So it’s six weeks into this series of posts and I still haven’t shared several things about Revelation. For example: what my view of the millennium is, who Babylon the Great might be, the meaning of the mark of the beast, or if the locusts in chapter eight are actually helicopters….and….I won’t in this post either. Apologies!
What I do want to do in this post is continue to share how God has used previously perplexing passages to teach and comfort me. I want to encourage you to keep reading, listening to, memorizing and meditating on every single verse in the Bible. It’s all God-breathed. It’s all profitable. And if you have the duty and privilege of teaching it to others, resist the temptation to skip over a chapter or a series of verses. Dig in. Ask Him for wisdom. Seek out sermons and insights from other believers and teachers. May He continue to teach us and nourish us with Word of truth.
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:31-32
Like I said, I won’t be sharing (and don’t actually really have) a firm opinion on who Babylon the great is or could be. My favorite response to those tough questions comes from my BSF lecture leader Kathy. “Lots of people say different things about this. So who’s right? Well, God’s right.” He is indeed!
At first as I memorized and began to review Revelation 18 it mostly felt bizarre, harsh, not relevant, and hard to say out loud. Phrases like “she has become a haunt for unclean and despicable beasts” ring strangely in my ears. So does the call in verse 20 for the saints to rejoice over her because God’s judgment has come.
And yet, as I continue to walk through my time on earth as an exile and become less and less comfortable here, the truth in this chapter comes to life. I see and read about oppression that occurred so that evil rulers can continue enjoying themselves. I witness human life being bought and sold as slavery is still existent in much of the world. People walk into the abortion clinic and money changes hands for a human life to be extinguished.
Revelation 18 doesn’t leave any doubt as to whether God sees or cares about corrupt economies and the slaughter of the weak. He will act in total justice to ensure every wrong is repaid in full.
And as always, the Word pierces right through into my days:
“Then I heard another voice from heaven: Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues.” – Revelation 18:4
Some days saying these words have helped me stop surfing Amazon so much- don’t waste time and money on stuff you don’t need, Emma. It has an expiration date, but God’s good gospel doesn’t. Invest there, Emma.
Other days it’s been the Spirit convicting me over my entertainment choices. “Hey, Emma, that TV show that portrays sexual immorality like it’s a good thing…you can’t watch that. You’re one of My people.” And I’m free to come out into His glorious and wide path! God is patient and kind. He saves all who repent. And He saves us to live in freedom. He reminds me to not even vacation in Babylon because I’m a citizen of heaven! Wow.
That’s my rambling for today. I would definitely appreciate feedback as far as if this approach to books of the Bible is helpful, how it can be better for you as a reader, things you’re learning in your own journey…comment or reach out anytime!
Be blessed!
Beneficial in Every Way 
“Do not even vacation in Babylon.” I needed that reminder!
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