Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
The Scariest Chapter In The Bible
S
by Brent Goodge
ome Bible students could debate this, but Revelation
us, but even if He chooses not to, we still won’t worship
13 can make a great case for being the scariest
your lifeless idol!” (Daniel 3:16-18). In absolute rage,
chapter in the Bible. Two conglomerate beasts unite
Nebuchadnezzar has the boys thrown into the hottest fire he
their forces with Satan to compel a one-world religion. Amazing miracles apparently substantiate their claim to
can produce. But then Nebuchadnezzar looks in and sees the faithful
worship. Those who refuse to worship in direct opposition
three walking around unharmed in the flames: with Jesus
to the God of Heaven will face economic sanctions and
Christ. The dream of a worldwide Babylonian religion is
finally a death sentence.
over as the rage of false worship pales against the power of
This chapter definitely makes me feel a little nervous,
the True One. The Babylonian king is compelled to declare
especially when it feels like our world is on the precipice
the power of the God of Heaven and praise the faithfulness
of the final fulfillment of this prophecy. But did you know
of His servants on earth.
that most of Revelation quotes or refers back to passages in the Old Testament? Could there be anything in the Bible that will give us assurance for such a time as this? The grand majority of Revelation 13 is borrowed language from the prophecy of Daniel 7 and the story of Daniel 3. Care to check it out? Daniel 2 is the backstory of Daniel 3. Nebuchadnezzar went to bed hoping that his mighty Babylon would be an eternal kingdom. Through the prophet Daniel, God told Nebuchadnezzar that the only eternal kingdom would be the Kingdom of Jesus. Nebuchadnezzar was initially impressed, but then he decided he didn’t like the way that story ended. He would rewrite the story. In Daniel 7, Babylon
But why does Revelation 13 leave God’s people at the
is represented by a beast, a winged lion. In Daniel 3, this
death decree? That doesn’t sound fair to save the Hebrews
beast kingdom sets up a false image, demanding worldwide
and let the Christians walk alone. It’s because John didn’t
worship of the false God in direct defiance of the Word
give us the chapter breaks. Man did. Finish reading the
of God. All who refuse will die. The measurements of the
story. Just as Nebuchadnezzar looked at the fire and saw
image are even 6 by 60, for what it’s worth. Sound similar to
the Hebrews with Christ, Revelation 14 looks and sees the
Revelation 13?
Lamb, Jesus Christ, the “Consuming Fire” and “Everlasting
If you aren’t familiar with the story of the Hebrew worthies, please read Daniel 3. It’s among the most fabulous
Burnings,” walking with the saved, and they have no hurt (Revelation 14:1-6; Hebrews 12:29; Isaiah 33:14-16).
another chance, and they say, “No need—our God will save
6 // March 2021
About The Author
stories in the Bible. Nebuchadnezzar tries to give them
Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and desires to walk with Jesus, whatever conditions that might lead to.
