Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY March 16, 2026

Will You Be Left Behind?

Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Revelation 13:18

Interestingly, as Noah was in fellowship with God, he heard God’s voice and was given instructions––the blueprints to build the ark. Because of his faith, his character was described as righteous. He obeyed God’s command, by faith, to build an ark. His obedience made biblical history!

Remember, once the ark was ready, and God shut the door, billions of people were left behind. After 120 years, God brought His judgment, just as He said He would. Some scholars estimate that the population of the earth at that time was as many as 8 billion people, which is near the number of 8.3 billion people that we have in the world today.

Think about it. Billions of people, young and old, all died in the flood, except for only eight people: Noah, his wife, and their three sons with their wives. They all went into the ark, and God shut them in. The flood waters lifted up the ark, and for 40 days and forty nights it rained. Then God started a new beginning with Noah’s sons, and they repopulated the earth.

In the Last Days, after the Rapture of the Church, the judgment of God will once more be unleashed on the earth. Those left behind will have to make a choice, either to take the mark of the beast or be beheaded––martyred. The Bible is very clear––whoever takes the mark of the beast on the back of their hand or their forehead will be damned forever. Only those who are martyred for Christ will enter into the Kingdom of God.

When God’s judgment happens, the earth will not be flooded by water; it will be consumed by fire: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).

Then God will create a new heaven and earth. If you are not saved, by faith accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Don’t be left behind!

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness....
2 Peter 3:11

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!