Revelation 18:1-8
Babylon is going down; come out!

Way back in Revelation 6:10, the souls of martyrs ask, “O Sovereign Lord, how long before you judge?” We echo the question and want to right wrongs now, by human means. In this week’s passage, the long-awaited judgment on Babylon is announced by a mighty voice, and it’s crystal clear that God is the One who will take her down. No political or social movement orchestrated by human beings will destroy Babylon, our rotten-to-the-core system of idolatry, of satanic deception and immorality. Ask the Lord to protect us from the delusion that a political savior can do the job. Only God Almighty is able.

The heart of Pastor Dave’s sermon was God’s command, His plea, in verse 4: “Come out of her, my people.” Of course; no one wants to share Babylon’s punishment, her utter destruction. But God gives another reason: “lest you take part in her sins.” Dave cautioned that we think we can dabble in her sin because, after all, we’re saved by the blood of the Lamb. We think it’s safe to live in the suburbs of Babylon. The call to separate ourselves from the ways of Babylon demands prayer. Are we to be separate like the Amish … should we compile a list of rules about what kinds of music, dress, movies, language, occupations, schools, etc. are permissible? If not, then what? How can we be not “of” the world when we are sent into it? (John 17:14,18) Ask the Lord for the wisdom to draw clear lines that keep you out of Babylon and then the strength and courage to keep them.

Dave stressed the urgency of God’s command to “come out” in this week’s passage as well as in the Old Testament accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah, the exodus from Egypt, and Korah’s rebellion in the wilderness. I reread the story of Lot’s escape from Sodom in Genesis 19 and was struck by a verse Dave did not quote: So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law … He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. (v14) Pray for anyone in your circle and any in our midst who do not take God’s judgment and wrath seriously. Pray that they will be gripped by the fear of the LORD.

Calvary Family

Our elders meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month. As they meet this week, ask the Lord to lead them so they can lead us well. Pray that the Lord will speak clearly and that they will have ears to hear.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is good to think more deeply about giving thanks. As you go through your day, notice very specific things you can thank God for, such as your morning cup of coffee. Think then about how God provides that cup of coffee; He doesn’t create it ex nihilo. I can thank Him for the intelligence and know-how of the designers and engineers responsible for my Ninja coffeemaker and for the whole supply chain that took it from a factory in China to my doorstep. I can thank Him for coffee plants in Latin and South America and the farmers who tend them. What about the water I pour into the Ninja reservoir? I can thank God for the safe water that comes from my tap and the scientists and engineers and infrastructure that keep it flowing. Cultivate a broader and deeper sense of thankfulness this week!

Lift up the men of our TLC house. Pray for …
>> patience with the process of healing from addiction
>> humility to live under authority
>> spiritual growth as they engage with God’s word and His people
>> perseverance in making godly choices
>> the ability to encourage one another

I wonder if the holiday season is especially challenging for these men since addiction often frays or fractures relationships. Pray that their heavenly Father and our church community will bring them overflowing joy in these coming weeks.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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