Revelation 18 - Godly Character - One Day at a Time
God’s character does not change. He always has and always will oppose the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). You are made in the image of God. Be open-minded to growth, correction, rebuke, and discipline from the mighty hand of God. For through endurance and wisdom God produces godly character in His children.
We read in Revelation that the fall of the great city was because of her immorality (18:3). In Revelation 11:8 we read that “and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.” Jerusalem is that ‘great city’ symbolizing the ancient city of Babylon, which God likewise judged for her pride and immorality over five hundred years earlier. In Revelation 18 God’s people (Christians) are told to get away from her and to “not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her” (18:4). Solid advice that I know God is speaking to me.
Ancient Jerusalem acquired incredible wealth. She was a lending and trading hub. But in “her streets flowed the blood of the prophets and of God’s holy people and the blood of the people slaughtered all over the world” (18:24). Jesus judged apostate Jerusalem just as He said He would. Jesus said, “I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit” (Matthew 21:43). Likewise Jesus said, “Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. But you will kill some by crucifixion, and you will flog others with whips in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city. As a result, you will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time—from the murder of righteous Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you killed in the Temple between the sanctuary and the altar. I tell you the truth, this judgment will fall on this very generation” (Matthew 23:34-36).
God providentially decreed and orchestrated the destruction of Jerusalem. It was the same day of the year that the first temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians (586 BC). On August 30, 70 AD Jerusalem and the second temple were burned to the ground by the Roman army under the command of Vespasian and his son, Titus. Jesus’ improbable prophecy (Matthew 24:1-2) about the temple being completely destroyed with not one stone left on the other was fulfilled.
My friends just as the first-century church was warned and encouraged by John’s vision we too shall rejoice in God’s grace, justice, and goodness. But we shall also pay close attention to God’s warning. For just as God started the Book of Revelation off with a warning of accountability and the need for fidelity to Christ with His message to the seven churches, such message is essential for believers every day until Christ’s return (Luke 12:40 - be ready all the time).
We can’t fool God. The word of God sees right through us - God knows our behavior. He knows our thoughts and attitudes (Hebrews 4:12-13 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17). It’s humbling to think how slow a learner I am. But God is forgiving and full of grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we receive a rightful kick in the ass. We need it. We need God now more than ever.
As we consider God’s judgment on ancient Jerusalem this morning be reminded of God’s character - His standards of righteousness and His grace. Don’t think you are something you are not. Remember what Jesus teaches, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye” (Matthew 7:3-5). There but for the grace of God go I.
Today is as good a day as any to recommit to godly living. Say with me, “I repent of my sins and am ashamed of them. I ask God for forgiveness. I want to grow in godliness. And I recognize what is causing me to sin - and I’ll plainly say it is not for me. What is for me is growing in godliness. I know God’s warnings are for a reason. And I trust Jesus to help me up with His strong hands. For He is my Savior and my loving King. I will set my heart to study God’s word - and to do what it says. I know that if I don’t, I’ll grow in worldliness, pride, arrogance, sickness, and despair. But with Jesus, we have the good life, fellowship with believers, and genuine community. Not only do I want to grow in godliness and in the Way of Jesus, but I want to teach God’s way to others. As Jesus commanded I want to faithfully make disciples. I want to manage my own household well and be the husband and dad that Jesus wants me to be. I trust that God is preserving my soul for heaven. And I know the responsibility He asks and expects of me.”
May God renew us today as we offer Him our prayers. May the Gospel spread rapidly today as we love and serve others. Amen.
Comments