For in one hour so great riches is come to nought… Revelation 18:17
Who says the Bible is a boring book? While parts are admittedly dry, you've got to admit that much of its contents are quite an intriguing read. Haven't you ever been fascinated by the book of Revelation? Granted, it can be difficult to understand and somewhat hard to follow at times (which is why we are commanded to study), but it is captivating nonetheless.
Chapter 18 is a very vivid description of the future destruction of Babylon, which will be the seat of the Antichrist and the center of world power during the time of the tribulation. It is followed by a picture of the coming King in chapter 19. Aren't you glad you get to witness this prophecy unfold seated on your white horse and following Jesus Christ? Praise the Lord, I'm on the winning side!
But that doesn't have much to do with the devotion for today. I'd like for us to meditate on the observation made by the Holy Spirit in verse 17 of Revelation 18. It is a very powerful statement. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought…
Remember, Babylon will be the greatest city in all the world at the time these events take place. The chapter describes its gold, its silver, its pearls, its precious stones, its ivory, its fine linen, its wine, its produce, its merchants. It will be the economic capital of the planet. And in one hour it'll be utterly destroyed.
In the course of one September morning not long ago, 2 buildings crumbled to the ground and many lives were lost in a city of immense economic and political importance. That won't be a drop in a bucket compared to the havoc that our God will wreak on this city in that day…in one hour.
Let's make some personal application here. What are we living our lives for? Is what we're living for going to last? Let's face it, all that most "Christians" live for and strive for and center their lives around are things that could be gone in an hour. Why don't we center our lives around something that'll matter in eternity? Something that'll last for ever?
May God grant it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor seta: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-22
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
For other foundation can no man lay than that is lad, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
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