Quite a contrast

11:35 a.m. Today's project was to consider the dramatic and terrifying events of Revelation Chapters 18 and 19 as judgment of the enemies of Jesus Christ and salvation of believers are juxtaposed. Just as the delicate flowers on the young lady's skirt contrast with the harsh wooden background, so will the eventual fate of believers and unbelievers be opposite in every possible way!

The great city of Babylon, which some commentators say could represent the Roman empire at the height of its power, known for its lucrative worldwide commerce, is thrown down in an instant. Chapter 18: 17-20 (NLT) says:

In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone!

And all the captains of the merchant ships and their passengers and sailors and crews will stand at a distance. They will cry out as they watch the smoke ascend, and they will say, "Where is there another city as great as this?" and they will weep and throw dust on their heads to show their grief. And they will cry out,

"How terrible, how terrible for that great city!

The shipowners became wealthy

by transporting her great wealth on the seas.

In a single moment it is all gone."

Rejoice over her fate, O heaven

and people of God and apostles and prophets!

For at last God has judged her for your sakes.

Great songs of victory result in heaven, and the long-suffering saints are prepared and welcomed to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb! Then, total judgment and victory belong to the conquering Christ, and another feast takes place--that of vultures gorging on the flesh of the beast, Jesus' unrepentant enemies and the evil kings of the earth!

This morning, I was journalling to the Lord, challenged by the message given Sunday night by Matt Brown at Sandals, to take 5 minutes to share the gospel with others, with no preconceived notions of who might be suitable. I wrote that doors of witnessing where I would interact with unsaved people regularly, like work and places where we would vacation were now closed. I prayed for new opportunities to arise in my retired life. A few hours later, when I came in from my walk, I had the chance to speak to two Jehovah winesses coming up to our house! Our talk was brief, because I had to go in and shower, but seeds were planted, and perhaps at the next Christian home, that seed of the Word will be watered!

Lord, please let me be ready and faithful to share the gospel of Christ today--and every day, as You bring unsaved people into my life! Time is short, the world is in dire shape, and people are frightened. May believers bring them the only message that has eternal peace to offer!