Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Zechariah 9:1-17, Revelation 17:1-18, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 30:32

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Who Will Carry You?

“I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast…” – Revelation 17:3 (NLT)

In Revelation 17, John sees something striking: not just a beast of power, but a woman riding it. This matters. Evil is not always driven by force. Often, it is carried forward by influence, persuasion, and distorted spirituality. This revelation lays out a pattern seen throughout time, not just in the future at “the end”. It is happening now.

The beast: represents a powerful world system—political, economic, and/or religious—that demands loyalty and authority apart from God. 

The woman: represents a deceptive religious and cultural system that appears faithful but draws devotion away from Christ.

The woman represents a system that looks righteous, convincing, and even faithful—yet subtly shifts devotion away from Christ alone. She can be blatantly against Christ OR She does not openly deny Jesus; instead, she adds to Him, reshaping truth just enough to deceive.

This is why Scripture warns us to stay alert. Deception rarely announces itself. It often wears the language of faith, confidence, and conviction—while quietly diminishing the sufficiency of Christ. And we can see it happening today. 

The beast and the woman pattern King Ahab and Queen Jezebel: One holds the power the other persuades.

This happens in religions churches today that profess Jesus but impose man’s doctrines as requirements for salvation – diminishing Christ. Paul warned the church clearly:

“If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.” (Galatians 2:21)

Jesus does not share His role as Savior. His atonement is complete. When anything—doctrine, tradition, performance, or identity—is added as a requirement for acceptance with God, Christ is no longer being trusted as enough.

Revelation shows us a contrast:

• The woman rides the beast.
• The Bride follows the Lamb.

One is carried by power and influence.
The other walks in humility and faithfulness.

The question Revelation places before every believer is not about recognizing evil “out there,” but examining allegiance in here.

Who are you allowing to carry you?
What are you trusting to sustain you?
Are you resting in Christ alone?

There are many wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing, but the Lamb never manipulates, deceives, or demands additions.He simply calls us to follow Him and if we do we will, “sparkle in His land like jewels in a crwon. How wonderful and beautiful we will be.” (Zechariah 9:17)

Here is the revised closing with your wording woven in smoothly:

If we allow Him to carry us, He promises,
“I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” (Zechariah 9:12)

He always leads us safely home. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Listen honestly, without defensiveness and let the Lord reveal Truth.

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Prayer

Jesus, You are enough. Guard my heart from subtle compromise and my mind from distorted truth. I choose to follow You alone, trusting fully in Your sacrifice, Your grace, and Your leadership. Keep my devotion pure and my allegiance undivided. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.