Daily Bread 2011 - Revelation 18
Warning to Escape Babylon’s Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts,
‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;
I will never mourn.’
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
What Does This Mean?
Although Babylon is spoken of here figuratively, most commentators think this is relating to the Roman Empire. The first of these commands sums up what most of the book of Revelation has been about. “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in any of her sins.” This is similar to what Paul teaches to the believers in Corinth that they too need not associate in the immorality of that city.
Importantly, we see in this chapter that though it would appear if Babylon had gotten away with all of its iniquities, there will be day when their wrongdoing would be accounted for. And in this passage the judgment that accompanies this is even “doubled”! So just as the righteous things believers do to multiply God’s kingdom here on earth will one day be recognized, the snowballing effect of evil is also present. The bottom line is nothing escapes God’s eyes and this makes it even more significant, when we realize that even though God remembers everything we do, He will remember our sins no more according to the grace that is our in Christ Jesus.
What Does This Mean For Us?
There are two extremes to avoid here. One is that a person only hangs out with other Christians because they are afraid that they will we get caught up in the sins of the world. The other one is that they become so a part of the world that there is difference between their life or lifestyle and that of an unbeliever. When Israel got in trouble was when they started emulating the practices of the world, instead of sticking to God’s Word which was clear and simple and revealed to them through the Law and the Promises. I.e. The Ten Commandments
Paul says it clearly in Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you brothers and sister by the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, which is holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind; so that you might prove what the will of God is, what is good, acceptable and perfect.” As we become transformed by the grace of God, by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become the salt and light of the world! Then we can reflect God’s image and His love for all people. As we are transformed, there is less likelihood that we will be conformed to the world’s designs.
Jesus, we offer ourselves to you. We see the values that dominate our culture and how they are at odds with your values. Change us from the inside out as we read Your Word and follow Your ways by the power of the Holy Spirit who sets us apart for Your purposes here on earth! Amen.
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts,
‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;
I will never mourn.’
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
What Does This Mean?
Although Babylon is spoken of here figuratively, most commentators think this is relating to the Roman Empire. The first of these commands sums up what most of the book of Revelation has been about. “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in any of her sins.” This is similar to what Paul teaches to the believers in Corinth that they too need not associate in the immorality of that city.
Importantly, we see in this chapter that though it would appear if Babylon had gotten away with all of its iniquities, there will be day when their wrongdoing would be accounted for. And in this passage the judgment that accompanies this is even “doubled”! So just as the righteous things believers do to multiply God’s kingdom here on earth will one day be recognized, the snowballing effect of evil is also present. The bottom line is nothing escapes God’s eyes and this makes it even more significant, when we realize that even though God remembers everything we do, He will remember our sins no more according to the grace that is our in Christ Jesus.
What Does This Mean For Us?
There are two extremes to avoid here. One is that a person only hangs out with other Christians because they are afraid that they will we get caught up in the sins of the world. The other one is that they become so a part of the world that there is difference between their life or lifestyle and that of an unbeliever. When Israel got in trouble was when they started emulating the practices of the world, instead of sticking to God’s Word which was clear and simple and revealed to them through the Law and the Promises. I.e. The Ten Commandments
Paul says it clearly in Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you brothers and sister by the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, which is holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind; so that you might prove what the will of God is, what is good, acceptable and perfect.” As we become transformed by the grace of God, by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become the salt and light of the world! Then we can reflect God’s image and His love for all people. As we are transformed, there is less likelihood that we will be conformed to the world’s designs.
Jesus, we offer ourselves to you. We see the values that dominate our culture and how they are at odds with your values. Change us from the inside out as we read Your Word and follow Your ways by the power of the Holy Spirit who sets us apart for Your purposes here on earth! Amen.
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