I do not believe it is a coincidence that we would be in Revelation 18 this week. The events of this past week with closed schools, cancelled events and panic buying at grocery stores due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) parallel many aspects of what John describes in Revelation.
And let’s be honest ... it is easy to put our trust in the world in which we live, when it promises to make our lives more comfortable, easy and convenient. From jobs, hospitals, education, economy, easy access to all the food we need, being able to go wherever we want whenever we want, it is a great life! But it is not what matters when it comes to life eternal. In Revelation 18, we read about Babylon, the symbol all great political and economic powers of the world throughout time. In verse 16 John writes down what he hears, “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” After the events of this week, we start to realize how quickly things can change and how little power we actually have. What our “Babylon” actually offers creates a false sense of security as we believe that we are more and more self-sufficient. In spite of all we have, we feel empty and without peace. What we see when Babylon falls is that power structures will eventually fail and everything begins to fall and change. We have a great country filled with great people, but no political party or power can bring a peace that transcends panic. Only the One who loves you and knows you because He created you can bring you peace. Our belief that we are in control of our lives and for the most part, we are living self-sufficiently; this belief actually betrays our hearts and reveals the true object of our worship. When the world around us crumbles, peace is in short supply; it is easy to fall prey to fear, panic, anxiety, and worry.
But God is calling all of us to come out of the world and to give Him our worship. He deserves our praise and honor as the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the only one worthy of our complete devotion and trust. That is the very thing John says in verse 20, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgement for you against her!” God never intended us to worship at the altar of money or job security or comfort or convenience … rather at the foot of the throne of his grace. Let go of your need to trust the gods of power, consumerism, materialism, pride, position or prestige. Proclaim God as your all sufficient Lord and give Him and Him alone your attention, adoration, affection and allegiance, in one word … your worship. Only then will you have peace like that of John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
This Week: Meditate on John 14:27. Tell God that in the midst of Coronavirus, you will trust him. Be courageous and do not shrink back but look to serve others in the name of Jesus. Daily pray a prayer of faith and trust. Stand firm on the rock of faith and go into the world boldly to serve and live your faith and share your life. Be the hands and feet of Christ with compassion, generosity and caring.
-Dr. J