March 1Reading Plan

March 1

Revelation 17-18

 

In today’s reading, John sees Babylon and begins to talk about her as a prostitute who is dressed like a royal queen. She has find garments on with jewels and precious stones. And she is riding on the beast. 

 

Now John’s readers, who are in the middle of great persecution, would have listened to his description of Babylon and recognized multiple things that represent other nations, both old and new. By describing these kings that once were, now is not, and yet will come, John is showing them that the same desecration that has been happening throughout history, is still happening. 

 

This isn’t about a single nation that is leading people astray, this is about a kingdom of darkness that is constantly trying to take over the people of God. Yet John is telling the church that it won’t always be this way. 

 

This is not a prophecy about the destruction of a specific nation, but about the destruction of the kingdom of darkness that is trying to silence the people of God. 

 

Here is the hard thing, and yet the good thing all at once. We know the ending of the story. And in the end, God wins! The darkness is finally defeated. 

 

Until then, we hold on tight. 

 

Come back tomorrow as we finish the book of Revelation. We will tie this all together as we conclude Johns words. 

 

Until then, think about this. . . . 

 

God’s patience is seen yet again. He is waiting for even Babylon - or the spirit of darkness - to change. Yet he won’t allow his people to suffer forever. So there is an end. 

 

One day we will be restored back to our original makeup that is able to be close with God. 

 

Until then, We stay focused, one day at a time, focusing on our Lord. Find time today to sit and focus on God. Let him speak to you and draw you into his safety.