Revelation 13:2-4
I had the privilege of leading the first short-term mission trip after Covid. A few brave leaders and a group of high school students—who had already lost so much during those years—were eager to see what the Lord would do as we helped with English camps, games, and connecting with other students.
What we didn’t plan for was the political instability that shut things down only three days after we arrived. The mission we thought was our purpose was suddenly halted because those in power took advantage of the very people they were meant to serve. In that moment, we saw a small reflection of what John describes in Revelation 13.
Revelation 13 shows what happens when political power takes on a godlike role and twists the people it governs. In verse 2, John describes a beast that combines the strength of a leopard, bear, and lion—images drawn from the kingdoms of Daniel 7. This beast receives its authority from the dragon. It is not God’s power, but for those who look to it, the beast becomes a counterfeit hope.
In verse 3, the beast receives a mortal wound but appears to recover. Scholars have debated what this means, but what is clear is that this “healing” mimics Christ’s resurrection without His true resurrection power. It is an illusion—an empty display that distracts the world from their need for the true King, Jesus. Verse 4 shows the result: people worship the beast and the dragon behind it, giving ultimate allegiance to what is false.
The lesson for us is clear: Satan’s goal has always been to deceive and distract hearts from Jesus. He will use beasts, kings, or political systems to misdirect hope and steal worship. But Revelation reminds us that our calling is greater than deception—we are called to endure in faith (Rev. 13:10) and to keep Christ as the only one worthy of worship.
Our plans—even mission trips—may not go as we expect. But our King never fails. So keep your faith in Jesus, keep following your Savior, and keep worshiping the One who reigns forever.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson