This week’s prophecy update is brought to you by Costco.
I’m not saying Costco is the Antichrist – although it might have felt that way this past Christmas.
What’s happening there is worth paying attention to.
Costco, like many major retailers, is rolling out new digital systems:
- In some stores, they’re piloting Scan-and-Pay, where you scan items on your phone and pay through the app.
- Membership scanners now require a physical card or a digital QR code just to walk in.
Soon you’ll be excusing yourself to AI robots stocking the shelves.
Access, identity, and commerce are all being tied together digitally. It’s efficient. It’s convenient. But it does illustrate something.
It’s a system just like you read about in chapter thirteen of the Revelation. John tells us a time is coming when buying and selling will be controlled by a unified system – one that requires authorization to participate. As the Great Tribulation progresses, that participation will be controlled by the Antichrist.
For centuries, people wondered how such a system could be enforced worldwide. Today, the issue isn’t whether it’s possible. The infrastructure already exists.
Commerce is no longer anonymous. I kid you not: While typing this, my Costco app sent me a notification about a sale.
John also describes what he calls an “image” of the Antichrist. The image appears to have life, speaks, and exercises authority. That once sounded symbolic. Today, we live in the age of Artificial Intelligence, talking images, digital avatars, and machines that simulate thought and personality.
Let me be clear: Technology isn’t the beast. Costco isn’t fulfilling prophecy. Although I wouldn’t buy the red heifer in the meat department!
Someone said, “Convenience prepares the ground; efficiency lowers resistance; spiritual deception supplies the power.”
“Fear not.” This isn’t about fear; it’s about discernment. Jesus told us to watch. John wrote so believers wouldn’t be caught off guard.
We see this unfolding, but we won’t see it firsthand. Jesus is coming to resurrect the dead in Him, and to rapture living believers.
Are you ready for the rapture? If not, get ready, stay ready, and keep looking up…
Ready or not, Jesus is coming!