WEEK 21 MEMORY VERSE:
”Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
Revelation 16:15

Sunday, August 9, 2009
Revelation 18:1-24
Babylon’s Judgment Continued
John continues his description of the final destruction of Babylon (the destruction of satanic influence and power). The fact that he spends the space of two entire chapters on this happening shows that it holds a very high level of importance. This is, after all, the judgment of the totality of the great satanic system of evil that has corrupted the earth’s history. He describes the grief of those that have joined in and benefited from this system like the wailing of those who have entered into fornication with a prostitute when she is destroyed.
It is important that we remember that this same Babylon is very real and present today, and that the followers of Christ are to separate themselves from her ideologically at every turn (and physical separation may at times be indicated). Remember that Babylon exists wherever there is idolatry, prostitution, self-glorification, self-sufficiency, pride, complacency, reliance on luxury, and violence against life. So today, allow God to show you specific ways he may want you to more intentionally keep a distance from Babylon – and dare to also ask him to show you any ways in which Babylon might have already made inroads into your own heart.

Prayer Starter:
Lord, as I look at this picture of the judgment and destruction of the establishment of evil within the history of humanity, I ask that you make me always aware that the wicked things around me that seem so mighty are going to face judgment one day. Help me as I seek to keep myself separate from the expressions of Babylon around me.