And all the world marvelled and followed the beast. So, they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast (Revelation 13:3-14, NKJV).
My wife and I attended a wedding in Los Angeles. Afterwards, we were to drive to a different venue for the reception. GPS didn't exist at the time, and we had no maps. So, we followed a car that left the wedding. We followed it for a reasonable time and distance until it stopped in front of a home in a residential neighbourhood. It was then that we realised we had tailed the wrong car. Follow the wrong vehicle, and you will arrive at the wrong destination!
The world follows the wrong car at the edge of time. A beastly entity will lead the world into false worship. The beast represents apostate Christianity, which will combine with the world's political leaders, much like it did in medieval times. This church and state vehicle will lead the world to venerate the beast and the dragon (Satan)—no wonder the first angel in Revelation 14:7 calls the world to worship God, the creator of all things.
What method does this church-state entity use to gain such veneration? Its uses deceit, fear, and coercion. Such devices are wholly contrary to God, who works through truth, grace, and love. He respects free will and honours liberty of conscience. As His children, so should we.
To worship is to ascribe worth to. God alone is worthy of it. Why? Because He is the "one who made the heaven and earth, the sea, and springs of water" (Revelation 14:7, 4:11). We all owe our lives to Him, "for in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). It would be enough that He created us. But He has also redeemed us from the tyranny of sin through Christ. He has done so at a tremendous cost to Himself. Therefore, to worship a thing or a creature is to deny the greatness of the only true God.
In a momentary lapse, the apostle John bowed in adoration before a majestic angel from heaven. But the angel heartily rebuked him, saying, "Don't worship me…worship only God" (Revelation 19:10, NLT). Yet the world will end up revering Satan, a fallen angel. Talk about arriving at the wrong destination. This car will lead the masses over the proverbial cliff.
Therefore, we must follow God and worship only Him. But we must not wait to do so. We need to come to know God's word and His character now. We should develop the habit of worshipping Him collectively in a congregational setting. But we also need to do so individually and personally. If we genuinely seek Him, we will know He is entirely worthy of our worship. God longs for an intimate relationship with us. Let His word and sacrificial love subdue your heart.
Due to economic pressures, deception, and oppression, the world follows the wrong vehicle before Jesus' return. The beast and his cohorts will lead them to the destination of false worship and peril. How can we avoid such tragedy? By following God, not the crowd.
