Read Rev 18-19
Verses chosen for reflection:
Rev 18:9-10 "And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,
“Alas! Alas! You great city,
you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come.”
Reflect
Rev 18 speaks of the fall of Babylon and is symbolic of the future fall of a world system. A world system which subscribes to economic corruption, the abuse of power and sexual immorality. The verbs used in this chapter were in the past tense, as if something had already happened. Such is the wonder of a vision given by the word of God. It is the prophesied word of God and it will come to past.
The interesting thing to note is how those who are in league with the corruption and immorality mourn for the loss of such a system. They "weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning". The shared feeling was not one of repentance but one of loss. Such a corrupted system had gotten so deep into their heart and soul, that they were tormented by the lost of evil. Sin discovered and condemned did not solicit mourning in repentance; instead, it solicited mourning that they had lost something precious.
Relate
Can man be so devoid of conscience that we mourn for the loss of evil? Can man weep for Satan when he finally fall and be destroyed for good? Apparently, the book of Revelation insisted that this is all possible. Our heart and mind can become so devoid of the consciousness of God that we can do anything to hold on to something precious but evil.
There is currently a drama series call the House of Cards. The protagonist Frank Underwood (acted by Kevin Spacey) was portrayed as a Machiavellian character who would stoop at nothing to become the President of the United States of America. Along the way, he lied, manipulated and even murdered. Yet, every time he did something evil, he would justify it to himself that all these are for the greater good or that he has no choice. The interesting twist about this series is that as the protagonist, Frank Underwood gets to interact with the audience (much like Deadpool but in a suit). He will relate to those watching the series that he is not a good man; but he will do what is necessary to fulfil his vision.
Such a drama series, is of course a scripted work. However, if we gave lived in this world long enough, we know that Frank Underwood portrayed a character not too far away from persons whom we might know. Persons whom might have hurt us. Or even some form of ourselves which we care to admit. The Book of Revelation called such evil out. That if we are not careful, we might end up worshipping a life that is so comfortable, so full of grandeur and yet sinful.
All of us are capable of what is evil or try to justify evil for the so called greater good. Yet, the kingdom of God does not entertain such a philosophy. A sin is a sin. Evil is evil. And evil will finally be destroyed once and for all. And when that happens, we will be well not to find ourselves wondering or mourning the lost of wealth, power and even relationships that are not of God. Instead, we should be rejoicing that finally, purity and righteousness shall reign for eternity.
Rest
God our Father, help us to take a good look at our lives. This Christmas, even as we celebrate with joy the coming of the Christ child; we remember that there are many who still suffer or are seduce by the cares and evils of this world. Help us Lord, to cling on to Your Son, surrender what is not of You but hold tightly on what is of eternal value. This we pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
Jason
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