And then in verses 16 and 17 of the same chapter, it says this beast “also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” And then in verse 18, scripture tells us, “the number is 666”.
I’m referring to this specific scripture this week because God has put this huge burden on my heart concerning this soon-coming “mark of the beast”.
This particular passage of prophetic scripture didn’t have much meaning, or make sense to people in the past -- Just like many of Daniel’s visions and dreams. - In fact, Daniel was told to “close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:4)
As with much of the prophetic scripture, until modern technology emerged, much of it could never have been understood.
Concerning Daniel’s mention of “increased knowledge”, just take a look at these past 100 years. It is simply mind-boggling as to what has taken place. - I have many fond memories of conversations with my mother. She was born in 1914 when cars and planes were in their infancy. I remember her telling me about growing up in eastern Montana and how her mother would go to town maybe once a year, and that was in a horse and buggy! -- That was less than 100 years ago!
Look at the advancement today in computer technology. In just these past 10 years it is amazing as to what has transpired. -- And now we can begin to understand the dreams and visions the prophets had concerning these end times. There was no way, as God was telling Daniel, that they could have been understood before now.
For a moment, let’s take a brief look at some of the news stories of the past two years concerning this technology and how it relates to the coming “mark of the beast”:
◆01/15/07 - “Human I.D. Implant to be Unveiled Soon”
◆03/29/07 - “God Fearing Villagers Snub ‘Satanic’ Bar Codes (Moscow)”
◆04/21/07 - “Amish Farmers Balk at Farm I.D. Numbers” (At least they have a clue)
◆08/12/07 - “I.D. Microchips Might Be Next Assault on Individual Rights”
◆02/14/08 - “Human I.D. Chips for Under the Skin”
◆02/02/09 - “Prophesied Cashless Society is Almost Here”
◆02/07/09 - “Humans ‘Will Be Implanted with Microchips”
◆02/28/09 - “Radio Chips Coming Soon to Driver’s Licenses”
◆06/20/09 - “Cash to Become Extinct as Chips Take Off”
◆07/15/09 - “India to Issue All 1.2 Billion Citizens with Biometric I.D. Cards”
◆08/26/09 - “Comprehensive I.D. Management Needed in U.S.”
◆12/08/09 - “Knesset Approves Controversial Biometric Database Law”
To us prophecy watchers, it’s quite obvious where this technology is heading. I believe the ultimately evolved super Internet system will have at its heart a complete marking and numbering system that will electronically link the individual with a central controlling entity whereby all people can be monitored and instantly dealt with as necessary. - This is the kind of system that will enable the Antichrist to control all of his “subjects”.
And this brings me to the “burden” mentioned at the beginning of this commentary. - Today, the more I talk with fellow Christians, including leaders, the more I realize how little they know about Bible prophecy!
Why is that so scary? - As technology continues to evolve and our ways of doing everyday business changes with it, the day will come where a chip in the right hand or forehead will be required in order to participate in society - and most people, including Christians, will accept these changes as part of the new modern landscape.
But what does scripture say about accepting this “mark of the beast”? Revelation 14:9-11 says:
A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
So you can see why I am so burdened. It shows that there is NO excuse for receiving this mark. Ignorance of scripture will hold no water on Judgement Day.
The time is not far off when each of us will be faced with this decision. This mark will be required to receive Social Security, pensions, medical treatment, and even every-day tasks of buying food and medicine for our families.
I encourage each one of you to study these scriptures, and then pass what you learn on to those who are unaware. - You will be saving their eternal lives!
And remember, God will reveal ways for us to survive until His appointed time. - We must walk in this knowledge and encourage others along the way.
Remember, Jesus said in Revelation 3:10,
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
Until next time,
Red