John, The Revelator

"A lone figure rests on a barren ledge of shew rock. His name is John the Revelator. What he sees is astonishing: strange beasts, armies and nations rising up against each other." Earth is even mentioned in his vision as he tells of events shaping up in the U.S. that will affect all of us.

He begins, "And I beheld another beast coming out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." Revelations 13:11. The word "beast" represents a particular kingdom. Daniel 7:23.

When a "beast comes out of the sea, it represents a nation who rises up amid many people or multitudes. Revelations 17:15. On the other hand, a beast coming out of the "earth" represents the opposite. It symbolizes a nation that springs up out of a wilderness who does not overthrow armies. This nation is different from its blood-soaked neighbors because it springs up quietly and peacefully, "like a lamb."

To those incapable of understanding Bible prophecy, this nation John is referring to is the United States, who arose into power with strength and greatness.

Prophetically speaking, the United States is that nation who sprang up like a plant from the ground. She grew up quietly like a "silent seed into an empire." The history of our U.S. dating back to the Indians and settlers is also included in John’s prophecy. He compares these two groups to the crowded cities and millions of people who lived in the Old World. America, according to John, was a one time a vast wilderness.

According to prophecy, the lamb-like horns indicate youth, and represent civil and religious freedom. Our Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are prime examples. It is because of these two documents that our nation is great. The persecuted and oppressed from all lands have come to the U.S. in search of peace and hope for a better life.

The beast with lamb-like horns and voice of a dragon represents our country’s use of force. Law enforcement agencies, politicians, crime, religious and social corruption are prime examples of the methods by which force is utilized in the U.S.

"The lamb-like horns John refers to symbolize the drastic change of view this country has taken on social, religious, and political issues.

America spent four billion dollars on pornography. Divorce affects ten million homes. Mass murders, neglect of the elderly, abuse of women, and drug addiction have taken the lives of many. Millions of Americans are hooked on marijuana, crack, heroin, and other mind-altering chemicals. The drug industry has cornered the market and growing steadily every day.

The average American child witnesses violence on a daily basis. Video movies that were forbidden have filled our living rooms. Prostitution, homosexuality, and the occult all share the spotlight.

Crime has more than doubled over the past ten years. Political and religious corruption has caused our Constitution to come under attack. Every day our Supreme Court is called upon to decide what is fair, what is right?

What is the answer to all of this? What is the meaning of John’s prophecy?

John’s vision is a call to America. If we are to escape the corruption, then we must come back to our Creator. We must go back to raising our children, caring for our families, and enforcing the laws that made this country great. God is our only hope.

By Naomi J. Brown