Billy Joel wrote a song called "New York State of Mind" in which he mused about New York and the things it represented. In a related note, Ray Lewis (linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens) gave a passionate statement about "his" city, Baltimore and how it wouldn't turn it's back on him or the team. It reminded me about where, exactly, do we live? Are we only a product of where we live or are we led by who/what we live for?
Revelation 14 is all about the 'where we live' thing. Are we Shema-people (who say, "the Lord is One ... Love God with all you got") or do we belong to Baltimore, New York, or Santa Rosa Beach? The mark of the beast (sorry about this to those who must liberalize things that are so much deeper) is not a tattoo, a stamp or a bar-code that identifies us as property of evil. The Jews found that that stamp couldn't really be worn on the wrist or forehead (where the Shema would be worn). It, rather, is something worn in the heart and live-out in the lifestyle. It is not the words on a piece of paper but the life out in the world called 'fallen Babylon' where each of God's people express our witness every day. I know a man who believes he is a spiritual giant. But to all who know him, his spirituality is false, outward, fake and a sham. That is how God sees us ... not as we desire but as we are. Our 'mark' goes all the way to the heart and our life expresses our citizenship to a world that sees more than any of us would like. I would worry less about being tattooed by Satan with the number 666 and more about being caught up, bought into, and consumerized by this world. For the 'mark' is where our heart is! Pastor Randy
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