him?” If honestly considered, He would be worshipped and not the dragon or the beast.
Psalm 106:37-38
July 4, 2020
Revelation 13:5, 6 – And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Thought: Those who are given power often quickly turn against God. With their mouths they blaspheme, that is, speak against God. They also speak against the things of God and the people of God. God is a threat to them. Thus, they have to convince others that He does not exist, that He is evil, or that He is not the loving, caring, and compassionate God He proclaims to be. Unfortunately, individuals give heed to their words. The lies of those who are evil cause the masses to rebel instead of submit unto God.
Daniel 11:36
July 5, 2020
Revelation 13:7 – And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Thought: The main theme of the book of Revelation is the war that is being waged between God and Satan. It is not just a war conducted between two spiritual beings. It is a war that involves the angels of heaven. It is also a war that involves human beings, “all kindreds, and tongues, and nations,” and, especially, God’s people who are called “saints.” Satan’s mission is to overcome them, that is, to destroy them. Sadly, some have been devoured by him. However, God has provided ways whereby we can defeat our powerful opponent.
Daniel 7:20-22
July 6, 2020
Revelation 13:8 – And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Thought: John makes a clear distinction between two groups of people. There are some on the earth who worship the beast. These individuals do not have their names written in the book of life of the Lamb. There is another group of people whose names are written in the book of life. They do not worship the beast. They worship God. God has given man the ability to choose the group to which he will belong. When one obeys the gospel and is cleansed by the blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, his name is written in the book of life.
Luke 10:20
July 7, 2020
Revelation 13:9 – If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Thought: In God’s Word, there are many exhortations given to man to hear God’s Word. It is easy for us to dismiss God. He is invisible. We think He plays a minimal role in our lives. His Word is just a book among many books. Too, the book was written thousands of years ago in a different time and to a completely different culture. For these and other reasons, many ask: “Why should I hear God?” If for no other reason, we should listen to God because of who He is. He is the Creator and the Monarch of the universe. “If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Acts 10:33
July 8, 2020
Revelation 13:10 – He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the faith and patience of the saints.
Thought: Barnes writes this interesting comment on this verse: “The general truth is, that people will, in the course of things, be dealt with according to their character and their treatment of others; that nations characterized by war and conquests will be subject to the evils of war and conquest – or that they may expect to share the same lot which they have brought on others” (e-sword). John’s readers who faced persecution needed to be confident of this principle. Their enemies would reap what they had sown. John says: “Here is the faith and patience of the saints.”
Matthew 26:52
July 9, 2020
Revelation 13:11 – And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Thought: The first beast rose out of the sea. This second beast rises out of the earth. Some believe this beast is the papacy. Others see this as the procurators of Judea who aided and supported the Roman government. His description is two-fold: “like a lamb” and “as a dragon.” Ruling powers often try to manifest both characteristics. They want their followers to believe they are gentle and have their best interests in mind. However, they are quick to speak as a dragon if anyone opposes their rules and their authority. This makes trusting ruling powers difficult.
II Samuel 15:1-6
July 10, 2020
Revelation 13:12, 13 – And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
Thought: Evil is smart and unites with other forms of evil to accomplish its purposes. The beast of earth “exerciseth all the power of the first beast.” He also uses his authority to cause “the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast.” He constantly displays “great wonders” in the sight of men. He reminds them of his greatness and his power. Thus, he instills fear into their hearts. His desire is to cause as many as possible to follow him instead of serving the true and living God. We have evil that exists today with similar desires.
Matthew 24:24
July 11, 2020
Revelation 13:14 – And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by the sword, and did live.
Thought: The main tactic used by Satan and his allies is deception. Deception involves leading others astray by false statements or false appearances. The beast is said to perform miracles. These miracles seem to evidence his great power and the “truthfulness” of his words. From there, it is easy to convince the people to “make an image to the beast” and worship him. When this transpires, the beast appears to win over God. Worship that is due only to the God of heaven has been diverted to the beast. The beast has caused the people to commit a heinous sin.
Exodus 20:3-5
July 12, 2020
Revelation 13:15 – And he has power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Thought: The deceptive work of the beast continues. He now brings the image of the beast to life and speaks. Again, his power was used to cause the people to worship the image instead of worshipping God. If any refused, he would be killed. Satan’s evil nature is evidenced. He longs to be in the place of God. He will do anything to persuade men to worship him. Life holds no value to him at all. He gives this ultimatum: Worship me, or die!
John 6:44
July 13, 2020
Revelation 13:16, 17 – And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Thought: We are now introduced to “the mark of the beast,” identifying one as loyal to the beast. It was a mark designed for a specific purpose, giving one the right to buy or sell. This mark stood in contrast to the seal placed into the foreheads of the people of God (Rev. 7:3). Some believe the marks to be confessions. Those who wore the seal of God, confessed the name of Christ. Those who wore the seal of the beast confessed the name of the Emperor of Rome. The mark of the beast provided economic benefits to those who wore it. Those who wore the name of Christ suffered economically. Under such conditions, to whom would you have been loyal?
Revelation 9:4
July 14, 2020
Revelation 13:18 – Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Thought: 666 is “the number of the beast” and “the number of man.” This use of numbers is referred to as “Gematria” or “cryptography.” Wallace in his commentary writes: “There have been almost a legion of names in many different languages that have been deciphered in the efforts to find the solution for Code 666, ranging from the merest conjecture to a frantic religious fanaticism that borders on lunacy” (The Book of Revelation, p. 300). Wallace believes it was Nero. Haley believes that it involves human systems that spring from man. Most will say they do not know. It indicated something evil. The number 6 is imperfect. Three 6’s indicated complete evil.
Revelation 15:2
July 15, 2020
Revelation 14:1 – And I look, and lo, a Lamb and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Thought: John now sees a group of people who stand in stark contrast with those who had accepted and worshipped the beast. John sees the Lamb of God and all of the redeemed with him. The number, 144,000, is not a literal number, but a figurative one. It is a multiple of the perfect numbers 10 and 12. It represents all the saved. These do not have the mark of the beast. No, they have the heavenly Father’s name in their forehead. The spiritual war that is constantly being fought has two sides. The question we must ask is: “Whose side am I on?”
Exodus 32:26
July 16, 2020
Revelation 14:2 – And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.
Thought: John tells us that he heard a voice. The voice was as beautiful and melodious as harpers harping with their harps. Note, these are not real harps being played in heaven. Some attempt to use this verse to justify instruments of music being used in worship to God. Such cannot be done. John did not hear harps. He heard a voice. In the next verse, we will learn that the voice was singing a song. Yes, John heard a voice, not literal harps.
Revelation 1:10
July 17, 2020
Revelation 14:3 – And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Thought: The redeemed of God sang “as it were a new song.” It is interesting that in the midst of battle that they were singing. They knew that the battle belongs to the Lord. They knew they would triumph over the forces of Satan. They knew victory was theirs. Thus, they sang. Every child of God should sing daily. Our Lord has triumphed over the evil one. The only thing that lies in our future is victory. “Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Corinthians 2:14
July 18, 2020
Revelation 14:4 – These are they which are not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Thought: John now describes 144,000. Remember, there are some who believe this number to be literal instead of figurative. Do they believe that the description of these individuals is literal as well? Are the 144,000 literally virgins “which were not defiled with women”? Or, is this just a description of their purity and holiness? They also followed the Lamb. Note they followed Him “withersoever he goeth.” They went where He pleased. They were the firstfruits, the best, among men because they were redeemed by Jesus’ blood.
Matthew 8:19-20
July 19, 2020
Revelation 14:5 – And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Thought: The saints of God are pure. Their thoughts are pure. Their behaviors are pure. Their words are pure. John says: “And in their mouth was found no guile.” Their lips are not filled with deceit and craftiness and trickery. Their yeas are yea. Their nays are nay. Too, “they are without fault before the throne of God.” This is not because they have not committed sin. It is because they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. My friends, the master one serves makes all the difference. Do you worship the beast? Or, do you serve the Lamb?
Colossians 1:21-23
July 20, 2020
Revelation 14:6 – And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and people.
Thought: In the midst of trial and peril, the gospel is still going to be able to be preached “to every nation, kindred, and people.” God’s messengers will proclaim “the everlasting gospel.” It is eternal in many respects. First, it sprang from the eternal mind of God. Second, it is eternal in that it is lasting and will endure forever. Third, it is eternal because of the effects of the gospel upon those who are lost. They will receive eternal life. As hard as the enemy tries, he cannot hinder the spread of the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:8-9
July 21, 2020
Revelation 14:7 – Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Thought: When the judgment of God comes upon the world, the one to whom we pay homage will be of extreme importance. The angel exhorts all men to “fear God, and give glory to him.” He even provides a basis for this worship. All should worship Him because God is the Creator. “Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The creature should always bow before the Creator. We live, and move, and have our being because of Him. It is important to remember that neither Satan nor his associates created us.
Acts 17:22-30
July 22, 2020
Revelation 14:8 – And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Thought: The term “Babylon” is figurative. Babylon was a powerful and morally corrupt nation in Old Testament times. The name came to represent other cities with similar characteristics. Some believe that this refers to the city of Jerusalem, a city that was once faithful to God, but that committed spiritual fornication. Others view this as the city of Rome, a city of evil, wickedness, and oppression. Both of these cities fell. They drank of the wrath of God. Dear reader, no city is so powerful that it cannot be brought to destruction. God is greater than any city of man.
Jeremiah 51:7-8
July 23, 2020
Revelation 14:9 – And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.
Thought: Let’s consider two points from this verse. First, the Lord often issues warnings to man. Here, the warning is issued by an angel. Warnings are meant to be heeded by those that hear them. They are intended to bring protection to those who hear. Second, human beings have been given free moral agency. In other words, they are free to make choices. They can heed a warning. Or, they can choose to ignore a warning. Here, God warns all who worship the beast and receive his mark. How they would respond to the warning was their choice?
Ezekiel 33:5
July 24, 2020
Revelation 14:10 – The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
Thought: God issued a warning to the followers of the beast. The warning concerned the wrath of God. God will bear with man so long but His longsuffering will come to an end. These individuals were going to experience God’s righteous indignation without mixture. There was going to be nothing mixed to lessen the punishment. They would “be tormented with fire and brimstone.” This torment would take place in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb of God. They were adequately warned. We, too, have been warned. What will be our response?
Psalm 11:6
July 25, 2020
Revelation 14:11 – And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Thought: Those who oppose God need to seriously consider the eternal consequences of their actions. Eventually, they will drink of the wine of the wrath of God. They will be tormented with fire and brimstone. This torment will last “for ever and ever.” Too, “they have no rest day nor night.” Have you ever gone without sleep for two or three days? You were tired. You were irritable. Nothing in life was pleasant. All you wanted to do was sleep. Can you imagine that feeling forever? Those, however, who serve God “will rest from their labors” and find comfort forever.
Revelation 20:10
July 26, 2020
Revelation 14:12 – Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Thought: Patience is “the ability to endure.” The saints of God endure by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They are loyal to the New Covenant that Jesus gave and sealed with His precious blood. They do not add to or take from the laws of God. They do not allow their will to supersede the will of their Master Jesus Christ. The holy ones of God can endure because they know their opposition will ultimately be defeated. If they will continue in the word, they will ultimately be rewarded. Obedience is not hard when we keep the end in mind.
John 8:31
July 27, 2020
Revelation 14:13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Thought: Death is not usually considered a blessing. Death is something we despise. It is something we fear. It is something we seldom contemplate. However, for those who die in Christ, death is a blessing. The reason is because they rest from their labors and their works follow them. Since they are “in Christ,” they cross the chilly waters of Jordan and enter into Paradise. The burdens of this world no longer weight them down. When they stand in Judgment, they will be rewarded according to their works. Indeed, death is a blessing to God’s children.
Luke 16:25
July 28, 2020
Revelation 14:14 – And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Thought: When Jesus appears, He always appears in white: white robes, a white cloud, and a white horse. White is the symbol of absolute purity. There is not a drop of sin that taints the Son of man. His golden crown is a symbol of royalty. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he who possesses all authority, even over His enemies. Here, He holds a sharp sickle in His hand. A sickle is used for reaping. Who will be reaped? And, for what purpose are they reaped? We learn that men must ultimately deal with the Son of God.
Joel 3:12-13
July 29, 2020
Revelation 14:15 – And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
Thought: The key words of this verse are “for the time is come.” God is longsuffering. He bears with man a long time giving him opportunity to repent. God does not want to bring destruction upon His creation. However, He will not bear with man forever. The time eventually comes to “thrust in thy sickle, and reap.’ When He reaps, “the harvest of the earth is ripe.” God’s judgment comes at the perfect time. He is not too soon. He is not too late. When man’s sins are full, it is time for God to bring in the harvest.
Genesis 15:16
July 30, 2020
Revelation 14:16 – And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Thought: The judgment of God will arrive. Men may deny it, but it will come. Men may ignore it, but it will come. God will thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth will be reaped. Peter put it in these words: “But the day of the Lord will come…” (II Pet. 3:10). Because a great deal of time passes, man has a tendency to be lulled into the misconception that the Lord will never come. Not so! When the time is come, He will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. Every eye will see Him. Judgment will arrive.
Revelation 20:11-12
July 31, 2020
Revelation 14:17 – And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Thought: The angels of God are His ministers and assist in carrying out His work. Here, an angel came out of the temple in heaven. He, too, was carrying a sharp sickle, an instrument for reaping. He will assist the Lord in the harvest. There are many passages involving the coming of the Lord and judgment that include the angels of heaven. These wonderful creatures have assisted God throughout time. They have done His bidding since the Garden of Eden until now. They will be functioning on the Lord’s behalf when our Lord comes again.
II Thessalonian
Read devotionals for August 2020
