GIF The Final Choice: Money or God

“He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name”
(Revelation 13:16-17 NIV)

The Final Choice: Money or God
by Chuck Bentley

Now I have no interest in predicting the End Times or debating Eschatology. This is not my calling or reason for this statement. But the Bible says we must choose between two masters, God or money, and a day will come when people will be given a final choice between these two.

Revelation 13 is known for the first reference to the “mark of the beast,” but it is often overlooked as a passage about money. Here is what the final choice will be:

1. Accept Satan’s mark and have “security” to be able to buy and sell in the marketplace of man’s economy, or
2. Choose what will then appear to be the less secure path of trusting God, knowing you will be shut out from the marketplace where you buy food, clothing, and housing and transact business. Furthermore, persecution will immediately follow those who do not comply.

Let’s recognize that the choice presented here hits at our core need for “security.” So, let’s trust God now as our only Master and make the choice that we will derive our security from Him and not money or possessions.

In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV).

Daily Scripture Reading: 

Matthew 6-7
Luke 6:37-49