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		I once viewed a sequence of pictures in a popular magazine that reminded me of the Bible prophecies of the last days of
mankind. Across the magazines pages, there were many pictures depicting a great confrontation between a grizzly bear and an elk.

 These two beasts were competing for the same territory. They slowly approached each other. Then the elk reared backwards, bowed down its head and aimed his sharp antlers into the chest of the grizzly. The immense animal Swiftly, bolted forward and then pulled back. The grizzly was unmoved and surprisingly undamaged. He effortlessly raised his massive arm up and brought down his paw across the head of the doomed elk. Then, in an instant, the impressive spectacle was over.

 The prophecies of the Bible speak of a predator that will seek to dominate the world in the final days of earths history. What exactly was the Bible referring to when it says, "I looked and saw a beast come up out of the sea" (Revelation 13:1)? Here is some wisdom to help you understand the nature of the beasts of Bible prophecy. A prophet named Daniel received a warning of a dominant beast that would seek to  rule the earth at the close of time. After seeing the vision Daniel said, "I was terrified by these visions and didn't know what to think" (Daniel 7:15). Daniel was especially troubled after seeing the fourth beast of the dream.

"I wanted to know more about the Fourth beast because it was so different and much more terrifying than the others" (Daniel 7:19) Daniel would receive his answer, "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom to appear upon the earth" (Daniel 7:23).

 There is a remarkable similarity between the four earthly powers God had shown King Nebuchadnezzar (see Daniel 2) and the dream shown to Daniel (see Daniel 7). As we line up both dreams, we arrive at an amazing conclusion! The succession of world Kingdoms begin with Babylon as the first Kingdom and concludes with Rome as the fourth. Rome is to take center stage in the opening scenes of a great conflict. We will soon see a man rise up from Europe and assume a terrifying role, seeking to dominate the will of mankind.

The prophecies indicate that the Roman Kingdom shall be controlled by the anti-Christ. He will be in direct opposition of men and women who are loyal to God and His commandments. "This king will speak evil of the most high; he will be cruel to Gods chosen ones. He will try to change God’s law...but he will finally be judged, and his kingdom completely destroyed” (Daniel 7:25-26).

 The anti-Christ of Revelation is on the world scene today. The dominating Kingdom of ancient Rome is now awakening from a 200 year period of dormancy. “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast (Revelation 13:3). With the Beast of revelation ready to burst into the World’s view, I will use a very familiar story to describe a missing element that believers often overlook as they anticipate the final events to come;

 Over 3000 years ago, a nine foot tall champion of the Philistine army named Goliath stood before the armies of Israel to insult their God. He hoped to draw out an opponent to fight a death match. if that Israeli warrior lost the battle, the entire army had agreed to surrender to the Philistines and their nation would in turn become their slaves. The challenge was given each day for a month and every time Goliath spoke, the Israeli force shuddered in fear and ran away.

 Imagine the hopelessness within the Israeli camp. Every time that Goliath spoke, he grew larger in their imaginations. Morale in their camp dropped to a terrible low. Certainly they must have wondered why God just didn't send down a bolt of lightning to silence the arrogant giant!

 It was at this time that a teenaged boy named David arrived at the scene. His father simply wanted him to take some food to his brothers and find out how Israel was doing. David happened to arrive just as Goliath shouted his daily challenge, “I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me” (1 Samuel 17:10).

 The young teen was visibly upset to see the Lord’s army fleeing from the boastful Goliath and said, "Who does that worthless Philistine think he is? He is making fun of the army of the Living God" (1 Samuel 17:26). David's brothers were embarrassed at his youthful boldness. But that did not hinder their brother David. He went straight to the king of Israel and gained permission to fight the giant.

 There was no time for him to learn the skills of hand to hand combat. He had developed his own proven methods that had gained him success as he defended his sheep. So with five stones, a sling, and a prayer, he went to the place of battle. The pre-battle ceremony was short. David's words before all assembled were very simple. The following are a just a few of the words David spoke to Goliath on that day; "You come to me with a sword...But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied...I will kill you and cut off your head...that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (1 Samuel 17:45).

		David did not tremble in fear as he went to the battle. He ran! He didn't know exactly how he was going to manage conquering a well armored, well seasoned soldier. But he knew what had to be done. Gods honor was at stake and David couldn't hear God’s name defied a moment longer. As the arrogant giant, tipped back his helmet to see what David was up to, he
launched his stone, directly hitting Goliath in the forehead and it was done. He who defied the God of heaven fell mortally wounded. David then severed head of Goliath before all those assembled, so they might know that Goliath would "rise up" no more!

Very soon, odds shall appear to be stacked up against dedicated men and women of God as they fearlessly stand up to oppose the Beast. Like David, some will have to stand alone. But God will miraculously deliver aid to  those who seek to uphold His honor. Only those who experience the power of God today shall expect greater things from God in the crisis to come! God works with those who are unafraid to launch themselves forward and uphold God’s honor. They alone will experience victory over the Beast as it rises up to do battle with them. “The Dragon became angry...against all who keep the commandments of God and confess they belong to Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

 When Daniel sought to understand the visions of the last days, he learned that a stone would be flung from heaven towards the foundation of an impressive metallic image. That small stone toppled the image just as David's stone overcame the mighty Goliath. The stone represents the unbreakable word spoken through His “chosen people”.  “It shall break in pieces and shall consume...it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44). The prophecy foretells that His chosen must do battle with anti-Christ. Their calling is stated as follows; "Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart” (Daniel 11:30).

 As the anti-Christ sees that his domain is threatened, he will surely rise up to defend it as any powerful beast of the wilderness would. Be not afraid to oppose Him and the nations he shall control. Courageously move forward and remember that God has given you his Word as a strong defense! "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble" (Psalms 46:1).

Written by Tim Czapiewski