[bearbear]

John 6:66
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

Isn't it a crazy coincidence that John 6:66 describes the apostasy of disciples who later fall away. This possibly foreshadows The Great Apostasy of self professed believers who take the mark of the beast which is associated with the number 666 to save their own life.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NASB)
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.

Matthew 24:10
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another

Revelation 14:9-11
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.

Daniel's friends were also faced with the same predicament and they chose to face death instead of bowing and worshipping Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold. This story could be a warning and lesson for believers to be faithful unto death when such a test of faith is presented with us during the tribulation.

Revelation 2:10
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."