Scripture: Revelation 13:16-18
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six.
Thought for the Day: On this day in 56 AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius was poisoned and his 17 year-old stepson took the throne. This young man was Nero, perhaps the greatest instigator of persecution against the early Christians. The book of Revelation, though completely distorted by recent movies and Christian fiction, is addressing the divine word to first century Christians who knew great suffering. The author of Revelation was not pointing to some 8th century, 12th century, 17th century or 21st century figure when speaking of the beast whose number was six hundred and sixty-six. As every ancient language had numeric values for its alphabet, 666 was the number that represented the full imperial name of Nero. Though Nero was dead by the time Revelation was written, the Emperor Domitian was considered by many Christians as a incarnation of the original evil one, Nero. Domitian was equally detestable, bringing great suffering upon many groups including the followers of Jesus. Understanding Revelation with in its context and its unique genre, those of us in the 21st century are able to appreciate the eternal truths about a God who stood with a persecuted people in the 1st century and continues to do the same in every generation.
Prayer: Lord God, keep me grounded when the world attempts to misrepresent the scriptures for no other reason than it is marketable and profitable. Allow me to be a voice of reason amidst all the crazy hype. Amen.
