​Week 52, Days 1 and 2

​Week 52, Days 1 and 2
December 26-27
Scripture: Revelation 18-19
 
““The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves. “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’” (Revelation 18:11–14)
 
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s people.)” (Revelation 19:6–8, TNIV) 
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.” (Revelation 19:11) 
 
 
John sees a future filled with justice, peace and glory given to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are being called out of the world, to trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
The cargo list of the ships has an alarming ending. Tacked onto the end of the shipment containers list is “human beings who are slaves.” God’s judgment on the economic practices of empire is coming, and it will be swift.
 
The merchants are mourning the loss of income, and goods. What has made them comfortable and rich, is now gone. They are mourning loss of income, comforts, but they seem to have little concern for the human lives who are now set free. 
 
For those who put their hope in possessions, in material gain, in the comfort of the consumption of linens, material things, spices and goods, and even slaves – well they will mourn on the day of the great city’s peril.
 
But those who trust in the Lord, those who find their lives in him, they will truly be vindicated and filled with joy on the day of Judgment.
 
Judgement will come and reveal the truth about us. Where do we find our strength and comfort? Who do we worship?
 
John makes it clear here, “Worship Jesus Only!” He is the rider on the horse, His name is faithful and true. He is coming to right the wrongs of the world.
 
This then begs inward and careful reflection. How am I complicit to the unfair and unjust economic practices of our age?
 
This is alarming, and will point us towards who our true God is: 
“In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ “Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off.” (Revelation 18:17)
 
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”” (Revelation 19:7–9)
 
Will you mourn the loss of your comforts and riches?
 
Or will you delight that God’s peace and justice have come in the Lord Jesus Christ. Where is our hope and who gets our praise today?
 
Let it be Jesus only!