Side Effects May Vary

You've seen those commercials for certain types of prescription drugs where the voiceover reads off a list of side effects that the drug may have on you. Sometimes it seems like it would be better to suffer without the drug than risk having to deal with the side effects. Satan always leaves out the side effects when he tries to deceive or tempt us. As we look at Revelation 14 today, it will give us the side effects of taking the mark of the beast...

Revelation 14:9-11
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

It's not that Satan didn't know that those things would happen, it's just that he doesn't care...AT ALL! His whole goal while he still has a chance is to ruin our lives and pull us away from the Lord. Revelation 14 is a great reminder to always think through what you're about to do - if it involves sin, it will never lead anywhere good.

Here's a parody on a medicine commercial that talks about potential side effects of the drug...