Revelation 13:3

"One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth followed the beast with wonder" (Revelation 13:3).

Comment:

This verse is describing the 'beast from the sea' that appears in the midst of the conflict being waged on the earth according to John's vision. Just as the vision in Daniel 7 uses four beasts to symbolize the four empires holding sway at the time, this beast combines qualities of all four to symbolize the Roman Empire that was dominant throughout the world, having absorbed the other kingdoms. The 10 crowned heads of the beast represent Roman emperors who have, throughout history, declared themselves to be gods. One of those emperors had faced a rebellion (possibly the Jewish uprising in 70 A.D.) but had prevailed, so the wound was healed.  

"The whole earth followed the beast with wonder" represents our collective tendency to forget our true spiritual identity and become entranced with expressions of mortal power. The beast may be anything—money, success, fame—that distracts us from our spiritual purpose. Once we have 'remembered' our true identity and allowed our innate spiritual power to express, this beast—and the one to follow—will have new power, and will disappear.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed