Beast #1, Beast #2, and 666

Rev. 13:10 b

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 

The first beast will rise out of the sea looking like a mythological creature:10 horns, 7 heads, 10 diadems on it horns, blasphemous names on each head [and blasphemy in his vocabulary], like a leopard, feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion. To this uniquely appearing beast the dragon gave his power, throne, and great authority. He gains his following by having a mortal wound [on one of his heads] that doesn't kill. Everyone will be amazed and follow on blindly worshiping the dragon and the beast. The people believe the beast is immortal and that nothing will harm him. Foolish Thought! Maybe in a world controlled by the dragon, but not in a world controlled by the sovereign God. 

The beast is given authority for 42 months.. Not only does he blaspheme God and His dwelling, but he also makes war on the saints and conquered many [martyrs]. The entire world worships excluding those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. This then is the reason for the call for endurance and the faith of the saints. I can only imagine what this must be like. My closest understanding is in many Islamic countries today where people undergo hideous persecution and often death.

As if this was not enough, another beast rises out of the earth looking like a lamb[counterfeiting the Lamb]  but speaking like a dragon. [wolf in sheep's clothing] This beast exercises the first beast's authority causing all the inhabitants of the earth to worship him[God sends strong delusion so that they will worship] by using signs [counterfeiting Jesus] like making fire fall from heaven when he was in the presence of the beast. Interesting that this beast could only do his signs in the presence of beast #1 erasing all competition between the two. It was allowed [by Sovereign God] that beast #2 give life to the image of the beast making it speak and killing those who will not worship [Satanic power]. Yet there is more! He causes all [no one is exempt] to to be marked either on their hand or forehead with a number or the name of beast #1. Such an identification with evil! Without this mark, 666, a person will neither buy nor sell. Hence, the mark of the beast!

Father,

My heart is heavy for what these believers must endure. I look at my life and it holds no comparison. In spite of this, grow my endurance and faith to withstand whatever You have allowed to come my way.

In Jesus name,

Amen