(Revelation 16:13-14, 16) And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty... 16 And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.
Tucked in between those disturbing verses, is a quick reminder to "be ready" - to become a believer in order to avoid this time of judgment...
(Revelation 16:15) (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”)
From this we see:
- there are three unclean spirits who have possessed and helped the dragon (Satan), the beast (the Antichrist), and the false prophet perform signs (16:13-14)
- perhaps it is possible for a demon to be possessed by another demon in order to be more powerful? (16:13)
- the three unclean spirits look like frogs (16:13)
- the three unclean spirits go out into the world to gather people to wage war against God at a place called (Har-Magedon) Armageddon (16:14, 16)
Personal experience: darkness is deceptive.
Being in the dark gives people a false sense of security, thinking that no one can see the evil deeds that they themselves are committing. As well, it cloaks the evil deeds that others are committing.
But being in the dark also gives people a sense of vulnerability and fear, causing them to think, "What are others plotting against me?" "What if a light is turned on and I see all the horrors around me?"
It is no wonder that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, in order to make people believe that they can see, and that everything is okay. But as they continue following Satan and his ways, they are only led further into darkness.
Therefore the other fear for people who dwell in darkness, evokes the question, "What if the light is turned on, and I'm discovered?" So it is no wonder that unbelievers hate to catch a glimpse of God's light! It is no wonder that they hate Christians.
Today's takeaway: we are God's light, we will be hated just for that reason. Yet we are to shine out the gospel message to others so that hopefully they will realize they need Jesus in their lives...
(John 8:12) Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
(Ephesians 5:7-14) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says,
“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
(1 Peter 2:9-12) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
(Matthew 5:14-16) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
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