February 29th Devotion

Daily Disciples
Today's Reading: Revelation 19
Today’s Thoughts: Signs of the Times

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! Revelation 19:1

I can still remember sermons from 1979 when I first came to Christ. The Book of Revelation seemed like a Twilight Zone episode as I heard Pastor Chuck Smith teach on the mark of the beast. He quoted from Revelation 13:16-17 referring to the antichrist, “He 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.” (NIV84)

He said that the mark of the beast would probably be like a small computer chip that would be placed under the skin of the hand or on the forehead. This chip would be the key to all sorts of buying and selling.

To embrace Pastor Chuck’s teaching at the time seemed like an act of faith. Today, we know that it is more like a fact. We already have seen commercials of these computer chips being placed in our pets or even our family members who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The chips are programmed to assist in finding your lost pet or loved one. It is a wonderful invention. This system makes sense as it also brings us a worldly peace of mind. Although this new capability is not tied up with the antichrist at this present time, we can see the conditioning of adapting such a system or new way of life. It moves our world to a cashless society as well as the convenience of having your belongings be a part of you. No more identity theft or the hassle of many credit cards and papers.

So, what are we to do? Revolt, Rebel, Reject Change??? I don’t think so. My friend who has a down syndrome child is seriously considering purchasing this chip for her child who frequently escapes from the home regardless of the extent of locks and security. Would any person today advise her against this? Is it wrong? Tell you the truth, I had to pray about it.

The antichrist is not in the public light as we know of yet so the chips are individually purchased through a variety of individual companies. Presently these chips are not a part of a One World Government. The stage is being set obviously. However, according to God, that is the plan and the way of the future. God’s ways will be accomplished as well as His words fulfilled.

In summary, times are changing rapidly through technology. We are not to be in fear of the change but to be looking for the return of Christ and use the technology He has allowed to spread the word as He is our answer. He is our Hope and we do not need to be afraid.