"Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints..."

This phrase comes at the tail end of Revelation 13:10.

In Revelation 13 we are given a detailed description of the beast. The dragon, Satan, gives him his power. Well, we know who is in control of Satan so the power he will wield is ultimately controlled by God. The beast suffers a fatal head wound and is healed. There is debate as to whether this will be a present leader who is killed and then brought back to life or if he is a ruler from the past that is raised from the dead and rules again. I won't go into the arguments here. Revelation 13:3 clearly states that the whole earth will be amazed and will follow after the beast. This is said within the context of his fatal head wound being healed so the world will be in awe that this dead man comes back to life. We learn that the world will worship Satan via this man. The beast speaks arrogant words and blasphemies. He is given authority for 42 months. He blasphemes against God by blaspheming against His name. He makes war with believers with the purpose to overcome them. He is given authority over every single human being. Those who's names are not written in the book of life will worship him. Then these words are written to us..."If anyone has an ear, let him hear."

Jesus is saying, "Listen up spiritually minded."

"If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints."

God has destined certain saints to captivity during the reign of Antichrist. Captivity doesn't necessarily mean death but probably severe persecution. And while some of the saints are destined for captivity, others are destined for martyrdom. They will be killed. These are two ways in which believers will face the wrath of Satan during the great tribulation. Captivity will require perseverance and death will require faith.

Being spiritually minded is to understand that some of us are going to suffer greatly at the hand of Antichrist.

How do we prepare for such a time? I'm going to give you one word...knowledge.

First of all, know that Jesus said this is going to happen to some of His followers. Expect it. It's right there in His revelation to us concerning His second coming and what is to happen before the kingdoms of this world become His kingdoms. Jesus said in John 15:20, "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you..."

Second, know that the Lord tells us through Paul that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13) All things includes enduring captivity and facing the sword. He will provide the strength for whatever lies ahead.

Third, know that the Lord has said nothing shall separate us from His love. (Romans 8:35-39) Not tribulation, not distress, not persecution, not famine, not nakedness, not peril, not the sword...not death. His love of sacrifice on the cross paid for our sins and gained us enduring faith. His love is wider, greater, stronger, and mightier than all that Satan might attempt to throw against us.

Last of all, know that you are destined for glory. 2 Th. 2:13,14 - "...God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm..."

The path to glory may involve great suffering, but He'll give you the strength to stand firm!

2 Peter 1:3 - "Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."