things can change quickly

Scripture Passage that caught my attention today: Revelation 18:15-17 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
16 “Alas, alas, the great city,
clothed in fine linen,
in purple and scarlet,
adorned with gold,
with jewels, and with pearls!
17 For in one hour all this wealth has been laid waste!”

Observation; Things can change quickly. Why are we so surprised?

Application: Written long ago to people long ago, these words from Revelation were no doubt comforting to those who had been mistreated and marginalized. They saw in Christ a great reversal about to take place…at whenever it would happen, it was envisioned to take place quickly…within an hour.

Pretty much all of us of age remember when the twin towers fell—it all happened in less than an hour.

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting that the collapse of the towers was either a fulfillment of prophecy or an act of God’s judgment. I’m merely pointing out that there is a certain facade of security in life that is just that, façade—and it can quickly be taken away. What then?

Only the assurance that we are known by Jesus—the one who was and is and is to come. When the temporal things we have placed our hope in have been sifted out, all that is left is the crucified and risen Jesus. Need we anyone or anything more? And why not, until that day comes, practice seeing life differently—as if are in but not of the world?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for allowing us to be part of your kingdom…and for teaching us (sometimes the hard way) not to rely on anyone or anything else other than you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings included: Revelation 15-18)