SCRIPTURE: Revelation 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” [Revelation 18:20]
Babylon is a symbolic name for an oppressive, invading government – Europeans would call Nazi Germany a Babylon, the Israelites saw the Rome as a Babylon.
A foreign power that invades and cruelly treats the people – judges them as inferior and worthy of mistreatment, robbing the land of it’s wealth, enslaving it’s people.
Not wanting to incur their wrath, hoping to get in on their good side, neighbouring nations pander to this Babylon, while the victims are ignored or further abused.
Many Jesus followers (as well as others) have endured this harsh treatment.
But here the time comes when finally, the oppressor gets back what they gave out.
They finally feel what it is like to be treated cruelly.
Finally the victims can sigh with relief, even rejoice, because their torment has ended.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [Matthew 7:1-2]
Jesus echoes this same idea, that people who mistreat others will one day endure the same mistreatment.
We normally use this verse to refer to having a judgmental opinion about another person, and that is true – we act as if we are above them.
It is a form of oppression and cruelty, as well as arrogance.
We dish (or measure) out arrogant opinions as if we know, as if our position and right is to decide about other people.
And imagine if God were to treat us like we treated others!?!?
This is a warning, and I certainly hope that God does not treat me like I treat others, because I know that I can be impatient, selfish and limited in my view of things.
Thankfully there is mercy… which is why we too should be merciful, even if people are wrong or guilty.
This world has seen it’s share of oppressors, cruel people who dish out unfair, unloving and cruel behaviour (just read a sad story of a 12 yr old boy with MS who took his own life rather than face a 12yr old bully in court!)
In the past many governments have invaded and robbed and oppressed other people (and some people feel the west is guilty of robbing ? of the world).
Are we a part of Babylon today… maybe.
This passage warns us, and everyone, that God will not allow bullies (whether individuals or nations) to get away with it forever, and one day they will get back what they gave out.
And it gives hope to those who are bullied, that one day they will be able to sigh with relief, even rejoice, because their suffering will be ended, and they will be vindicated!
PRAYER:
Lord, in my own life this is a reminder that how I treat others will one day come back to me. Help me to be merciful, like You, even to the guilty -like You are with me!
God’s people must be a separate people just as the people of old -His people of Israel. God’s people must not be a part of the world’s ways – Babylon – but His ways. Many have become a part of her – her wealth and life style, but her destruction/ruin will be quick. All the great wealth and luxury will be brought to nothingness. Her unjust ways upon others will be brought onto herself. How great the fall.
Then there is the millstone – those who lead God’s children astray – it would have been better that they would be cast into the sea Matthew says. Babylon did just that.
As part of God’s family I must make sure that I keep my focus, my vision, my eyes on Jesus and not the pleasures of this world. Be separate from the world and live for Jesus. Be in the world and not of the world. Be a light in the world at all times.
The whole world was lost
In the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday,
His glory shone in.
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No darkness have we
Who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light
When we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain
Ye dwellers in darkness
With sin blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash, at His bidding,
And light will arise.
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain
No need of the sunlight
In Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light
In the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus!