“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who live on the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was, and is not, and will come” (Revelation 17:8).
The illusion is that Satan has power. All power and authority belong to our Lord. The devil is a liar. He lies about everything, especially about having power. The beast who was and is not. He is rebellion itself and comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Those who do not know the Lord wonder and look for something in which to hope. The lie will do. But you have the hope of the Lord and so the truth is your hope.
Lord, why do I fear these things? You have come and You have all authority and power. That liar may be able to convince another human to kill me, but that just hastens the day when I will meet You face to face. You have created my soul. Not only that, but You have redeemed me from the pit. Lead me, O Lord, in the eternal way of heaven so that I may not be fodder for the wicked one.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for redeeming me. You have a purpose for me, and I pray that You hold me to that purpose now and forever. Guide me this day in those steps I need to take to become more like You. You alone are the One who was, who is, and who is to come. Lead me in the truth of eternity and hold me fast so that I may abide in You as You abide in me. Amen.
