Prophetic Connection: While it may seem like the Antichrist has unlimited power, Scripture reveals that God will remain in control even throughout the Tribulation.
The four major kingdoms depicted in Daniel’s prophetic vision in Daniel 7 were likened to certain animals: Babylon was like a lion, Medo-Persia was like a bear, Greece was like a leopard, and Rome was like the ten-horned beast. In Revelation 13:2, we have all of these characteristics combined into one horrific creature. This likeness of the Antichrist to ferocious beasts is meant to show us the intimidating presence of this satanic creature. He combines in his person all of the threatening characteristics of the kingdoms which have gone before him.
Dr. W.A. Criswell wrote:
Think of the golden majesty of Babylon. Of the mighty ponderous massiveness of Cyrus the Persian. Think of the beauty and the elegance and the intellect of the ancient Greek world. Think of the Roman with his laws and his order and his idea of justice. All of these glories will be summed up in the majesty of this one eventual Antichrist who will be like Nebuchadnezzar, like Cyrus, like Tiglath Pileser, like Shalmaneser, like Julius Caesar, like Caesar Augustus, like Alexander the Great, like Napoleon Bonaparte, like Frederick the Great and Charlemagne, all bound up into one.1
As both Daniel and John show us, the Antichrist will be a terrifying person, the epitome of evil, the ultimate negation of everything good, the avowed enemy and despiser of God. At the same time, we must not forget that this satanic creature is not equal to God. He does not have absolute power or anything close to it. God has him on a chain. In fact, in Revelation 13, we are reminded repeatedly that the Antichrist can only do what he is allowed to do.
Twice in this chapter, we find the little phrase, and he was given. “And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months” (v. 5). We also find in the same chapter, “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (v. 7). As in the story of Job, Satan (and his puppet, the Antichrist) will be able to do only that which God allows. The Antichrist will be able to create terrible havoc and chaos, but ultimately
God is still God, and no enemy of His will go beyond the boundaries He sets.
Remember: Even when evil appears to be winning the battle — when life is difficult and hope is hard to find — God is still on His throne.
1. W. A. Criswell, Expository Sermons on Revelation, vol. IV (Dallas: Criswell Publishing, 1995), 109.
Excerpted with permission from 60 Days of Prophecies by Dr. David Jeremiah, copyright David Jeremiah.
* * *
Your Turn
Remember, the Antichrist is not equal to God. God has him on a leash. Our God is almighty and He has set limits on what evil is allowed and for how long it can continue. Take heart! ~ Devotionals Daily