December 22: The Mark

posted by Darius Sanders

Scripture
Revelation 13:17
And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.

Observation
One day Satan will require his followers to get a mark on their forehead or their right hand representing their allegiance to him.  This mark will allow people to buy and sell things.  Those with the mark will be happy for a season because they will be able eat and “enjoy” life here on this earth.  However, once they die, they will be sorry that they ever pledged allegiance to Satan because they will live out their eternity in hell with him.  Life will be difficult for those who choose not to accept the mark but once again only for a season.  They may die of starvation, they may be martyred, they may be treated poorly here on this earth, but when they die, they will spend eternity in Heaven with God. 

Application
I’ve given my full allegiance to God.  I praise God, I worship God and I live for God.  I will never give my allegiance to Satan.  I don’t have any plans of being here on this earth when Satan requires people to get “The mark,” but if I was here, I would choose to suffer here on this earth for a season, and enjoy eternity in Heaven over enjoying a few years on this earth at the cost of spending eternity in hell.

Prayer
God, I am so grateful that You’ve called me to be a fully devoted follower of You.  I pray that I will live out every day for the rest of my life for Your purposes here on this earth.  Please give people that become followers of you courage in the end times to stay committed to you instead of taking the mark of the beast.