WONDERING AFTER THE BEAST
As we look at the world around us, we can see a manifestation of the principles found in the verses below. Most of the world is going in one direction, honoring and exalting those who do not honor God’s Word. Mortal, sinful men are lifted up and exalted, while at the same time God’s Word is held in very low esteem. Much of what is said and done is blasphemous, idolatrous, yet few are aware that it is so. It is only because we have God’s Spirit that we see, and truly it is a wonder to behold!
Revelation 13:3 . . . and all the world wondered after the beast.
Strong’s Greek Dictionary:
(wondered)
2296. thaumazo, thou-mad’-zo
from 2295; to wonder; by implication, to admire:–admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Albert Barnes’ Commentary:
And no marvel. And it is not wonderful, 2Corinthians 11:15. Since Satan himself is capable of appearing to be an angel of light, it is not to be deemed strange that those who are in his service also should resemble him.
For Satan himself is transformed, etc. That is, he who is an apostate angel; who is malignant and wicked; who is the prince of evil, assumes the appearance of a holy angel. Paul assumes this as an indisputable and admitted truth, without attempting to prove it, and without referring to any particular instances. Probably he had in his eye cases where Satan put on false and delusive appearances for the purpose of deceiving, or where he assumed the appearance of great sanctity and reverence for the authority of God. Such instances occurred in the temptation of our first parents, Genesis 3:1-6, and in the temptation of the Saviour, Matthew 4:1-25. The phrase, “an angel of light,” means a pure and holy angel–light being the emblem of purity and holiness. Such are all the angels that dwell in heaven; and the idea is, that Satan assumes such a form as to appear to be such an angel. Learn here,
(1.) His power. He can assume such an aspect as he pleases. He can dissemble, and appear to be eminently pious. He is the prince of duplicity as well as of wickedness; and it is the consummation of bad power for an individual to be able to assume any character which he pleases.
(2.) His art. He is long practised in deceitful arts. For six thousand years he has been practicing the art of delusion; and with him it is perfect.
(3.) We are not to suppose that all that appears to be piety is piety. Some of the most plausible appearances of piety are assumed by Satan and his ministers. None ever professed a profounder regard for the authority of God than Satan did when he tempted the Saviour. And if the prince of wickedness can appear to be an angel of light, we are not to be surprised if those who have the blackest hearts appear to be men of most eminent piety.
(4.) We should be on our guard. We should not listen to suggestions merely because they appear to come from a pious man, nor because they seem to be prompted by a regard to the will of God. We may be always sure that if we are to be tempted, it will be by some one having a great appearance of virtue and religion.
(5.) We are not to expect that Satan will appear to man to be as bad as he is. He never shows himself openly to be a spirit of pure wickedness; or black and abominable in his character; or full of evil, and hateful. He would thus defeat himself. It is for this reason that wicked men do not believe that there is such a being as Satan. Though continually under his influence, and “led captive by him at his will,” yet they neither see him nor the chains which lead them, nor are they willing to believe in the existence of the one or the other.
{*} “marvel” “wonder”
{a} “Satan himself” Genesis 3:1,5; Revelation 12:9
SEE ALSO THIS SHORT 7 MINUTE VIDEO:
[The media coverage of the Pope's visit to the U.S. prompted me to write this post.]
“Mortal, sinful men are lifted up and exalted, while at the same time God’s Word is held in very low esteem.”
Yes amen.
Its as though everything has turned upside down in the last 20 years…more so in the past 2-3 years.
God is not feared any more Cathy. Bck when i was growing up even people who were not born again had a fear of or reverance for God. Not today though..
So very true PJ, and so very sad.