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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 8, 2021 23:13:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:4
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. Revelation 18:4
The mighty angel has spoken concerning the fallen state of Babylon in the previous verses. Now it says, “And I heard another voice from heaven.” Because of this, it is generally assumed this is not the same entity (meaning the Lord) as the Angel who has just been speaking. Thus, one or the other cannot be the Lord.
This would be an incorrect assumption. The angel introduced in 18:1 is clearly tied to the Lord of the Old Testament as cited from the passage from Ezekiel. Thus, it is Jesus. However, this is also the Lord Jesus as is evidenced from the next words. He is “saying, ‘Come out of her, my people.’”
The voice is clearly the Lord even though it is “another voice from heaven.” This can be determined in several ways. First, the word “my” means that the Lord is speaking to His people words of warning and petition. Obviously, this does not mean they are His people yet. But they are people who think they are following Him, but who have been swayed by Mystery Babylon. If they will just come out of her and to Him, they will be His people.
Secondly, if this were a chronological account, they would not be, nor could they be, His people because they would have taken the mark of the beast. That would preclude their salvation. And thirdly, according to verse 18:2, Babylon has fallen. Thus, the words now in 18:4 precede its fall, demonstrating that the words are not chronological.
The Angel of verse 18:1 is the Lord Jesus performing His role as the destroying Angel as is revealed in several Old Testament passages. The voice from heaven in 18:4 is the resurrected Lord Jesus, in heaven at this time, and who is calling out through His word to the people of the world. This will continue through verse 18:8, and then it will return to the thought of Babylon having been destroyed. Thus, verses 18:4-8 are a parenthetical insert into the narrative.
The words of the voice of this verse, and some points in several coming verses, closely reflect the sentiment of Isaiah 51 –
“Flee from the midst of Babylon,
And every one save his life!
Do not be cut off in her iniquity,
For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance;
He shall recompense her.
7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand,
That made all the earth drunk.
The nations drank her wine;
Therefore the nations are deranged.” Jeremiah 51:6, 7
The Lord is calling out to those who are united with “Babylon the great” to come out of her “lest you share in her sins.”
This continues to confirm that it is now referring to those of the church age. The petition is made. The word has been given. The Lord is calling out to His people (they are only potentially His people until they actually come to Him) to be spared what is coming. The sins of Babylon the great have been heaping up for eons, and the cup of her iniquity has been filling throughout the entire period. Eventually, judgment will come, and she will be destroyed. Of those who don’t come out of her, the verse finishes with, “and lest you receive of her plagues.”
The church is not a building. The church is the people of God. Paul shows us this in Philemon –
“To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:” Philemon 1:1, 2
Likewise, Babylon the great is a body consisting of people. When Babylon the great is judged, she will receive plagues. In this, her people will also receive plagues. It is now, while there is time to flee from this great harlot, that the Lord calls out for His people (those He died for) to come out of her.
Life application: Jesus is calling to those whom He foreknew from the foundation of the world to separate themselves from Babylon the great. God’s people are His people regardless of when they live, and He has, throughout every age, sent prophets and wise men to call the world to turn to Him. This is confirmed by Jesus’ own words in Luke 11:49-51 –
“Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50 that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.”
Yes, from the time of Abel until the closing of the Old Testament period, and then following through to our current time, there has been a call for God’s people, by God’s messengers, to turn to Him and come out of the world in order to be separate and holy to God. This call is also directed to apostate religions.
As denominations grow old and/or wealthy, they naturally turn inward and away from the gospel. When this happens, the fire of sharing the true message is replaced with complacency and ease. God would have each one of us truly evaluate our place and mode of worship against the only standard by which it can be gauged – the Holy Bible.
If people were simply willing to read, study, and contemplate their Bible, there would be both a great revival in the hearts of the people and a mass exodus from denominations and practices that have fallen away from biblical tenets. But… it is so much easier to sit in a pew once a week and not have to think for oneself. And so, we cool to the things of God, and we sit in ease and luxury. All the while, God is speaking to us – “Come out of her, My people.”
The Lord is the Head of the church, and He will purge those parts of His body which are of no value. When He does, the people who comprise those parts will be cast off. And the separation will be self-inflicted. The choice is given to each of us to heed the call and be attentive to His word.
Quoting the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel, Paul writes the following to the Corinthians in hopes of their removing themselves from the corrupting influences of the world and of false religion –
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
O weak and faithless soul, are you willing to turn from a congregation you love if it isn’t properly handling God’s word? Which is more important to you – Christ or your comfortable church home? God will be a Father to you, if you will only heed His ongoing call. The church is not a denomination or a building. The church is the people of God. Being a part of that body comes through faith in Christ alone. It comes through faith in JESUS.
Lord, today – yes, right now – we ask that You show us the error of any incorrect teaching or rite which is being taught or practiced in our churches. Give us the willingness to stand against such things, and to proclaim the truth in hopes of correction, or to walk away from them and leave them to their own devices. May we be responsible and choose Christ over all else. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 10, 2021 0:24:26 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:5
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Revelation 18:5
This explains the reason for the words of the previous verse. There, it said, “come out of her my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive her plagues. Why will these things come about? The reason is now stated, “For her sins have reached to heaven.”
Here is an allusion to the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11 –
“Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4
Babylon the great is a city (Revelation 17:18), its sins have reached to heaven, and instead of being scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth, it has made a name for itself all over the earth (Revelation 18:3).
To further solidify this idea, in some manuscripts the word translated as “have reached” signifies to join closely, glue, unite, and so on. In other words, like the tower that was built with brick and asphalt in Genesis 11, Babylon the great has likewise figuratively fabricated a tower with her sins so that it presses up to heaven itself.
The words here are also reflected in Jeremiah 51. In the previous verse commentary (18:4), Jeremiah 51:6, 7 was cited. Now, the next two verses continue to parallel those words here –
“Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed.
Wail for her!
Take balm for her pain;
Perhaps she may be healed.
9 We would have healed Babylon,
But she is not healed.
Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country;
For her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies.” Jeremiah 51:8, 9
This symbolism continues with the second clause, saying, “and God has remembered her iniquities.” This is a close parallel to what was said earlier in Chapter 16 –
“And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.” Revelation 16:19
To remember in the Bible does not mean that God forgot. Rather, it is called to the forefront. Babylon has heaped up sins, each and every one of them known to God. When her cup of sin is full, then God’s wrath is poured out from His full cup of wrath. The iniquity of Babylon the great eventually will reach that point, and there will be no remedy except complete destruction.
Life application: Ecclesiastes tells us that the things that have been will be again. The repetitious cycle of things shows us that we are unwilling to learn from the past and so God calls it to account in the present. When it says that Babylon’s sins have reached to heaven, we see an interesting parallel in the 57th Psalm –
“For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And your truth unto the clouds.” Psalm 57:10
Even as our sins rise, heaping up because of their immense number and the graveness of them, God’s mercy continues to withhold the coming judgment. However, God’s truth is also there, proclaiming that there is a point where His mercy must be mixed with wrath because every sin must be judged. At a point known to God alone, He will remember iniquity that has not been addressed at the cross of Calvary.
However, as God remembers such iniquity, He also remembers those who faithfully follow Him. Some examples of God “remembering” in this way are found when God remembered Noah on the ark – Genesis 8; when He remembered Abraham and saved Lot out of Sodom in Genesis 19; when He remembered Rachel and Hannah and their barren state in Genesis 30 and 1 Samuel 1; and etc. Again, and again, God “remembers” by acting upon such things, bringing about that which is in line with His nature for the benefit or destruction of His creatures.
God really never forgets, and it is a sad lesson that Babylon the great will eventually discover. For those who are in Christ, there is one thing that God will certainly not remember again. Hebrews 10:17 says of those who come to Him through His Messiah, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” This is the greatness of what God has done for us. Our sins are forgiven. Thank God for JESUS.
Lord God, a time is coming when the world will be judged for its rejection of You. Before that day, help us to be responsible and to get the word of reconciliation out to all people. May we be willing to simply open our mouths and speak. Either heaven or hell awaits all people. With Jesus, heaven is assured. Without Jesus, only hell awaits. Give us wisdom to speak, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 11, 2021 1:32:24 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse. Revelation 18:6
Thursday, June 10th, 2021 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. Revelation 18:6 The previous verse noted that the sins of Babylon the great have reached to heaven, and that God has remembered her iniquity. Now it says, “Render to her just as she rendered to you.” As a note, some manuscripts leave off the word “you” – “Render to her just as she rendered, and repay…” Either way, it is not those who were called out of her in verse 18:4, nor is it those who have been martyred by her, that are being called to render retribution. Rather, this is a rhetorical way of highlighting the Lord’s right to judge. It is the Lord who renders according to His wisdom – “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” Deuteronomy 32:43 The Lord sees the ill-treatment of His people by the wicked, and He will act accordingly to ensure that justice is met. With this understood, it next says, “and repay her double according to her works.” This is the same thought seen in Jeremiah 16 when referring to the Lord’s double repayment for the sins of Israel – “‘Behold, I will send for many fishermen,’ says the Lord, ‘and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. 17 For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. 18 And first I will repay double for their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable idols.’” Jeremiah 16:16-18 It is also found in Isaiah 40 when Israel is promised restoration after having received her just due – “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. 2 “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord’s hand Double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1, 2 Unlike Israel who was under covenant with God and thus spared total annihilation, Babylon is not. Israel found restoration, but Babylon will be completely destroyed. The verse ends with the thought of the rendering being exactly as she deserves. God is being rhetorically spoken to, and His punishment upon Babylon is to be such that “in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.” The cup of her fornication, as was seen in Revelation 14:8 and 17:4, will become the cup of God’s vengeance and her punishment. The “double” can mean either twice the quantity brought to bear upon her, or it can mean that the ingredients of the mixture will be double strength. Either way, a double rendering will come upon her for her iniquity. Life application: To double something is to bestow a right – the firstborn son of a family in Israel received a “double portion.” This means that if there were 5 children, the inheritance would be divided into 6 and the firstborn would receive two-sixths, or a “double portion.” When Elijah the prophet ascended to heaven, his protégé Elisha asked for and received a “double portion” of the spirit he possessed. A double portion then can mean blessing and honor in either a physical or spiritual sense, but it can also mean shame and punishment in both senses as well. The great harlot will face the latter, and her judgment for her treatment of the saints will be severe. There is nothing good in this harlot, and she has filled her cup to overflowing with the righteous anger and wrath of God. Great and awesome will be her destruction. This is coming because she has rejected the good path that leads to life, and she has pursued only wickedness. Above all, she failed to simply present the gospel to her people in order that they might be saved. The Lord will judge her. That time is coming. Before it does, be sure to come out from this wicked harlot and be saved through the simple gospel message – Christ died for our sins, Christ was buried, Christ rose again on the third day. Believe this unto salvation. Here is a short description of salvation as the Bible reveals – superiorword.org/salvation/It is the gift of God through the coming of JESUS. Heavenly Father, we look at the wickedness of the world around us and the false teachers of our religious institutions, and we desire You to remove them. And yet at the same time, it would be far better for them to repent and turn to You. We know all wrongs will be made right so help us to wait on Your time of judgment and work now to turn many to righteousness. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 11, 2021 22:59:04 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:7
Friday, June 11th, 2021
In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Revelation 18:7
Instead of exalting the Lord, the pomp and pageantry of this harlot brought honor and accolades to herself. A more fitting description of the Vatican could not be found, but an equally fitting description is next given, saying, “and lived luxuriously.”
The word translated as “lived luxuriously” is stréniaó. It is a new word in Scripture and will only be seen again in verse 18:9. It is the verb form of the unique word found in verse 18:3 that spoke of wantonness and self-indulgent luxury. The idea is that this city sought its own glory and lived like a pampered queen.
She possessed much wealth and many articles of value, and her beds are certainly soft and comfortable. Again, the word exactingly described the imagery of the Vatican, surrounded by jewels, gold, finery, great wealth, large real estate holdings, and so on. But all of this will come to its end. As it next says, “in the same measure give her torment and sorrow.”
As much as she has enriched herself, as much as she has been pampered and glorified, and as much attention has been devoted to her – at the expense of sharing the gospel of Christ – so is this vile harlot to be given torment and sorrow. The blood of the countless martyrs who have fallen because of her will come back and testify against her. The city will be brought to utter desolation.
But even though the book is written, and even though it should be fully understood by her that she is what the ancient prophecies have spoken of, she will sit there, clueless till the end, thinking that she cannot be the target of God’s wrath. She is a delusional harlot that cannot see her own sins piled up right in front of her. Instead, she “says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’”
The ideology of the pope today is one of communism mixed with earth worship. He is like the long succession of popes before him. They have each had their own agenda, be it leaning heavily toward the worship of Mary, or be it the conquest of people groups. Their agendas have not been the proper presentation of the word of God or of the gospel of Jesus. And yet, because of her wealth and status, she thinks that she is married to the nations and above any chance of losing her status.
The words here come from the description of Babylon given by Isaiah –
“Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures,
Who dwell securely,
Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me;
I shall not sit as a widow,
Nor shall I know the loss of children’;
9 But these two things shall come to you
In a moment, in one day:
The loss of children, and widowhood.
They shall come upon you in their fullness
Because of the multitude of your sorceries,
For the great abundance of your enchantments. Isaiah 47:8, 9
What is notable, however, is that this is the same way Jerusalem was described at the time of her destruction –
“How lonely sits the city
That was full of people!
How like a widow is she,
Who was great among the nations!
The princess among the provinces
Has become a slave!” Lamentations 1:1
Jerusalem thought it would endure, but she had violated the covenant, had brought dishonor to the name of the Lord, and it was ripe for judgment. However, Israel was given a covenant by God. Despite their destruction and exile, they were brought back and reestablished. For this harlot of the end times, such will not be the case. The Lord has made no covenant with Rome, only with the people who are His.
For those who heed the warning of verse 18:4 (Come out of her, my people), the Lord will be their God. For those who remain, only destruction lies ahead.
Life application: The woman riding atop the beast and who sits on many waters is Babylon the great. She is the mother of harlots according to the previous chapter. In Babylon the great, there is a political and a religious connection as was noted. The harlot, who is the religious aspect of the alliance, has “glorified herself and lived luxuriously,” and she had done it along with the politicians and rulers.
This religious entity has been so involved in the non-religious aspects of the beast’s dealings that she considers herself a queen.
The Vatican became its own nation-state in 1929 and has intermingled its religious influence with the political dealings of nations around the world. It holds great sway and influence through owning immense tracts of land and through the political voice of its adherents.
The pomp and luxurious living of the pope and those in the hierarchy is something that was never intended by Jesus as He hung naked and torn on the cross. The Vatican claims to be the bride of Christ, the King, and supposes therefore that she sits as a queen. And it is obvious that through the great power she exhibits, she feels she will not see sorrow, but rather, will continue on in her regal living forever.
Through this entity, there have arisen many unbiblical and anti-biblical doctrines. Marian worship, the servicing of idols, faith plus deeds (rather than faith alone) being required for salvation, sexual perversion within the priesthood, etc. These are all indications of the apostate nature of the church. Within the church, however, are found faithful followers of Jesus who are working to ensure the truth of the gospel is maintained – lone voices calling out amid the torrent of false teachings and unholy doctrines.
Now stand back and look at other denominations and see that this is not unique to Roman Catholicism. A departing from the truth of the gospel is to be found permeating through almost every major denomination as well as through independent churches. As the end times come closer, there will be a uniting of these organizations through the ecumenical and pluralistic movements until they are united completely as one giant apostate religion.
False Christianity mingled with the other world religions will think that they have attained the royal status of being united as a queen which will never see sorrow. But her luxurious living will have its end, and she will be paid in the same measure with torment and sorrow. What seems like a position of power and royalty will actually be a position of destruction and condemnation. What seems like the throne of permanence will actually be the chair of execution.
The great harlot who uses religion to align herself with the power brokers of the world will meet her end and receive her just due. There is one gospel and one path to restoration with God. Only that which is based on what is stated in God’s word is acceptable, and in His word, we find that both are found only in JESUS.
Lord Jesus, You alone are the head of the church and to You alone is our allegiance due. Yes, we participate in our governments as citizens of the nation in which we live, but we are first and foremost Your soldiers in a spiritual war and our highest allegiance is to You. Help us to be aware of the false doctrines in our churches and to work to change them back to right religion which is honoring to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 13, 2021 1:06:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:8
Saturday, June 12th, 2021
Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. Revelation 18:8
Because of the life of luxurious living noted in the previous verses, Babylon the great will be punished. A contrast to the life she has been living will come upon her, as is implied in the words, “Therefore her plagues will come in one day.”
There will be complete recompense against her in the form of plagues, and it will come suddenly. While she is sitting fat, dumb, and happy, the life she feels so at ease in will suddenly be snatched away, being replaced with great horror. As it next says, “death.”
This is given in contrast to the words, “I sit as a queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.” Next, it says, “and mourning.”
This is given in contrast to the thought that she had glorified herself. Next, it says, “and famine.”
This is given in contrast to the thought of her having lived luxuriously. A contrasting plague is to be cast upon her for each of her areas of comfort and self-indulgence. The final one is then stated with the words, “And she will be utterly burned with fire.”
This punishment is given for her fornications. It recalls the thought of Leviticus 21:9 –
“The daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the harlot, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire.”
This harlot has brought disgrace upon the name of her heavenly Father by mingling what is sacred with what is profane. Her harlotries have become so great that there is simply no remedy for her actions, and she will be thoroughly punished for them. As it next says, “for strong is the Lord God who judges her.”
This is a sentiment found in Jeremiah 50 –
“Their Redeemer is strong;
The Lord of hosts is His name.
He will thoroughly plead their case,
That He may give rest to the land,
And disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.” Jeremiah 50:34
The major theme of the words of this verse are hinted at in the humiliation of Babylon as described by Isaiah –
“For you have trusted in your wickedness;
You have said, ‘No one sees me’;
Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you;
And you have said in your heart,
‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’
11 Therefore evil shall come upon you;
You shall not know from where it arises.
And trouble shall fall upon you;
You will not be able to put it off.
And desolation shall come upon you suddenly,
Which you shall not know.” Isaiah 47:10, 11
As for the idea of contrasting punishments for such wickedness, that is seen in Isaiah 3 in regard to the punishments levied upon Judah and Jerusalem –
“And so it shall be:
Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench;
Instead of a sash, a rope;
Instead of well-set hair, baldness;
Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth;
And branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword,
And your mighty in the war.
26 Her gates shall lament and mourn,
And she being desolate shall sit on the ground.”
The Lord God determines when judgment will come, how it will be brought about, and the level of punishment that will be brought upon the offender. In the case of Babylon, there will be complete ruin because of the sins she has heaped up throughout the years.
Life application: There is one God and one Lord. There is one and only one avenue to reconciliation with Him, and it is through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent Power through whom man is either restored to God or destroyed in His presence. All who align themselves with Babylon the great will find an unhappy ending. So much for religious pluralism!
Either the Bible is true, or it is fairy tales. If it is true, we need to be about the Lord’s business. Judgment is coming for those who fail to heed the call. Respond to it today and receive what God offers. Come to the cross and be reconciled to Him through the shed blood of JESUS.
Lord, help us… help us to speak boldly and without fear about the truth of Your word and the wickedness in the world around us. If You are for us, then who can be against us? But in our natural selves, we shy away from conflict and the truth in order to be liked. Lord, remind us that the only one we need to be “liked” by is You. Nothing else will do. Glory to You! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 14, 2021 0:06:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:9
Sunday, June 13th, 2021
The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, Revelation 18:9
With the coming destruction of Babylon the great, there will be an accompanying lamentation that fills the earth. As the woman was said to sit on many waters (17:1), her scope of harlotry went throughout the world (17:15). The lamentation over her begins with “The kings of the earth.”
In verse 17:18, it was explicitly stated that “the woman you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” With her destroyed, their lamentation will be raised. This is because it is they “who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her.”
The fornication means mixing in idolatrous practices and being turned from proper worship of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The world will follow her in her deception and find out that they had been led astray. This wasn’t only by false religion though, but the words “lived luxuriously” signify they prospered off of being aligned with her.
And how many nations and leaders can this be said of in their intimate connection with Rome? By aligning themselves with the apostate harlot, they have become Speakers of the House, leaders of the Senate, and even Presidents. They have become Prime Ministers, Supreme Court Justices, governors, and so on.
All over the world, being aligned with the Vatican has brought immense prestige, wealth, and power. When she is destroyed, they “will weep and lament for her.”
These people will suddenly realize that they had put their allegiance in the wrong place. They thought they were earning heaven through donations, indulgences, and confessionals. Instead, they are deceived and are set to go off to perdition. There will be utter confusion and great lamentation at how their misplaced source of hope could be brought to nothing. This will all come to pass “when they see the smoke of her burning.”
Imagine the stunned state of Muslims if Mecca was suddenly destroyed! They could not mentally process that their religion was suddenly wiped out, proving it was always a false religion. This is the shock and horror that adherents to the false worship of the Vatican will feel. It will be a double-edged cut – the loss of worldly wealth and power, and the loss of any chance of being allowed into God’s paradise.
The words now closely reflect that which came at the destruction of Tyre, as is recorded in Ezekiel 26 –
“Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you.” Ezekiel 26:16
Life application: The thought of this verse closely mirrors the analysis of verse 18:3. The religious institutions of the world increase in wealth along with the prosperity of the people they minister to. As they so increase, it leads to indulgence, coveting, idolatry, and feelings of self-importance.
Follow the upward path of most religions or denominations and this is the normal result. As this occurs, the political and societal leaders align themselves with these apostate religions because it becomes a mutual way of exploiting the people. The religious leaders keep the people in spiritual bondage and the political and business leaders keep the people in line by controlling their pay, benefits, and rights of speech and assembly. They work hand in hand to manipulate the masses and keep the people in line with their will.
However, eventually, rifts do develop, and the leaders of the society often learn to hate the religious leaders and will devour them so that their control is complete over the people. This would be the state found in Revelation 17:16, 17. There, the destruction that comes upon the great harlot is possibly a result of this – the main leaders of the beast fulfilling God’s purpose to destroy her. The other kings of the earth who committed fornication with her will weep and lament over her.
There will be immense sadness because of the loss of the riches she possessed, and which also enriched them. They lived luxuriously off of her and that will all be lost. Because she is judged and destroyed, they know their turn cannot be far off. They will see her destruction, and will wail and lament at the suddenness and immensity of it. In this, they will know that they too are mere mortals and possibly next in line for termination.
There is only one true path to what is right and good. God has laid it out for us in the pages of Scripture. He has carefully and meticulously set things out so that we can be reconciled to Him by a mere act of faith. And yet, we as humans will follow almost any path except the right one because we cannot give up on our own pride. Set that aside, admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and – by faith – come to the cross. Be reconciled to God through JESUS.
Great are You, O Lord God Almighty, and great are Your judgments. We all deserve destruction and burning, for we are dust and ashes. But You, in Your abundant mercy, have spared the people You love by sending Jesus as our Substitute. Thank You for this Gift of love and this Offering of peace. Help us to share the truth of this great message, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 15, 2021 0:54:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:10
Monday, June 14th, 2021
standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ Revelation 18:10
This verse completes the thought of the previous verse. Taken together, they read, “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’”
With the context understood, this verse begins with, “standing at a distance for fear of her torment.” The context explains the matter. This is speaking of “the kings of the earth.” The kings of the earth are spread around the earth. The leader of the Philippines is in the Philippines. The leader of Guatemala will be in Guatemala. And so on.
This is simply a way of expressing the terror of what is beheld. It is also another implicit reference to modern technology where such things can be seen in such a manner. More such references will follow in the verses ahead. When these “kings of the earth” see what happens to Babylon the great, they will recoil in horror, “saying, ‘Alas, alas.”
It is the Greek word already seen in Revelation, ouai. It is an interjection signifying a calling out of “woe” or “alas.” In repeating it twice, it intensifies the grief being expressed. And the grief is then stated as being directed towards “that great city Babylon.”
This great city that has existed for so long, and that has been the center of supposed worship of the true God for millennia, will fall so quickly and so completely that it will be beyond comprehension.
It would be the same as if Tokyo, Moscow, or Washington D.C. suddenly evaporated in nuclear destruction. Who would ever truly imagine it until it occurred? And in its occurring, a sense of disbelief would still exist in the minds of those who saw it. As a great emphasis, the thought is repeated, saying, “that mighty city!”
Babylon the great is a city as already noted (17:18). The terminology is explicit and is not symbolic. Not only has she been a hub of diplomacy, religious leadership, and trade, but it has endured for such a long time. And more, it has been the seat of so many military and religious leaders that it has seemed that it would never cease to be. And yet, when the suddenness and the greatness of its destruction occurs, they will cry out, “For in one hour your judgment has come.”
It seems unlikely that the destruction of Babylon will be anything short of the most significant of natural disasters, or a man-made nuclear explosion. The term “one hour” is given to show the suddenness of the matter. It will not be a long, drawn-out battle. Rather, it will be something that happens so quickly that it will seem over as soon as it begins.
Even if its destruction is due to the onslaught of an invading army, it will be such a quick, complete, and decisive battle that it will seem as if the invaders were simply a flood that overwhelmed in an instant. What is certain is that its destruction will be quick, and its effects will be total.
Life application: The kings of the earth have participated in the prosperity and apostasy of Babylon and have committed fornication with her. They now stand watching as its annihilation comes.
When someone loves another and there is a mutual respect and relationship built on truth and morality, they will do anything to protect them. This is especially true with those we are intimate with. However, when intimacy is found in a relationship of fornication, there is no desire to protect the one they have been with, only a desire for self-preservation.
These kings were certainly intimate with the harlot, having shared in her false religion and in the wealth of her position, but now those intimate relations mean nothing – because they were nothing. Rather, they were only expenditures on a whore.
This is something each person needs to truly think about. Are our religious affiliations truly out of love for the Creator, or are they made to enrich ourselves, satisfy our own needs, and find satisfaction without devotion? Are we willing to help our religious partner, even to the point of death?
In Christ, the answer will always be, “Yes” (see Philippians 1:21). But, for Babylon the great, these kings are regretting the loss of the harlotry and the many perverse pleasures they participated in with her, but they aren’t willing to step forward to help her.
Because the term “mighty” is added into their discourse, it is the sure acknowledgment that the destructing force is even mightier, and it has now shown its power. Therefore, this must logically be divine judgment upon the harlot, even if it is executed by a human agent. As amazing as it seems, the people will know – without a doubt – that this is judgment from God. The logical connection then is that Babylon the great was, and always has been, a false instrument of religious practice.
There is something actually perverse in our nature which tells us when we are following the wrong path. And yet, we are still impelled on to follow it, nonetheless. It is no different than committing adultery on our spouse or stealing from the grocery store. We know right from wrong, but often act despite this. Proof of the kings’ knowledge about Babylon the great is given in their sentiments.
As for you, stop and think through your religious affiliation. Are you in a church that is not following the commands of the Bible? Are there homosexuals in the pulpit or other church offices? Are other types of sexual immorality being overlooked? Is your pastor a male (the Bible is gender-specific) who meets the requirements of the pastoral office as are given in 1 Timothy and in Titus?
If your church isn’t following the guidelines of the Bible, then you are participating in willful disobedience of God. Through His word, God calls out to you to “Wake up” and “Come out of her, My people.” What is right and proper is to put the Lord before your own desires or allegiances. There is only one proper avenue of faith, and it is revealed in Scripture as it directs us to the obedience of our Lord JESUS.
Heavenly Father, help us to not be disobedient servants, but rather to exalt You and Your word above our personal feelings for those in our churches. Open our eyes to what is authorized by You and then open our hearts to be obedient to that knowledge. We ask this so that You will be glorified by our properly directed faith and practice. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 16, 2021 0:26:18 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:11
Tuesday, June 15th, 2021
“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: Revelation 18:11
With the description of the kings of the earth mourning over Babylon the great, the account goes to a second group of mourners. The verse begins with, “And the merchants of the earth.” The word is emporos, and it signifies a passenger on a ship, a trader, or a merchant. It is found only in Matthew 13:45 and four times in this chapter of Revelation (3, 11, 15, & 23). Of these people, it says they “will weep and mourn over her.”
The translation is correct and fixes the incorrect “shall weep and mourn” of the older KJV. The tense of the verses has gone from the future in verse 9 (“will weep and lament”) to the present tense. The tense will change again in verse 17 where aorist verbs are used. Thus, there is a process occurring that captures the scene – “they will weep and lament,” “they weep and mourn,” “they stood at a distance.”
The first group was the kings of the earth and so this catastrophe is not just in the political realm, but in the economic realm as well. In fact, the details about the merchants and their merchandise will be extremely detailed in the coming verses. They will follow the general theme that is presented in the lamentation over Tyre in Ezekiel 27. For now, it says, “for no one buys their merchandise anymore.”
The word gomos is used. It signifies the lading of a ship. It is better translated as “lading,” or “cargo.” The destruction of Babylon the great will bring the world to a financial precipice from which it cannot hide. These merchants will weep and mourn over her because of this. In other words, there is less weeping for the city than there is for their personal catastrophe.
Merchants have always found ways to buy and sell regardless of the economic system which exists. Through capitalism, they openly sell, profit, and grow. Through socialism, they sell what they can legally and pay as little as possible to the corrupt government by selling what they can illegally. Through communism, much is sold on the black market to avoid giving to the government.
No matter what though, the merchants sell. But in the case of the end times, there has already been set up a worldwide system which controls all commerce, and no one can buy or sell unless they have the mark of the beast. In an attempt to control everything and everyone, this system was developed, and the inevitable result is that when it falls, everything else will fall with it. No one will buy merchandise anymore because there is no method of transaction left.
Life application: The state of the world is aligning in the manner described in Revelation. For example, the liberal left in America is doing everything possible to head us into this brave new world. However, what is coming is already destroyed in God’s mind. What they think is liberation from Him and His rule will be the very mode and method of their own destruction.
So much for progressive liberalism leading to socialism, leading to communism, and finally to world control! It is a one-way avenue that has been proven wrong in the pages of the Scripture. Only one form of government will prevail. It will be that of the rule of the coming King, JESUS!
Lord God, we know that the system of this world is coming to an end. The Bible tells us that the things that are happening now will lead to a great system of control over all people, but that it too will come to an end when Christ returns. It would be great if people would just submit to Him now and avoid all of the troubles that are foreseen in Your word. Help us to keep telling others about the good news of Jesus while there is time. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 16, 2021 23:46:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:12
Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; Revelation 18:12
A description of the cargoes of the merchants of the earth is now provided. As noted in the previous commentary, the listing now is similar to that provided in Ezekiel 27. The list begins by saying, “merchandise of gold and silver.” As in the previous verse, the word “merchandise” is more precisely “lading” or “cargo.” It is that which is stored in a ship for transport.
The precious metals are named first. Gold is the royal metal, and it is a symbol of wealth and purchasing power. In the Bible, it is used as a symbol of royalty and divinity. Silver is more specifically emblematic of currency. In Scripture, it is used as a symbol of redemption because of this.
It next says, “precious stones and pearls.” The word precious is an adjective used to describe the stone. The word “stone” is singular, but it is speaking of any stone. It signifies that of great price, precious, honored, and so forth. Thus, these would be those stones that have value for jewelry and other important uses.
The pearl is something emblematic of extreme value. Jesus equates the precious teachings of the gospel to a pearl. As can be seen, there is a categorical listing that can be followed. The things considered as treasures have been listed. Next, the list turns to soft goods with the words, “fine linen and purple.”
Fine linen is that which is the purest of its kind and which is then used for various purposes. In Revelation, this word is equated to the garments of righteousness (the righteous acts of the saints in Revelation 19:8).
The purple can be a deep purple, deep scarlet (or crimson), and deep blue. It signifies power and/or wealth, even royal status. Proverbs 31:22 links this color with godliness in a woman.
Next, it says, “silk and scarlet.” The word translated as silk, Ser, is a tribe of India (or possibly modern China) from whom silk was obtained. This is the only use of the word in Scripture.
The scarlet is a crimson color obtained from the Kermes (coccum), which is the female coccus of the Kermes oak. In the Bible, the scarlet is used at times to indicate substitutionary atonement. From the soft goods, the list next goes to that made of wood and objects obtained from such woody material, beginning with “every kind of citron wood.”
This is a word only found in Scripture. It signifies an aromatic wood of North African origin. Because of its fragrance, it would be highly valuable. The term “every kind” is probably referring to its various uses rather than different kinds of this particular tree. There would be plates, furniture, chests, or whatever – all made with this wood.
Next, it refers to “every kind of object of ivory.” The Greek word, elephantinos, found only here, makes it obvious what is being referred to. The tusks of the elephant are highly desired for carving various things, or for being inserted as highlights into furniture and the like. The ivory throne Solomon made is referred to in 2 Chronicles –
“Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 18 The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne; there were armrests on either side of the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests. 19 Twelve lions stood there, one on each side of the six steps; nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.” 2 Chronicles 9:17-19
The description next turns to objects that are fashioned. It is a general statement, saying, “every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble.”
The same adjective used earlier to describe the “precious stones” is used again here. Whatever wood is highly valued for making articles is what is being referred to. Also, articles of bronze (a symbol of judgment in Scripture), iron (a symbol of unyielding strength), and marble are all mentioned. The word translated as “marble” is found only here in the Bible.
Life application: As noted earlier, the list of goods mentioned here is reminiscent of the list of the wealth of Tyre in Ezekiel 27. She also had large stockpiles of such things amassed, but she was destroyed, and her abundant wealth couldn’t help her. The destruction of Tyre, and many of the things recorded surrounding that destruction, mirror what is said of Babylon the great.
There is nothing wrong with owning any of the objects mentioned here. Gold and silver are used throughout the Bible as units of currency and for other reasons. They were owned by God’s people and used for the building of the tabernacle and the furniture in it. They were also used to make purchases in Jerusalem during feast days.
Likewise, stones and pearls are recorded in the Bible as being possessed by God’s people. Linens, of course, were used to adorn the people and also their living quarters. Precious woods and ivory are noted many times. And of course, there are innumerable references to the use of metals such as bronze and iron and also stone for construction.
The problem isn’t in owning or using any of these things. The problem is in trusting in them for security or for safety in times of trouble. When the woeful times come, these things lose all of their value. Only a faithful reliance on the Lord can save. Great nations have seen the futility of trusting in amassed wealth. In only minutes, trillions of dollars can vanish.
Unfortunately, seeing the futility in something and learning the necessary lessons are two different things. Unless we repent of our trust in the creation and turn it towards the Creator, we are only increasing our guilt. Let us trust in Christ alone for our ultimate hope. When the world is reaching for gold at the same time as it is perishing, let us reach for eternal life and a return to the paradise God intended for man to reside in. Let us reach out for JESUS.
Heavenly Father, You have given us such a wonderful variety of things to adorn our lives with. And You have given them in just the right measure so that they have varying degrees of value to us and so that we can set up systems of exchange and barter through them. But these are useful only for our earthly lives. Help us to keep their value in proper perspective and to trust only in You for the fulfillment of our eternal needs. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 18, 2021 0:35:09 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:13
Thursday, June 17th, 2021
and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. Revelation 18:13
The list of valuable commodities which began in the previous verse now continues here. It should be noted that there are some differences in source texts, so the list – as evaluated here – may have some variations from the Bible being referred to at any given time.
Understanding this, the list now continues with, “cinnamon and incense.” Cinnamon is both a spice and an aromatic product used in incense. In the Greek of the New Testament, it is found only in this verse. However, it is also found in Exodus 30:23 when used in the holy anointing oil. It is also found in Proverbs 7:17 and the Song of Solomon 4:14. The Hebrew name is qinnamon. In Greek, it is kinamómon. One can see the similarity between both languages and our modern English.
This is the last of six times that “incense” is found in the New Testament. It is the word thumiama. That comes from the root thuó which signifies “to kill as a sacrifice on an altar.” Thus, one can see the intimate connection between sacrifices and the offering of incense.
These are next followed by “fragrant oil and frankincense.” The “fragrant oil” is synonymous with perfume. It is understood that these are the luxurious items found in both temple worship and among people all around the world that have disposable income.
“Frankincense” is mentioned next. It was and continues to be an extremely expensive commodity. It was one of the gifts presented to the Lord in Matthew 2:11, and it was also used during the temple times as part of the incense compound presented to the Lord. Chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon contains a similar list of fragrant products in its beautiful verses.
The list continues with “wine and oil.” Again, these were used in the temple in Israel during offerings and were a part of the daily life of the people of Israel. Both have been items indicating luxury and even wealth. They are valuable items in trading.
Next is listed, “fine flour and wheat.” The word translated as “fine flour” is only found here in the New Testament. Both of these were also used in offerings to the Lord and have been staple foods for thousands of years. Following these are listed “cattle and sheep.”
In Israel, both were considered clean animals, and they are both animals that were used in temple sacrifices. They were also commonly eaten by the people of Israel.
Next in the list are “horses and chariots.” Horses and chariots are noted in the Bible as means of transportation, warfare, and trading. The word translated as “chariots” is rhedé. It is only found here in the New Testament. It is a Latin word, but it is of Gallic origin. It signifies a chariot of four wheels.
Finally, the list ends with “the bodies and souls of men.” The meaning appears obvious. It signifies humans that are traded for-profit and for use. Hence, slavery is the intended meaning. It is something that has existed, and it continues to exist in various forms to this day.
Life application: It should be noted that owning slaves was allowed under the law, and it was commonly practiced throughout ancient times. The biblical rule for slaves was of care and not abuse. However, the master of the slave was given more authority over his slaves than other people because they were his property. The issue of slavery is a part of the human story, and it has always been a reality.
Babylon the great has had great wealth in many forms as has been seen in the past two verses. However, despite its immense wealth, power, and status, it has come to ruin.
When we put our hopes and trust in the creation rather than the Creator, the inevitable result will be mourning, sadness, and loss. And so, let us look to the eternal. Let us allow the words of Scripture to fill our minds, and let us anticipate all goodness in a world that is prepared for us by a loving Creator. He is coming to gather us to Himself. He is JESUS.
To You alone, O God, is our allegiance due. You have given us a world of variety and wonder, and You have given us beautiful things to bring joy to our hearts, but we need to remember that they are a part of what You have created and are not things we are to idolize. Rather, we are to give thanks to You for them. Help us to remember this and to worship and praise You alone. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 19, 2021 2:04:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:14
Friday, June 18th, 2021
The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. Revelation 18:14
The mournful words concerning the destruction of Babylon the great continue here, saying, “The fruit that your soul longed for.” Here is a word found only in this one instance in the Bible, opóra, fruit. It signifies ripe fruit, coming from words that indicate “the end of the summer.” Albert Barnes says it “means, ‘late summer; dog-days,’ the time when Sirius, or the Dog-star, is predominant. In the East this is the season when the fruits ripen, and hence the word comes to denote fruit. The reference is to any kind of fruit that would be brought for traffic into a great city, and that would be regarded as an article of luxury.”
Of these things, it says this fruit “has gone from you.” Babylon is destroyed, and so these things will never be brought into her again. The cargo carriers with their precious ladings will be taken elsewhere, but they will not enter her anymore. The thought is then further expanded upon by saying, “and all the things which are rich and splendid.”
Again, another unique word is found here, liparos. It comes from the word meaning “grease” or “fat,” and thus it signifies rich and sumptuous. The next word of note is from the Greek lampros. It signifies bright, shining, splendid, or magnificent. One can see the connection to our word “lamp.” It is used several times in the New Testament to indicate rich, luxurious clothing.
The two words together may indicate soft, comfortable gilded furniture, or something like that. Such things as this, it is said, “have gone from you.” It is the same thought just stated, highlighting the notion of complete desolation. Nothing of value, pomp, or finery is to be seen. And more, the verse finishes with, “and you shall find them no more at all.”
The utterly complete destruction of Babylon the great is highlighted with this. Not only have all of these things been destroyed out of her, and not only will shipping into her cease, but it will be so forever. She has found her ruin, and she will remain a ruin from this point on.
Life application: The works of the flesh that Babylon the great sought after were like those explained by Paul in Galatians 5 –
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
These are the works of wickedness which have been the main diet of those in Babylon since the beginning. What they should have focused on is a right walk with the Lord. In this, they would have reaped of the fruit of the Spirit. This is explained by Paul in the next verses of Galatians 5 –
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24
The unbridled lusts and passions of the people participating in Babylon’s wealth have caused them to squander their existence. The choice foods, the expensive clothes, the high living… they are all gone, never to return.
The halls of Babylon will be desolate, and her riches will be turned to rubble, but Jerusalem shall be a praise in all the earth and the glory of the Lord will radiate from Zion. Babylon the great will not even come to remembrance when the Lord is exalted throughout the world. Man’s ways are fallen and will always lead to condemnation. But the Lord’s ways are right and in pursuing them, man finds salvation. The Door is open, and the path to glory is set. Let us come to God in the manner He has laid out for us. Let us come to Him through JESUS.
Heavenly Father, we long for the day when Christ our Lord will sit on the throne of His glory in Jerusalem and rule the nations! We long for the day when the wickedness of Babylon isn’t just gone from the world but gone from the memory of the people as well. Help us today to live in the Spirit and produce fruit acceptable and pleasing to You! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 19, 2021 21:59:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:15
Saturday, June 19th, 2021
The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, Revelation 18:15
Verse 11 said, “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore.” That was followed by three verses describing the things these merchants traded. Now, after that extended description of their goods, it again refers to the merchants themselves, saying, “The merchants of these things.”
It is referring to all the goods listed in the previous verses that they had sold in supplying the city. So great was their trade that it notes of them, “who became rich by her.” If a person has a product that costs him $5.00 and he sells it for $5.00, he cannot get rich. However, these merchants became rich through Babylon the great.
Thus, it speaks of wealth and luxury by purchasing things at a rate that enriched those who sold their goods. It was obviously a good deal for them, but that has come to an end. As it says, they “will stand at a distance for fear of her torment.”
It is the same as the kings of the earth. In verse 18:10, it said that they were “standing at a distance for fear of her torment.” The difference is that the verb there is a perfect participle, but here it is in the future tense. It makes the scene alive and active as the tenses change. These merchants “will stand” at a distance. It is coming, and when that time comes, they will be “weeping and wailing.”
For consistency, the Greek words, like in verse 18:11, should be translated as “weeping and mourning.” The destruction of Babylon will affect the state of things for these people. While heaven rejoices over her, they will weep and mourn.
Life application: These merchants were enriched by the great city, but their weeping and mourning will not be as one would mourn over a family member. Instead, they will mourn over their own loss.
All of their merchandise has been listed. It is very expensive stuff which they are invested in. However, they will now be unable to profit from its sale. But as the Bible shows elsewhere, even the greatest riches have no true value when society crumbles –
“How the gold has become dim!
How changed the fine gold!
The stones of the sanctuary are scattered
At the head of every street.
2 The precious sons of Zion,
Valuable as fine gold,
How they are regarded as clay pots,
The work of the hands of the potter!” Lamentations 4:1, 2
We tend to look at the things around us and revel in them. Sometimes, we put our hope and trust in stuff that can be stolen from us, lost in a cataclysm, destroyed in an accident, or whatever. There is nothing that is enduring. And those things that may seem of great value can suddenly lose their value with the next technological advance, or with the next financial collapse.
Everything is temporary and fleeting except the Lord. If our trust is placed in Him, we will not face the sadness of the world. Instead, we will have a hope that transcends this earthly life. Let us seek His face and hope in Him. Let us look unto JESUS.
Lord God, please help each one of us to keep our eyes properly directed toward You. Help us to understand that stocks, IRAs, money markets, and even amassed accounts of precious metals cannot save. Instead, they only provide false security in this world. Give us the wisdom to trust in You alone and to direct the attention of those around us to You as well. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 21, 2021 1:38:37 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:16
Sunday, June 20th, 2021
and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! Revelation 18:16
In verse 18:10, the kings of the earth were “standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon…” Now almost the same words are again said by the merchants of the earth. Beginning in the previous verse, it says that the merchants of the earth “will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city…’”
Like the kings of the earth, these merchants will mourn over Babylon the great. However, the kings called out an exclamation that was fitting of the office of a king, meaning judgment. They exclaimed, “For in one hour your judgment has come.” On the other hand, the merchants call out an exclamation that is fitting of their trade, noting its finery. They begin this by saying, “that great city that was clothed in fine linen.”
This was one of their cargoes as noted in 18:12. They mourn over the city as if she were a woman dressed in the linen which they had adorned her with through their sales. As noted, fine linen is used elsewhere in the Bible to indicate righteousness. For Babylon the great, it is only self-righteousness.
Along with that, they note, “purple.” As seen in 18:12, purple signifies power and/or wealth, even royal status. Proverbs 31:22 links this color with godliness in a woman. For Babylon the great, these were only earthly in nature, but they failed to reflect the true inner self.
The merchants next call out, “and scarlet.” As seen in 18:12, the color is used elsewhere to signify substitutionary atonement. However, Babylon the great failed to receive this, and the scarlet (red) will speak of the judgment of her own sins.
It next says, “and adorned with gold.” Verse 18:12 explained that gold is the royal metal. It is a symbol of wealth and purchasing power. But for Babylon the great, she will find that she cannot buy her way out of her sentence of judgment. Her royal states will be stripped from her, and she will be left abandoned.
The verse next says, “and precious stones.” The Greek is singular, “stone.” The jewel-encrusted items found in Babylon the great will have no value when her judgment comes. Men in her will reach out for them as if they can save, and they will die with these clasped in their hands.
Finally, the verse ends with, “and pearls!” As seen in 18:12, Jesus equates the precious teachings of the gospel to the pearl. For Babylon the great, there is only a false gospel, which is no gospel at all. The pearls of Babylon the great will perish with her. Like what happened to the fine things of Jerusalem when it was destroyed by Babylon, so will happen to the fine things of Babylon the great. This will come when it is judged by the Lord –
‘How the gold has become dim!
How changed the fine gold!
The stones of the sanctuary are scattered
At the head of every street.” Lamentations 4:1
Life application: The things of this world are all destined to pass away, but the beauty of the soul who loves and follows God is everlasting. Here is what Peter admonishes the women of God in order for them to have an everlasting remembrance –
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4
God looks for the “hidden person of the heart” and the “incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,” not a woman as shallow as a saucer who is only externally beautiful. Again, Paul addresses the same concept in his first letter to Timothy –
“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:8-10
Some of the very things these apostles warned about are the things for which those in Babylon the great are noted for having been adorned with. If we look to Hollywood actresses or the wives of politicians, we generally see people that are beautiful, shallow, and have low morals. They are fawned over because of their physical beauty, but that will fade quickly as the years pass.
Babylon the great has all the outward appeal of false religion and spiritual enlightenment, but it has no substance. Only when faith is built upon the truth of God in Christ, is there anything of lasting value. Come to the firm Foundation, come to the Rock, come to JESUS!
Here we are Lord, Your creatures. But we reject You, and we go after every false spiritual teaching we can find. It is so much easier to listen to easy messages of false enlightenment than it is to pick up our Bible. How pleasing it is to listen to a sermon-lite by a fancy prosperity preacher than it is to read the Bible and be made aware of our sinful state and our need for Your redemption. Help us to just get it right. Help us to follow Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 21, 2021 23:59:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:17
Monday, June 21st, 2021
For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance Revelation 18:17
The words now continue the cry of woe called out by the merchants. That continued cry says, “For in one hour.”
This phrase, like verses 17:12 and 18:10, is an idiom meaning, “In a very short time.” It does not necessarily signify the sixty minutes on a clock. We might say, “I’ll be there in ten seconds,” meaning “in a jiffy.” These are expressions signifying shortness of time. This is certain because the term “in one day” is spoken of concerning the same event in verse 18:8. For Babylon the great, in this very short amount of time, “such great riches came to nothing.”
One can see the utter destruction of the city. It gives the hint of being completely overrun by the enemy, a great natural disaster, or even a nuclear blast. Whatever will come upon her, it will be sudden and cataclysmic. This will be so much the case that it next refers to, “Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea.”
The “kings of the earth” were mentioned in verse 18:9. The “merchants of the earth” were mentioned in verse 18:11. Now it is those who are on the sea, where each class is named. The “shipmaster” is a designation found only in Acts 27:11 and here. It signifies a steersman or a pilot. Those “who travel by ship” are passengers. The “sailors” are those who work as seamen on ships. The word is found twice in Acts and then again here. And finally, “as many as trade on the sea” refers to those who get their livelihood by the sea, such as dockworkers and so on.
The terminology here is a broad brushstroke of the state of the world at the destruction of Babylon, and – like the two other categories, meaning the kings and the merchants – it seems to presuppose television. The words here do not mean that Babylon the great is a port city. Rather, just as the “kings of the earth” reflect any king in any given kingdom – even one on the other side of the world – so those who trade or travel by sea could be anywhere in the world and watch the complete destruction of the city.
The event will be seen globally. Hence the final words of the verse, these people “stood at a distance.” It is the same basic words used in verses 18:10 and 18:15. It signifies that they have seen the event but have no power to intervene in what occurs. Again, if the words are to be taken as a true depiction of what occurs, television and/or the internet is presupposed.
Life application: This great city was functioning normally when sudden and cataclysmic upheaval ended it and brought it to nothing. Such is the futility of having one’s hopes in any physical commodity.
People who store up gold in hopes of being secure during an economic collapse are also setting themselves up for an added dose of sadness when the gold doesn’t help. This isn’t to say that saving for the future is unwise, but when one’s trust is in such savings, it is sure to disappoint at the time it is expected to provide the intended security.
This is the lesson that we fail to learn in generation after generation, and it will again be noted by those who watch the fall of Babylon the great. The world’s hope of complete security and stability will be dashed. Those who stand at a distance will realize this.
With the end of this wicked city will also be the end of their means of prosperity. There is only one place where hope meets up with surety. That is found in God. And as God has revealed Himself in and through His Son, we can have the absolute surety of His word will come true. What can man do to us? What can separate us from the love of God in Christ? In Him, we are safe, and in Him, we are secure. He is our Keeper. He is JESUS.
Lord Jesus, only in You will we ever have true riches. Help us to realize this and to never put our trust or hopes in anything which is a part of the creation. Instead, help us to keep our thoughts, hopes, and desires in You alone. Because you are the Source of all things, then in You is found true and complete satisfaction – even throughout all eternity! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 23, 2021 1:51:59 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:18
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021
and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’ Revelation 18:18
The shipmasters, sea travelers, sailors, and sea traders all cry out now, just as it is said that the kings of the earth and the merchants of the earth have cried out – mourning over the destruction of Babylon the great. As it says, “and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning.”
As noted, this will be an event seen around the world. This is certain because of the various categories of people that are said to lament over her as they witness her destruction. For all of them to see this, it means that they must have the ability to do so via TV/internet. This is unlike Tyre of Ezekiel’s prophecy that speaks in similar terms concerning her destruction, but nothing is said of these people being personal eyewitnesses of the events.
But with the coming of modern technology, the prophesied destruction of Rome will be – like the coming of the two witnesses to testify – a worldwide event. Of these people, and when they see her burning, they will say, “What is like this great city?” The words are reflective of the question concerning Tyre from Ezekiel –
“In their wailing for you
They will take up a lamentation,
And lament for you:
‘What city is like Tyre,
Destroyed in the midst of the sea?’” Ezekiel 27:32
Rome has been around for millennia. It has been the center of the world at times. The old saying, “all roads lead to Rome,” is based on that fact. It is an international hub of trade, and its wares include the apostate trade in Roman Catholicism. Babylon the great will be judged, and it will bring Rome to utter destruction.
Life application: The people of the world will look at the vast devastation of Babylon the great and cry out in horror. In other words, if this devastation can come upon her, then what hope is there at all? It is the feeling many Americans had in 2001 as they saw the twin towers fall.
There is an ocean that separates America from her enemies. There is the greatest military on earth to protect her from them. There is wealth and power, ease, and security… and yet sudden destruction came upon the very symbols of her power and wealth. And this was merely a few buildings, not an entire city and system. As incomprehensible as was the destruction on 9/11, it will be minuscule in comparison to the fall of Babylon the great.
In a similar cry of perceived power, we saw in Revelation 13:4 this question asked by the people of the earth, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Suddenly, their marvel at the power of the great beast is turned into cries of “Alas!” What was thought incomparable has been leveled by something far greater. The question the people should have asked when all this started is the question asked by Moses and the children of Israel at the Exodus –
“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11.
You see, there is only one God and there is only one ultimate power. Anything else is a part of what He has created. No matter how splendid, powerful, rich, or terrible, it is only a part of the creation, and it is therefore subject to His awesome hand of direction and judgment. Thus is the fall of Babylon in the eyes of those who look upon her in horror and dread.
For true safety and security that transcends this temporary and perishing world, look to what God offers. He promises eternal security and eternal life for all who come to Him through JESUS.
Yes Lord! There is none like You. You are above all the “gods” for they are not gods at all, but the deceptive lies of our imaginations and the boastings of those who do not perceive the truth. Help us, O God, to rightly look to You alone and to proclaim Your glory to those around us. Praises belong to You, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 24, 2021 1:35:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:19
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
“They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ Revelation 18:19
John continues with the words concerning those who mourn over the destruction of Babylon the great, saying, “They threw dust on their heads.” The word “They” is referring to “Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea,” as is found in verse 18:17.
The idea of throwing dust on one’s head signifies great mourning and lamentation. In Joshua 7, after being defeated by an army of insignificant size, Joshua and Israel’s elders mourned at the loss –
“Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.” Joshua 7:6
This type of mourning is recorded elsewhere in Scripture such as in the comparable verses about Tyre in Ezekiel 27:30. It is an outward display that is not without meaning. The idea goes back to the very creation of man where the Bible says in Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
The idea conveyed is that the distress or sadness is so great that returning to the dust would be preferable to what is being felt. All one can think of, in such a state of distress, is about the time when he didn’t exist. He mourns as if he could return to that state. In this terrible mourning, it next says, “and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying ‘Alas, alas, that great city.’”
This is the same terminology, found in verses 15 and 16 of this chapter, that was uttered by the merchants of the earth. Just as the merchants were distressed over the loss of revenue in the selling of their goods, so these people are equally affected in the same manner and for the same reason. As it next says, “in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!”
To them, there is personal loss over the city’s destruction. They had financially benefited from trade in her, and that has ended. The goods they send upon the seas will arrive at a port, and when they do, there will be no trucks heading in that direction any longer. There was once bustling trade coming in and going out of her, but that has ceased forever. Babylon the great has fallen, “For in one hour she is made desolate.”
This is similar in thought to verse 17, which said, “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” The world’s system of trade and commerce has been violently upheaved at the destruction of this great harlot, and the people who are a part of it will mourn greatly at the loss they have suffered.
Life application: In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon says – “If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he” (Ecclesiastes 6:3).
This reflects the state of those who see the destruction of Babylon. They cry out, they weep, and they wail at the loss. But it is a sadness that is actually directed inward, at their personal loss. The city’s fall means that they will no longer be able to conduct trade and commerce. Their sadness has less to do with the city or the people than it does for their own sad situation.
The shock of this enormous empire falling in such a short time has them beside themselves with grief. But this is exactly what Jesus warned about when speaking to Israel in Matthew 6:19-21 –
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The love of money and the things of the world will only bring sadness in the end. It has caused once-wealthy businessmen to dive out of high rises, sports figures to point a gun back at themselves, and lovers to devise ways of disposing of each other in hopes of obtaining what they desire. When our eyes, affections, and lusts look to the creation for satisfaction, they will only consume us in misery. But when we direct our eyes to the Creator, we will find the Source of every good blessing we could ever desire.
This is one main premise of the Bible that goes from its very first pages to its very last. Only in the Creator is found true joy and contentment. In order to help us more fully understand this, He sent Christ into the world to lead us back to Himself. It is through Him alone that this state of peace and everlasting joy can be found. Redirect your eyes away from this world and to the Christ of God, our Lord JESUS.
O God, forgive us for placing idols in our hearts and before our eyes. Help us always to direct our attention and affections to You alone, and help us to be strong in the conviction that only You can truly satisfy our deepest needs and desires. Thank You, O God, for looking out for us and filling us with blessings from Your open hand of grace. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 25, 2021 2:56:47 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:20
Thursday, June 24th, 2021
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” Revelation 18:20
With the desolation of Babylon the great complete, words of victory over her come forth, saying, “Rejoice over her, O heaven.”
The meaning is that heaven itself will rejoice over the fall of this city. Thus, there is a stark contrast between the worldly reaction over her to that of the heavenly one. The kings of the earth, the merchants of the earth, and those engaged in sea trade all mourn and lament over her. They had become enriched through their dealings with her, and all they could feel was the sadness of the loss that accompanied her fall because of it.
Heaven, however, is filled with the saints of the ages who had been persecuted and martyred by her. And more, her message has been contrary to the gospel itself, relying on works in order to be saved. But the gospel is of faith and not of works. Therefore, this enemy of the pure gospel is destroyed, and heaven will rejoice over that.
And more, it next says, “and you holy apostles and prophets.” Here, some manuscripts state “and the saints, and the apostles, and the prophets.” The difference in the Greek means either an accidental insertion or an accidental drop of a couple words probably occurred. Either way, by naming the various categories, it is a way of saying that not only will there be a general rejoicing in heaven over her, but that each category will find itself vindicated over her.
Rome’s authority killed prophets, such as John the Baptist. Rome’s authority martyred apostles. And Rome martyred innumerable saints over the centuries as well. The mixing of Christianity with the authority of Rome did not end the persecution, it just made it state-sanctioned persecution of those who rejected Rome’s view of the presentation of the faith. But all of that has come to an end. As the verse says, “for God has avenged you on her!”
The Greek could have several meanings. It literally reads, “for God has judged your judgment on (or out of) her. This could mean the judgment that she is due for the treatment of you. It could mean the judgment which is your due. It could mean the judgment that she has judged concerning you. Or, it could even mean God has taken your cause out of her authority and assumed it as his own.
Whichever is the case, God is the one to ultimately decide. As these words follow after the thought of heaven and its occupants rejoicing over her, it certainly involves the idea that her destruction is fully in accord with the plans and purposes of God, and that His plans and purposes have remembered all of His faithful who were harmed by her.
Life application: Quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, Paul says in Romans 12:19, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” After saying this, he then quotes Proverbs 25:21–
“Therefore,
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’”
This is the calling of the believer because God would rather have a lost soul turn to Him than for him to continue on in his wayward life and be eternally separated from Him. Once a believer is saved, nothing can separate him from an eternity in God’s presence. Therefore, we are to consider our own lives as less important than others and be willing to expend ourselves even for our enemies.
At the same time though, there is the human weakness of wanting immediate justice for offenses against us. God asks us to put those on hold because all wrongs will be righted, and all offenses will be repaid. Babylon the great, the one who has oppressed God’s people all along, will receive her punishment in full.
At that time, the heavens, the apostles, and the prophets will rejoice because of what will come upon her. The vengeance we are now asked to restrain ourselves from will be realized. God will personally ensure that the destruction this great harlot is set for will come about. All wrongs will be avenged, and all offenses will be repaid.
Until that day, it is our job to share the gospel. As hard as it is to share it with some people, this is what we should always strive to do. Our Lord hung on a cross for man’s reconciliation to God. Therefore, let us speak about this great deed. Let us tell the world about JESUS!
Lord God Almighty, when we face hardships, slanders, and personal offense by those who are enemies of Your truth, it sure is hard to not take revenge on them. In our natural selves, it is just not normal to turn around and offer them a blessing. So, Lord, please stir up our spirits to do as You have asked and give us the strength to follow through with it. Thank You and amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 26, 2021 1:00:26 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:21
Friday, June 25th, 2021
Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. Revelation 18:21
With the description of the mourning of those on the earth and the rejoicing of those in heaven complete, a description of what the words “one hour” noted in verses 18:10, 18:17, and 18:19 is now given. That term was repeated to show that the destruction of Babylon would be quick. Now, showing how violently it will occur, and beginning with, “Then a mighty angel.”
The Greek reads, “one mighty angel.” Because of the wording, it is may not the same as the one mentioned in verse 18:1. Words comparable to Revelation 18:21-24 are found in Jeremiah 25:8-11, and those words are spoken by the Lord. Therefore, this is at least an angel appointed by the Lord for this particular time, or it could be another revelation of Christ Himself.
Either way, it says this angel “took up a stone like a great millstone.” A stone like a millstone signifies one round and very heavy. They were about two feet in diameter and about twelve inches thick. There were two of them. The bottom would not move. The top one would be turned by a handle or crank affixed to it. Two people would sit opposite one another. The first took the handle and turned it halfway. Then the other person would grab it and turn it the other half of the way.
The meaning of “like a millstone” can only be speculated on, but being round, it could signify an asteroid or a nuclear weapon. Whatever it is, it will be something that will catastrophically wipe out the entire city. The words next say, “and threw it into the sea.” This would be for effect. Throwing a heavy, circular-shaped stone into the sea would cause the water to splash up in all directions, just as the land would be heaved up in all directions when a large asteroid or nuke lands on it.
With this demonstration of destruction, the angel is “saying, ‘Thus with violence.’” In this, a word found only here in Scripture is used, horméma. It signifies “a rushing on,” or “impulse.” There will be a great and sudden impulse that overflows the city. It is possible that it is an advancing army, but they would have to come through exceedingly quickly and with extreme violence. Whatever is the cause of the ruin, the final words of the verse explain the complete nature of her destruction, saying, “the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.”
Babylon will come to a complete and permanent end. The words of this verse were prophetically anticipated through the words of Jeremiah –
“Now it shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you shall tie a stone to it and throw it out into the Euphrates. 64 Then you shall say, ‘Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary.’” Jeremiah 51:63, 64
What happened to ancient Babylon was a type of what is coming upon Babylon the great. Whether this is Rome or not, but which seems exceedingly likely, this great city will be completely wiped out. There will be absolute ruin of it, and it will remain desolate as a witness to her complete apostasy for all ages.
Life application: In Daniel 2, we read the account of a dream the king of Babylon had concerning a giant statue made of different materials. Here is a portion of that–
“This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:31-35
Daniel went on to explain that this statue represented a series of world empires – Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each of these was directly involved in the affairs of the Jewish people and controlled the land of Israel. Yes, other world powers have come and gone, but it is these that are the focus of the prophetic events.
Understanding the symbolism of this vision, and others in Daniel, it appears to confirm that the Rome which was will also be again. In other words, the Roman Empire is being reconstructed in the end times and will have a major bearing on the nation of Israel during the tribulation period. It is where the antichrist will come from. However, further down in the Daniel 2 account, we read –
“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44
“Those kings” is referring to the same 10 kings mentioned already in Revelation (note that human feet have 10 toes which correspond to the 10 kings). The symbolism in this verse, which was of a millstone being cast into the sea, corresponds to the striking of Daniel’s image on the feet. It is a violent and sudden destruction of this line of power that reaches back through the ages.
This did not occur in the past as preterists claim. Rather, the Roman Empire simply faded away from the world scene. But its underlying control and power remain in a latent form. It is coming together again, even before our eyes as the nations of Europe struggle to form a unit that will work for them. So far, the EU has not worked out well, and it will be refined until it matches the prophecies of Scripture. As this occurs, the world is rushing headlong into its final hour.
The scene of the millstone must have been marvelous to John’s eyes, and he certainly stood in awe at the splendor of how Babylon the great will meet its final moment.
Human history has been marching along, and the wickedness of false religion – mixed with world power – has been great and will grow even greater in the end times. But the kingdom of our Lord and Savior is far, far greater. Soon it will come in all its splendor, and He will sit on His throne in glory. The Old Testament prophets speak in detail about that coming kingdom and what it will be like. It will be a time of awe and wonder on earth. It is coming soon to a Millennial Kingdom near you, and the center of its focus will be JESUS!
O Lord Jesus! How great it will be to see You exalted among the nations and to know that only the glory of Your kingdom will be acknowledged. Babylon will be gone forever and ever – never to be remembered again. But You, O Christ, will reign in glory and in the majesty of Your throne. How our hearts long for that day! Hallelujah and Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 27, 2021 23:54:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:22
Saturday, June 26th, 2021
The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. Revelation 18:22
The mighty angel just cast a stone, like a great millstone, into the sea and proclaimed the sure and sudden destruction of Babylon. With that, a list of what that means begins. It is not unlike a similar list found in Ezekiel 26 when referring to Tyre. His words begin with, “The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore.”
The word kitharódos, or harpists, is only found twice in the Bible. The first was in verse 14:2, and now this is its last use. It comes from two words signifying a harp and a singer. Thus, it is one who plays and sings to the music he plays. The word translated as harp is kithara. It is the root of our modern-day guitar.
The word translated as “musicians” is mousikos. It is someone skilled in music. The word is found only here in Scripture. It is from the same root as the word mousa, or “a muse.” One can see the root of our modern-day “music.”
The “flutists” are seen only in Matthew 9:23 and here. It signifies a flute player.
The word translated as “trumpeters” is also found only in this verse. It signifies a trumpet player.
Taken together, the list is intended to mean that there will never be music again in this city. Her ruin is complete, and the things which were pleasing to the ears, mind, and soul are taken away. The city of fun and ease will be a city of ruin.
Next, it says, “No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore.” The word is from the Greek technités. One can see the root of our modern “technician.” It signifies an artisan, a builder, a craftsman, and so on. One could think of our modern-day carpenters, plumbers, electricians, air-condition workers, and so on. Whoever provides skills that complement the ability to build or maintain an infrastructure is probably included in this thought.
Finally, the verse ends with, “and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.” In Jeremiah 25:10, it says –
“Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.”
This is probably the same thought here. The idea of the sound of a millstone is one of joy and happiness as the millers work together, passing the handle of the mill back and forth, sing, and rejoice in the product that comes forth from their efforts. The idea then is that of happy, productive labor. This will be forever removed from Babylon.
Life application: Verses 22 and 23 further describe the losses in Babylon, but there is a difference between these two verses and the preceding ones which started in verse 18:11. The earlier verses spoke about the materials and commodities which were sold, but these speak about the people who make and use those commodities. Not only are all of the riches of Babylon gone, but so are the people.
The sweet sounds of the royal palace, the exciting evenings at the opera house, the outdoor concerts of rock and roll – they are all gone from Babylon forever. Even the radio stations and internet channels have gone silent. The only sound is that of ruin.
In addition to the melodies of the musicians, the sound of craftsmen plying their trade is gone. There will be no more beats of the hammer. The tempo of industry is silenced. The potter’s wheel and the tools of the sheet-metal workers have stopped their own melodious strains, never to be heard again. Industry is gone, and the life-sounds that have accompanied them are gone too.
All of it is all gone because of the wickedness of the people. Such a great and vast system has come to ruin in a moment. People were living their lives, eating, working, and listening to music when it all suddenly ended. Such was the state of Sodom and Gomorrah, and so will be the state of Babylon the great. When God determines an end to Babylon, it will be sudden and complete.
Unlike those who lived for this life only, Hebrews speaks of those who live by faith –
“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16
What is your hope? If it is something in this life, it is temporary, perishing, and futile. But if it is in what God has promised for those who wait for Him, a better and eternal city lies ahead. The door is open for those who come to Him as He has determined. The way is made available to lead us there. It is through God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. It is through JESUS.
How pleasant are the sounds of life, O Lord. You walked among us and listened to the sounds of workmen, You smelled the wood as it was cut and the bread as it was baked. You know how our minds are filled with joy from these things. But You are right in removing them when they become our idols. Help us to remember that all things came from You, and to You alone belongs our worship and our thanks. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 27, 2021 23:58:27 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:23
Sunday, June 27th, 2021
The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. Revelation 18:23
The state of fallen Babylon continues to be described by the mighty angel. The great harlot, the city of apostasy and wickedness, has seen her end. As such, the angel next says, “The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore.”
There will be enduring darkness in her. In the modern world, almost everything is lighted by electricity. Even the most remote villages have it for an hour or two a day. Not only will that not be the case, but even lamps fed by oil (as the Greek word means) will not be found there. The contrast to the Light of the World, Christ, is made evident. She rejected Him, and now she finds only darkness.
Next, it says, “and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.” The words are reflective of the words of Jeremiah, but – surprisingly – they refer to Judah when it was to be destroyed by Babylon –
“Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.” Jeremiah 25:10
The difference, however, is that the next verse in Jeremiah says that this would continue for seventy years. The state of Babylon the great will be forever. Never again will the happy sounds of the bridegroom and the bride be heard again. And the explanation for this starts with the angel, saying, “For your merchants were the great men of the earth.”
The sentiment is similar to that given concerning Tyre in Ezekiel 27. The great and noblemen of the earth were those who traded with Babylon. Now, with their trade ended, there will never again be a reason to return to what once was. Babylon will stand desolate and ruined because of her actions. As the angel then states, “for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.”
The Greek more appropriately reads, “for in your sorcery.” Rome, and the place where the Vatican stands, could not be better described than this. Their teachings and doctrines are like a drug-induced spell upon the people.
Roman Catholics around the world reject Scripture when it conflicts with church dogma. They are seduced into harlotries with prayers to Mary and the saints instead of to God through Jesus – the one appointed Mediator between God and man. They constantly mix profane doctrines into the faith. On and on it goes. No opium den on earth could be more effective at stealing away the minds of people than the aberrant doctrines found there.
And more directly, the scope of her heretical teaching flows out to almost all nations on the earth, perfectly describing the state and level of her deceptions.
Life application: Babylon’s very mode and method of continuation is ended. And why? Because the great of the earth whom she deals with are the “movers and shakers” who are perceived to have control of everything they touch. They are the tycoons, the behind-the-scenes controllers of trade, commerce, communications, and so on. And their ways have been cunning and devious.
It is evident that this includes a host of troubling sins such as magic arts like astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, palm readings, and even false religious rites. Black magic, Santeria, numerology, occult practices, idolatry, spiritualism, and so on. They can all be included in this. Any type of religious conduct which isn’t in accord with what the Lord has designated can be added to the list.
Further, the word certainly must be considered to include the use of drugs. Opiates, narcotics, and so forth, that produce altered states of mind are a part of their merchandise, and they are exported to the people of the world. This deceives the people into believing in the lie of escape from reality.
Drug use is actually a way of having people lose contact with their Creator. It causes them to focus inward and towards selfish fulfillment of addictive desires. The connection between various mafia-related organizations that deal in such things to the RCC has long been noted.
These drugs are also used when mingled with spiritual practices. In this sense, they not only deprive people of a relationship with the Creator, but they drive people into adulterous religious avenues. As you can see, the sins of Babylon are many and the punishment for them is complete and final.
For those who are willing to step away from the false religious expressions and practices and come to Christ, they will find true grace and life in a biblically established relationship with God. That relationship is based on adherence to Scripture as the rule and guide of the faith, and Scripture is what tells us of God’s offer of peace and right relationship with Him. It tells us of JESUS.
Jesus, You have released us from our lives of sin and addiction, and we ask that you continue to hold us safe in Your arms, keeping us from returning there. Please use us to lead others away from these things and toward you as well. Without You, our lives are like small ships tossed about on great waters of turmoil. Be with us and guide us, O Christ. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 29, 2021 0:32:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:24
Monday, June 28th, 2021
And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Revelation 18:24
Chapter 18 closes out with more reasons why Babylon will face destruction. In verses 18:2 & 3, we read these reasons for her destruction –
She has become:
a dwelling place of demons
a prison for every foul spirit
a cage for every unclean and hated bird
Also:
all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication
the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her
the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury
That list is now rounded out beginning with, “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints.” A logical question to ask would be, “Is this referring only to the time during the tribulation, or is it referring to a succession of bloody events throughout history.” The answer is probably the latter.
The tribulation period is simply a reason for judgment on the world that was already deserved. As for Babylon the great, if indeed it is Rome (as is suggested here), this is not only a certain truth, it is one that has permeated her history.
Prophets, meaning those who speak forth the word of God, and saints, meaning those who have believed the gospel of Jesus Christ, have been slaughtered by Rome since the beginning of the church. She has been drunk with the blood of these faithful while she has sat in splendid luxury.
Along with these, the verse finishes with, “and of all who were slain on the earth.” As often occurs in the Bible, not every “every” means “every,” and not each instant of “all” means “all.” The words are used in the superlative sense to show that the very nature of the thing being described demonstrates great abundance.
In this case, the amount of blood that has been shed by Babylon the great has been so copious that it is as if everyone ever slain is included in her murders. The same thought is given by Jesus when He spoke to the leaders of Israel –
“Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.” Matthew 23:34-36
Abel came long before the establishment of Israel, but the conduct of the leaders of Israel was such that the guilt of the blood of Abel could be said to have been heaped upon them. Such is the case with Rome. The list of her martyrs was great, and it will only become greater during the tribulation period. Therefore, the guilt is so great that all who were ever slain appear to lay in her streets.
Life application: The name Babylon comes from the word Babel which means “confusion.” Therefore, the idea is that the death of these righteous people comes from the confusion of what is right and proper. The confused thinking of the world finds its home in Babylon.
Babylon the great is a system of unrighteousness, false religion, unclear thinking, and confusion about God. It inevitably leads to the martyrdom of those who hold fast to God’s word and the truth that there is one way to God and only one.
And more, that path is found in the grace of God and not in works by man – as if man can earn his way back to God. Babylon the great rejected this path long ago, and when it joins together in the end times with all of the other world religions, there will be only a state of complete apostasy from the truth in that body. Those who hold to the message of God in Christ will face martyrdom for their faith.
God has provided the way, He has done the work, and the offer of peace is made. It is a simple offer of grace that is to be received by faith. Come to the cross of Christ. Come to JESUS.
O God, we have rejected Your truth since the very beginning. Our first father, Adam, rejected it and we came under the penalty of sin and death. Cain rejected it, and killed his brother. Throughout the ages, we have turned our backs to You. And yet You sent us Jesus to lead us back to You and to forgive us. Thank You, O God, Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 30, 2021 0:33:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 19:1
Tuesday, June 29th, 2021
After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! Revelation 19:1
Different source texts will read a little differently here –
And after these things I heard a great voice of a great multitude in the heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! the salvation, and the glory, and the honour, and the power, is to the Lord our God; YLT
After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; NASB 1995
With the variations, the verse can now be analyzed. The words, “After these things,” introduce a new train of thought into the narrative as has been seen elsewhere. In this case, the destruction of Babylon the great has just been noted, now a great rejoicing in the victory of the Lord over her comes into the narrative. As John says, “I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven.”
The vision starts with hearing, “a great voice, like voice of a multitude in heaven,” not with a single voice. The answer to who these are is found in the previous chapter, verse 20 –
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”
It is the sound of the many worshipers there before the throne in heaven as they raise their voices in praise, “saying, Alleluia!”
This is the Greek form of the Hebrew words Hallelujah. That comes from the words halal, or praise (literally to shine), and Yah, a shortened form of the divine name Yehovah. This is the first of four times the word will be used in the New Testament. All four uses will be in this chapter of Revelation. The multitude are together praising the self-existent Creator God, the I AM THAT I AM of Exodus 3:14, and who is then proclaimed throughout the Old Testament.
“Hallelujah” is the phrase that today most closely unites believers from all over the world. Anywhere that the true God is proclaimed, a few words from Hebrew are almost universally understood. Chief among them are “Hallelujah” and “Amen.” These two words, in particular, seem to transfer to all languages on earth, and they will unite all souls in heaven’s praise as well.
Next, it says, “Salvation and glory and honor and power.”
Salvation – the Greek word is sótéria. It is that which is brought to the people through the workings of God in Christ. For example, Paul says –
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Glory – it is the Greek word doxa. When ascribed to God, it conveys the thought of His infinite and intrinsic worth.
Honor – In Greek, the word is timé. It speaks of that which has value in the eyes of the beholder. Thus, in the case of God, it is that which is of infinite value that is being ascribed to Him.
Power – The Greek word is dunamis. It speaks of the ability to perform. When speaking of the power of God, it signifies His infinite ability to work out His plans effectively. There is nothing that He sets forth to accomplish that He will also not perform.
Each of these attributes is then said to “belong to the Lord our God!” They are His possession in their fullest sense, and thus it is acknowledged as such by His creatures. His redemptive plans were spoken forth, and He has brought them to pass because of His ability to do so.
Life application: The heavenly congregation was told in the previous chapter to rejoice at the fall of Babylon and now they do so in a resounding cry of exultation. But who is the Lord God that they are praising? A clue is found in Jesus’ words of Luke.
The word “salvation” in the Old Testament is quite often translated from the word yeshuah. This is the Hebrew name of Jesus, or Yeshua. Throughout the Bible, hints of His coming are given in the Old Testament and puns or plays on His name are given in the New. A good example of one such pun is from Jesus’ own mouth –
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:9
“Salvation” came to the house of Zacchaeus, both in the spiritual sense, but it also came in the literal sense when Jesus (Yeshua/salvation) came to dine with him.
Along with “salvation” the people also proclaim that “glory,” “honor,” and “power” belong to the Lord God. Each of these descriptions is used both of the Lord (Yehovah) in the Old Testament and to Jesus in the New. In fact, in Isaiah, the Lord says that He would not give His glory to another. The New Testament descriptions of Jesus’ glory are then confirmations of His deity.
The Lord has revealed Himself to mankind clearly and without confusion. He is the image of the invisible God, and in Him dwells all of the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Alleluia! He is JESUS!
How wonderful it is to know that we have You, O Lord Jesus, to reveal to us the love and greatness of Your Father. You have bridged the gap between the finite and the infinite so that we can now have a Mediator who both understands our weaknesses and who also is able to petition for us to our Heavenly Father. What a great and splendid Lord You are. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 1, 2021 1:00:52 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 19:2
Wednesday, June 30th, 2021
For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Revelation 19:2
The loud voice of the great multitude in heaven that began to cry out praise to God in the previous verse now continues with the words, “For true and righteous are His judgments.” The word translated as “true” has already been seen five times in Revelation. It is an adjective that connects what is true with its source of origin. It is thus that which is genuine.
The word translated as “righteous” speaks of that which conforms to God’s own being. As these describe His judgments, it means that they are made in connection with His character and nature. What has been determined by Him is in perfect accord with who He is. Of His judgments, they next cry out, “because He has judged the great harlot.”
This takes the reader back to Chapter 17 –
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’” Revelation 17:1, 2
From there, Chapters 17 and 18 detailed the state of Babylon the great, exposing her wickedness, and then detailing the Lord’s judgments upon her. These came in complete accord with His perfect and holy nature. She reaped what was deserving because it was she “who corrupted the earth with her fornication.”
The word translated as “corrupted” is in the imperfect tense (literally “was corrupting”) demonstrating the continuous nature of her fornication. Through her actions, the earth was continuously being corrupted.
One can think of the false teaching of Roman Catholicism. Instead of sharing the gospel, which is by grace through faith, she is teaching a false works-based gospel. Instead of revealing Christ to the world, she is consolidating power and setting forth agendas. In her actions, there is only a corrupting influence, hidden behind the guise of religion. The corrupting nature of Babylon the great brought only corruption, “and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.”
These words demonstrate that, above all, the judgment against her is because of the great blood guilt she bears. She has been behind the death of innumerable martyrs through “holy wars,” inquisitions, neglect of the gospel to those who should have heard it, and on and on. In Revelation, one can see that idolatry and persecutions stand as her most eminent traits as her influence has spread out and corrupted the earth.
The words of this verse witness against Babylon the great, but they also are a fulfillment of the promise made to the martyrs recorded in Chapter 6 –
“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.” Revelation 6:9-11
The Lord is the Avenger of Blood of those who were slain by this harlot, and He acted to right the wrongs done against them. Of note is that the Hebrew word for “kinsman redeemer” and for “avenger of blood” is the same, goel. In other words, Jesus Christ is both our Redeemer and our Avenger.
As such, His judgments are both true and righteous. His judgment of Babylon is the obvious outcome for her because of her violations against His redeemed. She was judged in righteousness and her judgment is both complete and final.
Life application: God’s nature is seen in many more moral virtues, love, holiness, righteousness, truth, and so on. Love is one of them, but to proclaim the love of God only, without proclaiming His other moral qualities, is to proclaim a heretical view of His nature. It is like denying the Trinity because God’s nature must be considered in its fullness, or one has created a god in his own mind and to fit his own desires.
This verse proclaims two of his moral virtues – righteousness and justice. As these express His very nature, it means that judgment for wrongdoing must come from Him. He cannot arbitrarily overlook offenses. All must be met and judged according to His perfect nature.
As there are many chapters between the saints call for their blood to be avenged, and the actual record of that having been done, we can understand other aspects of God’s nature. He is orderly because He has a predetermined concept of when His justice and righteousness will be displayed. He is patient, not wanting any to perish, but to come to a saving knowledge of His work through Jesus. He is merciful, not taking vengeance immediately on the sins committed by the people of the world. In fact, if He did, no person would be alive because we are all fallen, and we would all be destroyed immediately. He is also holy, full of grace, and truthful. Each of these qualities is revealed in the pages of Scripture.
God is great, and so it is of the utmost importance that we do not lose sight of any of His moral virtues or attempt to place one above the others. They are a part of His very nature. To skew His nature can only lead others to a false understanding of Him. As you read the Bible, think on how God’s nature is revealed in His actions and in how those actions are presented. In this, you will get a much fuller sense of what God is truly like. When you get this better grasp of Him, you can then more fully appreciate the incarnation. God’s expression of Himself through the incarnation gives us the fullest sense of who He is. What you understand concerning God is perfectly revealed in our Lord, JESUS.
Lord God, You have given us a detailed and accurate revelation of Yourself in the pages of the Bible. Help us to contemplate who You are, what You are like, and to then always act in accord with what we see recorded there. Help us to be faithful followers of You. May we emulate our Lord Jesus who is the full expression of who You are. Thank You for our Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 2, 2021 1:17:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 19:3
Thursday, July 1st, 2021
Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” Revelation 19:3
The rejoicing over Babylon the great continues now with the words, “Again they said.” The Greek reads, “And a second time they said.” There is specificity to the word because what is said is forming a pattern that will be explained in a minute. For now, what they said is, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever.” The Greek reads “to the ages of the ages.”
The rejoicing over Babylon is great as her burning reaches skyward. It is as if her destruction is an offering before the Lord as the billows rise. The thought of smoke rising in this manner takes the reader back to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah –
“And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace. 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt.” Genesis 19:27-29
Concerning these “Alleluias,” they are forming a pattern that corresponds to the four expressions of deliverance promised by God in Exodus 6:6, 7 which state –
“Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”
These two verses, given by God to His people form the basis of the works of Jesus in redemptive history and which culminate in the joyous expressions found in Revelation 19. Though not found in Scripture, it is worthy of note that during the Passover ceremony, the people of Israel have four cups of wine present during the rite. The first cup is the Kiddush (meaning “sanctification”). It accompanies the thought “I will bring out.” Thus, it is the cup of salvation.
It was prefigured in the “taking out of the people from Egypt,” but it is realized in the act of removing from God’s people Babylon the great, the system of false religion, and into the kingdom of Christ. Thus, believers are “sanctified” in the presence of a holy God. When the first “Alleluia” was given, along with it the great multitude proclaimed, “Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!”
The first cup is realized in the salvation and thus “sanctification” of the people as they are removed from the penalty of sin.
Now, we see the second “Alleluia.” This corresponds with the second cup of the Passover, the Maggid (meaning “preacher”). It accompanies the thought “I will deliver.” Thus, it is the cup of deliverance.
This was prefigured by the “delivery from Egyptian slavery,” but it is realized in the deliverance from slavery to sin and the oppression of Babylon the great. When this “Alleluia” is given, the great multitude proclaims, “Her smoke rises forever and ever.” Just as the Egyptians were destroyed and unable to recapture the Israelites, Babylon the great is destroyed and will never again be able to harm God’s people – her smoke rises forever and ever.
The second cup is realized in the delivery of the people from the power of sin.
There are two more cups that come during the Passover ceremony, and they continue to prefigure the heavenly chorus as the people of God move closer to their ultimate state in His presence.
Life application: The Bible is a marvelous book, filled with patterns and typology. And it is all centered on the Person and work of the Messiah. Be sure to read it daily, contemplate it always, and let it fill your heart and soul with the hope that it provides to man. The restoration of all things is coming, and it is the Bible that gives us the grand plan in how that is being worked out.
God is doing a great thing for His children. To become one of them, call out for God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. Call out for JESUS.
Thank You Lord for the surety that we are not waiting on the coming of the Messiah, but on the second coming of the Messiah! We have in Jesus complete freedom from the penalty of sin. We can grow in holiness because the power of sin has been removed from us. How we long for the day when we are removed from the presence of sin as well! Yes, how we look forward to that day! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 3, 2021 0:15:40 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 19:4
Friday, July 2nd, 2021
And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Revelation 19:4
The praises to the Lord God are seen to continue in this verse. In the previous three verses, it mentioned the great multitude in heaven. Now, it says, “And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures.”
These twenty-four elders and the four living creatures mentioned first in chapter 4 are brought back into focus one last time. As in verses such as 5:8, when there is an exclamation of the Lord’s glory, it says they, “fell down and worshiped God.”
This is an act of praising God who accomplished the victory and He alone is ultimately to receive the credit for what has occurred in the destruction of Babylon the great.
The word is written in advance to show His intent and purpose for that to come about, regardless as to the way in which it happens (meaning an invading army, a nuclear blast, a naturally occurring catastrophe, or so on). Ultimately, the judgment on the harlot is of God, and He is to be worshiped for it. Of God, however, it says, “who sat on the throne.”
This then is referring to Jesus. It says in Hebrews 12 –
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1, 2
The “right hand of the throne of God” means the position of authority and power. It is not a physical location, but rather a designation. Further, God is Spirit and therefore doesn’t have parts. The Bible tells us that no man has seen God at any time (1 John 4:12), it also says that no man has seen nor can see God (1 Timothy 6:16).
Even Moses could only see the Lord’s glory as it passed by Him. He had to stand in the cleft of a rock, and that rock is Jesus. We can only see God’s glory if we are hidden in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, this verse in Revelation is referring to the Person of Jesus. He is the image of the invisible God according to the book of Colossians and He is the one who reveals the unseen Father to us. He is the God/Man. Therefore, the praise is directed to Him, “saying, ‘Amen! Alleluia!’”
The words speak of surety and praise. “Amen” can be paraphrased as “So let it be.” “Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord.” It is Jesus who is the Amen and to Him our praises are to be directed. The heavenly scene before John confirms this to us, setting the pattern for our own worship and praise.
For now, when the elders and living creatures fall down in worship, they first exclaim “Amen!” This is in response to the statements which come in combination to the first two “Alleluias.” Their proclamation of “Amen” is meant to emphatically confirm what has been said. This then is a resounding approval of the cries of the great multitude.
After this word of confirmation, the third “Alleluia” is uttered. This corresponds to the third cup of the Passover ceremony – the Birkat Hamazon (Grace after meals). It accompanies the thought “I will redeem.” Thus, it is the cup of redemption. Redemption is the act of re-purchasing something that was sold. Man was sold to sin through the disobedience of Adam. But God, through Jesus Christ, has redeemed man from that fallen state.
This was prefigured by God’s redemptive act on Israel when they were brought through the waters of the Red Sea, but it is realized in its fullness in the act of removing the saved believer from Babylon the great – redeeming them to God. Thus, the penalty of sin has been paid and man stands justified before God because of Jesus.
The third cup is realized in the delivery of the people from the problem of sin. As the smoke of Babylon rises forever and ever, so the greatness of the work of the Lord rises even higher.
Life application: At times, we hear people complain about God being unfair for letting little children die, for allowing cancer to take a spouse, or for some other reason that affects someone personally. But the fact is that we got ourselves into the mess that we are in. God owes us nothing. On the other hand, God has given of Himself to bring us out of this fallen state, and to restore us to Himself.
To blame God for the tragedies of the world is a foolish and selfish way of looking at our situation. When we realize that God has set forth the plan, seen it through, and will continue to see it through until restoration is realized, how can we do anything but praise Him. It is through His mighty work that man is redeemed from his fallen state. Hallelujah! Thank God for what He has done for us! Thank the Lord for JESUS!
Lord God, it is wonderful to look back on the Exodus account and see that all the things You did for Israel only prefigured what You would do for all of humanity. The state of sin which had us in bondage is removed from us when we call on Jesus. Someday we will be even free from its presence when we dwell in Your presence forever! Hallelujah and Amen!
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