As a pastor, I get asked questions about the Bible on a regular basis. One of the topics that people want to know about constantly is the book of Revelation.

They’ll ask questions like: “Do you think the events in Revelation will actually happen or are they just metaphors?” My answer: The more I see happening in the world, the more I see Revelation moving from metaphor to actual events!

For example, if you plan on going to Disney World for vacation this summer, you’re in for a surprise.

Instead of trying to keep up with your tickets, wallet, etc. all you’ll need to do is strap on a high-tech wristband called the MagicBand. MagicBands are designed to be an all-in-one device that connects visitors to everything in the park.

MagicBands use HF radio frequency technology that sends and receives RF signals, identifying the wearer so they only need to use their band at various touch points throughout the resort to enter the theme parks or their hotel room.

They can even be used to buy food and souvenirs when you connect your credit card information to it.

This news may seem insignificant at first — until you read Revelation. The Bible tells us about a person known as the Anti-Christ, aka the Beast, who will rule the earth during the seven-year Tribulation period. According to Revelation 13:16-17= “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, except he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Theologians have debated for years about how one person could gain that kind of control over people and what the ‘mark’ would be. Well now, thanks to Disney, we have a glimpse of the technology that can be used to pull that off.

Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not saying Disney World is bringing about the end of the world.

And I’m definitely NOT saying Mickey Mouse is the Anti-Christ! All I’m saying is we now have the technology spoken of in the book of Revelation and we are using it on vacation.

The technology is also being used in the workplace in Stockholm, Sweden. According to a news article by James Brooks on Yahoo Finance on April 3: “The syringe slides in between the thumb and index finger. Then, with a click, a microchip is injected in the employee’s hand.

“What could pass for a dystopian vision of the workplace is almost routine at the Swedish startup hub Epicenter. The company offers to implant its workers and startup members with microchips the size of grains of rice that function as swipe cards: to open doors, operate printers, or buy smoothies with a wave of the hand.

“The injections have become so popular that workers at Epicenter hold parties for those willing to get implanted.”

Still think the book of Revelation is just a metaphor?

I don’t claim to know everything about the Bible. But as I watch the news and look at what’s happening in the world, I am more inclined to do what Jesus instructed in Luke 21:28- “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.”
Rev. Doug Johnson is the senior pastor at Raven Assembly of God in Raven, Virginia