Revelation__18

Scripture

 

Revelation‬ ‭18:14

“The fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again.”

 

Observation-What does it say? 

 

In this chapter John is given the vision of the fall of Babylon. Although biblical scholars debate if John is writing about the literal city of Babylon here, it is in agreement that John is writing about the 7 year tribulation period after the church’s rapture. During this time the Bible tells us the world will have one political and economic system ruled by the Antichrist. More than likely the city of Babylon spoken of in this chapter is the city where the Antichrist will be “setting up shop”. This city built such great power and wealth on its sinfulness and immortality, will soon receive God’s judgement. It will literally be burned to the ground, and receive plagues of famine, death, and mourning. All in one day! The whole world will see what has happened to this once proud and great city, and mourn, weep, and tremble to what’s to come.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

 

The Lord gives it. The Lord takes it away.

 

And just like that (snap of a finger) it can all be taken away from you! This is what happened to Babylon in this chapter. Not only did it affect Babylon, but it also affected the merchants who did business with them. With Babylon out of the picture, how were these merchants going to make their money? These merchants wept and mourned for Babylon. They trembled in fear knowing if this happened to a great and powerful city like that, what would happen to them?! Their faith and livelihood was based on their riches. And if that is all they have to look forward to, what do they do once that is taken away from them?

 

Living in Santa Clarita, my wife and I have grown accustomed to the Fire seasons here. Every summer, or whenever it reaches a certain temperature, we have to keep a lookout for these crazy wildfires. On a couple of occasions we already had to evacuate our home, pack our necessities, and leave everything else behind. It’s really quite scary and quite humbling. To know that everything you worked so hard for, that took years to accumulate, can be taken away so fast. What brought my wife and I comfort during those times was our faith in Jesus. We knew that whatever happened, Jesus was with us. He would provide for us, protect us, and comfort us. We knew He already surrounded us with family and friends to help us if needed. Our material possessions will come and go, and they can be replaced. But our faith will never be taken away from us! All that really mattered to us was that our family was together and safe. Because at the end of the day, where do we put all our hopes and trust in life? I hope and pray it’s in the eternal things, and not the temporary ones.

 

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21

 

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

‭‭‬ Luke‬ ‭12:20-21

 

 

Life Application

 

Put God back on the throne of our lives.

 

Father God, Thank You for Your faithfulness, provision, and protection. I pray that my faith, hope, and trust in You grow each and every day. Please forgive me when I get sidetracked in life. Forgive me when I chase after material things instead of chasing after You. Give me a heart that is more concerned with building Your kingdom, and not my kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life that is built with Your principles and foundations. A life of faith that can never be broken no matter what happens. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi

 

Psalm 121

Scripture

 

 

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

 

The Psalmist writes that true comfort, safety and protection comes only from the Lord.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

 

Relying on human beings (and even ourselves) for what only God can provide will always leave us disappointed.

God works through people and we need people, but people are still faulty because we have limitations. We have limits on our time, resources, emotional and mental energy and strength, limits on wisdom and limits on what we can control. Perfection is found in Jesus Christ alone. Our only hope is in Christ.

 

Life Application

 

 

Look up.

Are you mourning and need comfort? Go to Jesus. (Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matt. 5:4)

Need wisdom? Ask the Lord. He gives freely to those who ask. James 1:5

Need encouragement? Go to the Lord through His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Need protection from the evil one? Run to Lord. 2 Thes. 3:3

It is promised that we will have trouble in this world. But He has overcome the world, so let’s keep looking up to Him! (John 16:33)

Thank You Lord that Your eye is always on us. Thank You that You are always available and know the depths of our heart. Thank You that whatever we are walking through in life, You are right beside us celebrating with us, leading us or even carrying us through it. We are nothing without You and thank You that Your love never fails or ends. Amen.

 

-Michelle Gaddi

Ezekiel_40

Scripture

Ezekiel 40:46b

These are the sons of Zadok, who are the only Levites who may draw near to the Lord to minister before him.”

Observation - What does it say?

Ezekiel is given this elaborate vision of a new temple and new city. He has this heavenly tour guide who guides him through the new temple complex. As he measures everything, he finds it’s much larger and more majestic even than Solomon’s temple. It is all part of this redemptive picture of hope; a picture of God’s presence finally returning to his temple, to dwell with his people.

There are new priests serving in this temple, and consistent with the previous temples in Israel’s history, it is only a select few who have God’s permission to draw near to God and minister to him there.

Understanding - What does it mean?

Under the New Covenant, the priesthood isn’t a select few ‘super-spiritual’ Christians, but every single believer.

1 Peter 2:5 NLT And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

Because we are all priests, we can all take advantage of Hebrews 4:16- Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Life Application

Take advantage of what Jesus has done for us! People under the Old Covenant could only come so close to God’s manifest presence, no matter how much they longed to come closer. But we have unlimited access to the throne! We can come boldly to God, confident that we will experience His great mercy and abundant grace to meet all our needs.

- Levi Thompson