More Than Meets The Eye

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon.  He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence.  And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men.  And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life” (Revelation 13:11–14).

The beast spoken of here is one of two allies recruited by Satan in his war against the people of God.  This beast seems to be more subtle than its counterpart (vv. 1-10).  The first beast bellowed out its arrogant and blasphemous words against God and all that is associated with Him.  There was no mistaking what it was trying to do.  This second beast is different.  It relies more on deception.  Not all is as it seems.  This craftiness is seen in appearing like a lamb but speaking like a dragon.  Seemingly innocent yet very dangerous.

Treachery is a key part of how the devil and his minions work.  Speaking of those who were seeking to undermine his apostleship, Paul references their deceptive efforts: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”(2 Corinthians 11:13–14).  Our enemies will use any clever disguise to achieve their ends -- be it a demon masquerading as an angel or a beast who looks like a lamb.

There is only One True Lamb in the book of Revelation -- the risen Lord Jesus Christ.  Don’t be led astray by a counterfeit. 

God loves you!

Mike