Revelation

This morning I was preaching at Sendero de Vida Santa Barbara.  It was great to see friends there again!

I was preaching on the last part of Revelation 13 – the "other" beast, and the famous mark of the beast.

It’s been good to take a fresh look at the book of Revelation.  I think one thing that strikes me again and again is the complete lack of middle ground in the visions of the book.  It’s either Jesus or Satan – who are you going to follow?

Follow Jesus, and you may not be able to conduct business.  You’ll miss out on the parties.  You’ll be running for your life.  And you’ll probably die sooner rather than later.

You know, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life*….

Follow Satan, and you’ll have a much better chance at a long life.  Let’s just say, you’ll enjoy the journey much more.  Oh, of course there is that lake of fire at the end of the journey – but it’s not about the destination, is it?

Seriously, go and read it again or for the first time, and you’ll find your heart forced to decide again and again.

I brought Nathanael’s little lamb (pictured) to illustrate the second beast in chapter 13.  After describing the terrifying and powerful first beast, about all we hear about the second is that it has little horns like a lamb.  Awwwww.  Innocent.  Vulnerable.  Approachable.  And deadly.

Anyway, we enjoyed our time with our friends, and met some new friends, and enjoyed some yummy food at Martín and Laura’s home.

I say we – but that’s just the kids and I.  Shari got some sort of stomach bug on Friday – and was very sick that night.  She’s been recovering ever since – basically in bed since then, but today starting to feel a little better.  I imagine she’ll be up and about – at least a little – tomorrow.

* Saw this book mentioned on a missionary’s blog – haven’t read it yet, but the cover image says a lot by itself!