In Revelation, chapter 18, we learn about a great city that is set on fire and destroyed. This same city is very important to the people not only in the city but for cruise ships, and other ships bringing goods in and out of the city. These people in ships will look with tears in their eyes at what is happening. We also learn that this city is where Mystery Babylon resides, which we know is Rome. This city has been known to target Christians since Jesus’s time on earth. Even with the early Catholic Church in Vatican City, millions of Christians have been persecuted and killed for their faith. I am talking about the inquisition, of which nearly 50 million Christians were killed over the years. Just imagine how much bigger the Christian church would be today if this never happened. And to think Catholics believe that God is with their church is so sad. This is so wrong, for His wrath has been upon it since the beginning of its formation. And so we now see it going down in flames, along with the city of Rome, as the days on earth come to an end. And so we hear about how people are taking this loss. It reads, “the merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!” (Revelation 18:15,16) It is sad the way that things had to end for the Catholic Church.
However, justice always has to be served upon the wicked, no matter how bad the outcome looks. The wicked, meaning people who persecute God’s true followers, and bring in false teachings and idolatry in the church. Idolatry in the form of worshiping Mary, the saints, and angels. They have these types of idols all over their buildings. God hates idolatry, and the people who do such things will not enter heaven lest they repent. It is written, “but the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8) Being on God’s side is very important, or else the unthinkable will happen to the wicked in Jesus’s return or in death. We read more in Revelation 18 about people’s reactions when it comes to the city of Rome and the headquarters of the Catholic church in Vatican City. It is written, “and they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.” (Revelation 18:19,20) It is true that God does avenge those who fight against Him and His people. Therefore, it is important to know the Lord and be on His side.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, You are so good to us. Though we don’t always deserve Your mercy, You extend it just the same. Those who love and follow Your commands are those who have experienced Your abundant grace and perfect love. I just wish that people who are currently against You and Your followers on earth would wake up to their sins. Then would they know that You are so just in Your punishments, but also so forgiving. We are all like the prodigal son when we live a life apart from You, Lord. For we have all gone astray during different parts of our lives and done things we wish we hadn’t. However, the day we return to You, all our debts are settles. I know that my sins have been very heavy, where receiving Your forgiveness would have sounded like a fairy tale in times past. You know how wretched and wicked I once was. I was so far from You in my lust and sexual sins. My beliefs were also of men, but all this has changed. You have come into my life and done a work like never before. All the lust is scattered to the wayside. Every false belief has been squashed, and now I only wish to be led by You, God. Lord, Lead me into the harvest where the very elect will be called out of the darkness and into Your glorious light. I trust in You. I believe in You. All the glory to God in the highest. I worship You, my King. Come and lead me to greener pastures. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
