Revelation 18:20-24
Babylon is no more … Rejoice!
 
The instruction to the redeemed in this week’s passage is to rejoice over the judgment of the great city, Babylon, which is figurative language for idolatry. In contrast, the response of unredeemed earth-dwellers in verses 9-19 is weeping and mourning. Pastor Todd noted last week that the kings and merchants weep and mourn, not out of compassion, but rather over the loss of their indulgent lifestyles and profit. We heaven-dwellers are compassionate; we may lean toward mourning instead of rejoicing because the destruction of idolatry means the destruction of idolators. People will be destroyed, and not just nameless, faceless, people in aggregate. Idolators who have passed a lifetime in rebellion against God, who are without excuse (Romans 1:18-20), include family members, friends, neighbors. Pray for the strength to obey the imperative to rejoice, even through tears, to value the Judge above the transgressor. A parent has written about that painful choice in a blog post entitled “I Love My Transgender Child. I Love Jesus More.” Read it here.
 
As hard as it is to rejoice over the destruction of idolatry in others, it is even harder to rejoice over the destruction of idolatry in ourselves. Pastor Dave asked each of us to examine idolatry in our own lives. Before the Lord, ask … What good thing has been sprinkled with, contaminated by, idolatry in my life? In what area have I allowed myself to be deceived into thinking that a thing, an activity, a person other than God, can truly fulfill and satisfy me? What actions and decisions do I recognize, in my best moments, as ungodly but excuse most of the time? I know I should renounce the idol and ask God to throw it into the depths of the sea, but I just can’t bring myself to. Or … I say the words but tighten my grip on my idol all the while. Like a would-be skydiver, I shrink back from the threshold saying, “I can’t!” For a Christian, that is nonsense. The Holy Spirit indwells us and strengthens us to “jump out of the plane” if we will listen to Him and obey His leading without hesitation. This week’s passage gives us another encouragement. Our flesh thinks that removal of the idol will bring deprivation, but what if it brings rejoicing? Before the Lord, ponder the truth that purification from idols will bring you closer to God; renounce the idol, completely, and look forward to the rejoicing that follows.
 
Calvary Family
 
The Thanksgiving Eve service last week reminded me to thank God for our worship team, guided by Anthony Terrones and Austin Tebay. Few of us are aware of the many hours of preparation it takes for weekly and special worship services; I know for a fact that work on the Christmas Eve service is already underway. Ask the Lord to bless each member of the worship team with a strong sense of His pleasure and to strengthen and purify them in their service.
 
Lift up in prayer the Carols and Crafts event sponsored by Women’s Ministry this Friday evening. Pray for a time of warm fellowship among the women of Calvary and a friendly welcome extended to guests.
 
In discussing idolatry, Pastor Dave gave special emphasis to the temptations single Christians face in finding a mate, calling it “the kryptonite of human existence.” Too many young believers say they trust God, but their choices reveal they don’t trust Him to provide a spouse. A young man marries an unbeliever, telling himself he will win her for Christ. A young woman moves in with her boyfriend, saying, “We’re engaged! We’ll get married one day soon.” Pray by name for the Christian singles you know, at Calvary and beyond, asking the Lord to open their eyes to the profound significance of their choices and to strengthen them to follow God’s ways.
 
Advent begins on Sunday. It is ironic that in the weeks leading up to one of the most important Christian celebrations of the year, many of us spend less time with the Lord and in His word than usual. We allow the trappings of Christmas to crowd out what is most important. Ask your Heavenly Father how to keep your focus on His Son, how to find quiet and stillness in the midst of noise.

In Christ,

Carol Gilbert