Monsters And Marks

What is a monster? It’s something good that has grown too big, gone too far, and become twisted into something harmful. Monsters aren’t just creatures in stories; they can be smartphones that turn into addictions, money that becomes an idol, or a nation that becomes so powerful it demands our devotion. Revelation 13 asks us to see its “beasts” in that light.

The first beast represents an empire (Revelation 13:1-10). Nations help people flourish, but when one becomes more important than the people it serves, it turns monstrous, does evil and serves Satan. It rises above God, demands allegiance, and uses its power to oppress. Revelation draws on imagery from Daniel and even Rome’s seven hills to show how human empires can become imitations of Christ, offering security and prosperity but without God’s love or freedom.

The second beast is a person (Revelation 13:11–18). This leader will seem heroic and inspiring, but Satan will shape his voice. He will build up the first beast and impose a mark on everyone so the empire can control its citizens. For people in John’s time, the second beast was Nero Caesar, whose name can be converted to the number 666. Nero looked good at first, but he descended into insanity, cruelty, and oppression. Revelation warns us to recognise that pattern in future leaders.

So what is the mark today? Is it a vaccine, a phone, AI, or a credit card? Scripture doesn’t give us a checklist, because Revelation’s warnings repeat throughout history. Instead, it warns us that anything that interferes with our loyalty to God is in danger of becoming a monster.

Those marked as God’s people will have the wisdom to see the difference. So pursue God first, resist evil, and endure patiently.

Watch the full sermon here.