Destruction and Devastation! - Part 6 - Devo for 04/11/2009

Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24

Truth for Today
Despite all the terrifying judgments, which by this time all people will acknowledge to be from God, and the worldwide preaching of the gospel (Matthew 24:14) by the 144,000 and others, people will still refuse to believe. It seems incredible that, having experienced the fury of God's judgment and having heard the message of salvation, people will stubbornly cling to their sin. But the sad truth is that "...that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19-20).

The unbelieving world rejected Jesus when He came, it rejects the life-giving message of the gospel now, and it will continue to reject the truth during the future outpouring of God's wrath and judgment. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Reflecting on the Text
1. What gives you hope, knowing that so great a judgment of God will come in the future?

2. The merchants and businessmen served money as their god, and they lost everything in these heavenly scenes of destruction. How can you be a wise steward of the money with which God has entrusted you, without becoming caught up in the "materialistic Babylonian spirit" that permeates contemporary culture?

3. If the current world system is doomed and destined for destruction, what practical steps can you take to make sure you and your family can live "in the world" and not become ensnared by its values?