Revelation__18
Scripture
Revelation 18:14
“The fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this chapter John is given the vision of the fall of Babylon. Although biblical scholars debate if John is writing about the literal city of Babylon here, it is in agreement that John is writing about the 7 year tribulation period after the church’s rapture. During this time the Bible tells us the world will have one political and economic system ruled by the Antichrist. More than likely the city of Babylon spoken of in this chapter is the city where the Antichrist will be “setting up shop”. This city built such great power and wealth on its sinfulness and immortality, will soon receive God’s judgement. It will literally be burned to the ground, and receive plagues of famine, death, and mourning. All in one day! The whole world will see what has happened to this once proud and great city, and mourn, weep, and tremble to what’s to come.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The Lord gives it. The Lord takes it away.
And just like that (snap of a finger) it can all be taken away from you! This is what happened to Babylon in this chapter. Not only did it affect Babylon, but it also affected the merchants who did business with them. With Babylon out of the picture, how were these merchants going to make their money? These merchants wept and mourned for Babylon. They trembled in fear knowing if this happened to a great and powerful city like that, what would happen to them?! Their faith and livelihood was based on their riches. And if that is all they have to look forward to, what do they do once that is taken away from them?
Living in Santa Clarita, my wife and I have grown accustomed to the Fire seasons here. Every summer, or whenever it reaches a certain temperature, we have to keep a lookout for these crazy wildfires. On a couple of occasions we already had to evacuate our home, pack our necessities, and leave everything else behind. It’s really quite scary and quite humbling. To know that everything you worked so hard for, that took years to accumulate, can be taken away so fast. What brought my wife and I comfort during those times was our faith in Jesus. We knew that whatever happened, Jesus was with us. He would provide for us, protect us, and comfort us. We knew He already surrounded us with family and friends to help us if needed. Our material possessions will come and go, and they can be replaced. But our faith will never be taken away from us! All that really mattered to us was that our family was together and safe. Because at the end of the day, where do we put all our hopes and trust in life? I hope and pray it’s in the eternal things, and not the temporary ones.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:19-21
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Luke 12:20-21
Life Application
Put God back on the throne of our lives.
Father God, Thank You for Your faithfulness, provision, and protection. I pray that my faith, hope, and trust in You grow each and every day. Please forgive me when I get sidetracked in life. Forgive me when I chase after material things instead of chasing after You. Give me a heart that is more concerned with building Your kingdom, and not my kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life that is built with Your principles and foundations. A life of faith that can never be broken no matter what happens. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi