Kings, Merchants and Seamen Lament

In today’s reading, we see those who have benefitted from the worldly system of “Babylon” mourning at her falling. Their woes name the reasons that they turn to the world and not to God. These woes should challenge us as we read to consider the ways that we allow the comforts and temptations of the world to lead us away from God. Consider what you’ve received from “Babylon” today, and let the Spirit bring conviction if there are ways that these comforts have led you toward sin.

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REFLECTION

Here Today and Gone in an Hour

by Jessica Efird

Revelation 18 records the Fall of Babylon and the reaction by those who mourn and grieve. It is a dramatic recounting that can serve as a reminder that the things of this world are fleeting and not eternal, no matter how strong and established they appear.

But beyond reminding us of the temporal qualities of the world, the Fall of Babylon should also remind us of why we follow Jesus: He *is* eternal, unchanging and strong. He is our strong tower when all else fails us. He is our stronghold and refuge when our world has been shaken.

Applied to our current global pandemic, it is a reminder of how those who have placed their ultimate hope in our economies, systems and structures might feel shaken. Nothing is guaranteed and even the mightiest in worldly terms are not immune nor indestructible. Only the one who is on the throne and reigns forever and ever can secure our future.

I know I have had to remind myself many times throughout the last several months:  God is still on His throne and He is good…HE is my hope.

How can we ensure that our hope is in Jesus during uncertainty? Perhaps Revelation 18 is a good place to start: we can examine what breaks our heart and what it reveals about our allegiances and where we put our hope.

Applied to our situation right now (and I ask this in love and with grace): do we mourn more for the people who have been marginalized by COVID and how we can share the hope of Jesus with them; or because our favorite college football team won’t be playing this fall?  

By God’s grace, may we seek his priorities and rest on his promises.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

MONDAY - MEDICAL PERSONNEL - Pray for our doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals to have strength, wisdom, endurance, and alertness.