Tattoos, Marks, and Other Signs

Scripture:

Revelation 14:8-13 (ESV)

A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’ which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”

A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Devotional:

Tatoos and other markings are often used as a sign or symbol of belonging.  We have a desire to be identified with a group that accepts us.  Gang members sometimes will have identifying tattoos or wear certain colors to show their allegiance.  As kids we often will have some sort of symbol or sign to identifiy us with our closest friends.

When the end is here and Satan’s reign is high there will be a mark.  Those who worship him will receive this mark.  People will be forced to have this mark in order to get food or even be able to purchase things.  However, this mark is not one I personally would want.  It seals your fate forever.  The mark of the beast will mean eternity of torment. 

I can’t imagine what life will be like in those days.  I pray I am not around to live through them.  I do hope that no matter what I will always bear the mark that shows I belong to Christ.  He alone is worthy.  He alone can save.  It is through Jesus that we are saved and can have an eternity of peace.  Jesus is the way.