“ If any man have an ear, let him hear.”(v.9)
This phrase as used by the Holy Spirit at the end of message to seven churches in Asia Minor established that it is as a general rule signifying it applies churches everywhere in the church age. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”(2:7) The beast mentioned here represents every man who put his glory above that of God. Thus when Pharaoh demands to know, “Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”(Ex.5:2-NIV) we see the beast who would harden his heart against Israel in order to test his power against their God. The Book of Daniel reveals yet another,”And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.”(Dan.11:36).
The children of the light have faith, their DNA. On the other hand the beast shall have characteristics that tells where he has picked it up. “For he shall magnify himself above all./ But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces.”(Dan.11:36-37) He is confrontational as his pride does not brook another vying for his preeminence. Lucifer for instance, “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:/ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High”.(Is.14:12-13)
Wisdom that drives the beast is carnal. Human wisdom rejects truth. “Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic./For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”(Jas.3:15-16-NIV) Humility of Christ and abnegation of spirit as the wisdom from heaven inculcates (Jas.3:17) is anathema to the beast. Hitler is reported to have spoken dismissively of Christianity for this reason and instead his god was the god of annihilation and war. As we come to the end times and we are in the rim of its crater we shall see many more of his stripe.
The Spirit uses 42 months in order to ensure that all such confrontation are set in direct context of the Son. Law of Gradation gives the kings who have vaunted themselves with such authority (derived from Satan) against the Son and the end also shall determine clearly who are on the side of Jesus Christ and who are damned. This list begins from heaven with those angels who sided with him while there was war in heaven. And those men who benefited and abetted Satan shall forfeit their names from the book of life of the Lamb. “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”(v.8)
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
GuidetohisWord 