One day, evil will expire! In chapter 18, we see evil’s expiration date. This chapter shows us that it is dangerous to put our trust solely in the world’s treasures. They can be taken away, and ultimately they fade away.
John saw an angel come from heaven. With a booming voice, the angel declared that Babylon has fallen. She fell because she committed the crime of spiritual adultery with the world’s merchants and leaders. She glorified the idols of pride, greed, excessive luxury, and self-indulgence.
Then John heard another voice telling God’s people to come out of Babylon. To share in Babylon’s sins is to share in her destruction. This is a call to repentance and a call to live the life worthy of their heavenly calling.
When God told His people to come out of Babylon, He told them to come away from evil and live differently than the world. Christians must live in the midst of our culture, but we don’t have to be a part of it. We can positively impact our culture for God. But we can do this only with the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Center your attention and affection on God, because He is the only one who can create lasting change in your life.
Babylon believed she was invincible. But she was destroyed quickly because God judged her. Three groups mourned Babylon’s destruction – kings, merchants, and mariners. They mourned not because she was punished for her sins but because their lifestyles changed through Babylon’s destruction.
And God’s people rejoiced. They rejoiced not because evil people were dying but because God kept His word and righteously judged Babylon.
Things to Think About
- In which area of life are you waiting for God to end evil?
- In what are you putting your trust – in the world’s treasures or in God Himself?
- True significance, joy, and happiness are found in Christ alone.
- The worldly trust in wealth and self while the godly trust in Christ.
- The worldly lament while the godly repent.
- The worldly reap justice while the godly reap joy.
This Week’s Memory Verse