January 15, 2021
Scripture Resource Passage: Revelation 18–this week’s post is meant to be read as an extension of the post from January 8, 2021.
Comes The Kingdom, Justice Prevails
Disciples of Jesus wait for God and make no mistake, the waiting will be arduous. But wait we must and the days include discipleship’s final exam—patient endurance, which may be the connecting theme in Revelation 18. We wait for the Day of Him Who is the sure promise of justice.
Long have God’s disciples waited for that Day. Micah anticipated Revelation’s emphasis with these words: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8); with these words God’s disciples were called in covenant law to patient endurance.
With Babylon’s death (Revelation 18) the victory of righteousness in Christ and justice for all sin-oppressed people will come to pass. Racial injustice tries to claim top billing and center stage as a current and hotly debated emphasis in 21stcentury North America; but sin-troubles have never been limited to life on this continent.
Racial injustice rings its tragic tones. Thankfully, like a struck bell with faith-enduring resonance, the Book of Exodus sounds in many African American church traditions. The speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are but one source calling disciples to keep eyes on the prize—patient endurance. With Babylon’s death racial justice peals from Revelation 18.
Resonating like a vibrating guitar string, children cry out for safety, food, shelter and water. Disciples have heard the strong invitation of Jesus (Matthew 19:14) overwhelming the practice of keeping children on the side-lines. With Babylon’s death the sounds of age-related injustice vibrate and perish according to Revelation 18.
Replying like an echo from a deep canyon weeping refugees continue circulating around the globe, crossing treacherous waters in flimsy un-seaworthy rigs. The practices of all sin-dispossessed refugees continues repeating itself in many nations. Citizens of heaven and earth will know their new homeland forever. With Babylon’s death justice strides forth as promised in Revelation 18. This too calls for patient endurance.
Grief embattled Rachel weeps for her murdered children, according to the old prophet (Jeremiah 31:15). Jesus comes and the promise calls for renewal (Matthew 2:18). With Babylon’s death the promise of justice for the grieving parents of murdered innocents leaps from promise to fulfillment in Revelation 18. Whisper gently through tears, gently now—patient endurance.
Our brother John may or may not have had Rome in mind portraying the end of “Babylon the great” (Revelation 18:2). Regardless of that discernment, we are absolutely certain of God’s promise “She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her” (Revelation 18:8). Be sure of this: Babylon dies. This too, calls for patient endurance.
Life Application
- What do the promises of Revelation 18 mean to you?
- Does the waiting of Anna and Simeon (Luke 2:22-38) give us a pattern of patient endurance?
Dr. Andrew Simkins 