Be Faithful Till The End
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 18:21-24 and Psalm 145 (NIV)
(Tina Khoo, Pastoral Team Member, Membership)
READ:
Revelation 18:21-24 and Psalm 145 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In the Bible, Babylon is symbolic of the military and economic might of the Roman Empire and other nations in rebellion against God. Babylon is opposed to the work of Christ and to his people. Rev 18 speaks of the end of Babylon.
John is encouraging us that when the great might of the nations and powers around – even the might of a Rome, a great Empire — is turned against us as God’s people, then we should look ahead to that moment and time when judgement will be pronounced on these evil powers.
APPLY:
When we read the stories of the martyrs from the past, when we become aware of the persecution facing many Christians today in many parts of the world, we realise anew that a sense of justice and judgment can give us a joy and a sustaining faith in the midst of the greatest of trials.
“So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more;” (Revelation 18:21)
There will be an end to evil, to injustice and to suffering.
And because of this vision of God’s judgment, we are exhorted towards faithfulness and away from compromise with the worldly values that are incompatible with kingdom values – we can continue our lives on earth being in the world and yet not of the world.
Remember that God will one day judge you who are under persecution and facing attack. With God’s help you can remain faithful to the end. Psalm 145:20 can be our constant refrain to sustain us in times of suffering: The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
DO:
I will keep hope alive in my heart by remaining in close communion with Jesus and the church. I will be in Christian fellowship so that together we can encourage and strengthen one another.
1. Remember that the words in Christmas carols are not only applicable during the Christmas season. Jesus, our Immanuel is not to be remembered only on Christmas day, 25 Dec, but He is Immanuel all year round, till the end of the age.
2. I will read Psalm 145 regularly, speak the praise of the Lord, and His holy name forever and ever.
PRAY:
Almighty God, give us the grace to be faithful to the end. In times of trouble, strengthen our hearts. Help us to keep our eyes upon Jesus, our Immanuel, the perfector of our faith, for in His name we pray. Amen.
