Revelation promises that
the systems of the world that oppose God will someday be defeated. The people
of God are, therefore, called to flee from immorality, injustice, and
idolatry.
STUDY THE SCRIPTURE
REFLECTION
The Downfall of Sin
by Elaine Pierce
by Elaine Pierce
Babylon was one of the
largest cities in the ancient world, and it was a place of power and beauty. But
today, if you want to visit Babylon, you will see, according to Wikipedia, ’broken
mud brick buildings and debris.’ This once-proud city has long been an
archeological dig, vanquished to history.
The Old Testament has many
references to Babylon, including Psalm 137 that begins with the lament “By
the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” Babylon was
once a thriving, vital city, but her splendor and power did not last. Today’s
scripture points us to some reasons for her downfall.
“her sins are piled up to
heaven, and God has remembered her crimes” (v. 5)
“her plagues will overtake
her; death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is
the Lord God who judges her” (v. 8)
What happened to this once
proud and vibrant city? Look at the verses 1-4 in this chapter. They paint a
picture of a city that became intoxicated with its own power, and whose leaders
grew rich with excess, luxury, and prostitution. It is not a pretty picture,
and in the end, she was consumed by fire.
Even as Babylon goes into
decline, it refuses to acknowledge its sin: “In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit
as queen; I am not a widow and I will never mourn.’” (v. 7). But we know the ending,
and we know that God will judge this sin harshly.
So, how do we apply these
verses to our lives in 2020, amid a pandemic? While we are facing a
presidential election with our nation seemingly more divided than ever? With
uncertainty at every turn? Perhaps you are facing the loss of your job because
of the virus. Or, completely unrelated to Covid 19, you are struggling with a
cancer diagnosis. Or your children are starting school virtually and you are
concerned for their mental health (and yours). Or you have just retired and are
wondering what comes next. Or you are lonely and missing your pre-Covid life.
These
verses seem to be about a city and a people who are in very different
circumstances, don’t they?
But look again. The world
may seem to be moving away from God on every front. And yet, we know, dear
friends, that ultimately God will prevail. As verse 8 proclaims, “mighty is the Lord God who
judges her” So let’s leave the
judgment to the Lord, and let’s go to him with our fears and our worries,
knowing that he is in charge.
Yes, for a time we may
weep beside the rivers of Babylon, this once majestic city. But, in God’s good
timing, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed
away” (Revelation 21:4). Claim that promise today and every day. Amen, and
amen.
UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - SUNDAY
SCRIPTURES - Pray the Scriptures.
Some examples are Psalm 91:1-15 / Psalm 121:5-8 / John 14:27 / Philippians
4:6-7 / 2 Timothy 1:7
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