SCRIPTURE: Revelation 17:1-18
OBSERVATION:
The great prostitute seems to be an all-powerful nation (Rome, the great city that rules all the earth)) guilty of horrific crimes and immoralities. For a time she controls the beast, but eventually (by God’s design) the beast defeats her. Keeping in mind that the original recipients did not know HOW this vision would be fulfilled, they would glean from this vision the basic message that even though the present powers that be are powerful and immoral, the Lord remains in control and eventually they will collapse, and their downfall will come from within themselves. Eventually the Lamb and His followers will triumph. Hang in there!
APPLICATION:
We are not under a similar situation, but other Christians throughout the world can relate. They are also urged to “hang in there” because the seeds of their oppressors destruction have been planted, and they will eventually collapse from within, but the Lord’s design. This is true of ALL powers that reject or oppose the way of Jesus, including our own secular and quasi-Christian governments. Only those who remain in the way of Jesus (living for Him, like Him, contrary to the ways of the world) will ultimately triumph. But it will not be a quick or easy path. Therefore, hang in there!
PRAYER:
Lord, I am not as interested in knowing the specific application of these verses to the powers today, but I am eager to know what it means to remain faithful to You. Help me follow You, and to hang in there when the going gets tough. Amen.
Here we see the prostitute know for her sins. The corruption of this woman was very great and she was filthy rich in her corruption, even to the extent that God’s people were killed on her account. The angel continues to tell John of the beast the woman rides. John was astonished . Yet I must remember that it it the Lord God who will overcome since He is the Alpha and the Omega – who was, and is and forever will be! His purpose will be fulfilled. He is victorious! And with Him are His faithful followers – His chosen. Help me Lord to live in that light and knowledge each and every day.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.