Revelation 13:15-17 – “The beast from the earth was empowered to breathe life into the image of the first beast so that it could speak and kill those who refused to worship its image. It also caused EVERYONE, small and great, rich and poor, free and bound, to be MARKED on the right hand or on the forehead. This meant no one could buy or sell unless they had the MARK; that is, the name of the beast or its number.”

Revelation 13 contains a warning to help us see the enemy’s schemes and live protected from deception.    We all know about the “Mark of the Beast.”   I will not give a discourse on my theory but instead, ask that we consider something laced in this account.

Revelation 13:15-17 is important in our consideration.  I have to ask, “How much is AI involved?”   AI with demonic activity seems likely.   Let me offer something that transcends a physical mark, and you consider its ramifications.

I believe that more than a tattoo or chip is implied.   The word “marked” is the Greek “engraved.”    It is the same root from which we get the word “character.”    It is a transformational event.   The person’s nature or character is transformed, affecting their life and possibly their DNA.

Do we not see the transformation of character today, both good and evil?   This would imply that the character or nature of the beast filled the people.   If we are not filled with God’s Spirit and the love of God overflowing in us, we are in danger of deception and transformation toward evil.  That condition in the world will make the anti-Christ’s work easy.

The marked forehead could also be viewed as impacting or transforming the thoughts. (Bring every thought captive to Jesus.)  I am not suggesting that the ‘Mark of the Beast’ is not a literal mark, but I offer these thoughts for consideration.

• Transformation of the mind means to think the thoughts of the transformer – God or the Beast.  
• Transformed thinking results in transformed living.  
• Transformed to the character of the beast results in deadly world conditions.
• Being transformed into the character of Jesus results in a world of peace.

Since we know how the story ends, we know that peace will not come until evil is destroyed.    But we are protected if we are filled with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.   Psalm 91 becomes our personal promise, Psalm.  John 14 becomes our confidence.  Romans 8:37 (more than conquerors) our identity.

Therefore, do not fret over the conditions of the world or what is to come; be filled with Hope! Live victoriously, confidently, and fearlessly. He’s coming back, and we are on the winning team!

Rise and shine, for the Lord is with us and will never leave nor forsake us.   Keep looking up. Our redemption is nearer than when we first believed, and we are not appointed unto wrath!