Revelation 13:5-8: ‘Given’.

“The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling-place and those who live in heaven. 7 It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast – all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” NIV

You may have noticed the repeated use of the word ‘’given’’ in these verses. I make it three references. When something is hammered in this way we have to take note.

These are terrible verses, and I can’t imagine that anyone wants to live through the reign of the final antichrist. But what we have to understand and hold on to is the great and wonderful mystery of God’s sovereignty. He is in control. He permits certain things, but He is reigning.

Although the ‘’beast’’ exercises authority, it is only for a limited time, and he is always under authority.

God is on the throne.