Babylon
Greed fuels corrupt politics and false religion. Yet, this world’s Babylonian system is about to die.
“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their cargoes anymore—cargoes of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; all those things made of scented wood, ivory, fine wood, bronze, iron, and marble; cinnamon, incense, fragrant ointment, and frankincense; wine, oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; and slaves, even human lives.” (Revelation 18:11-13 CEB)
At the destruction of the Babylonian political-religious system of greed and oppression, Christians sing a song of rejoicing.
“Praise the Lord! To our God belongs the glorious power to save, because his judgments are honest and fair. That filthy prostitute ruined the earth with shameful deeds. But God has judged her and made her pay the price for murdering his servants.” (Revelation 19:1b-2 CEV)
I dream of a church that while living in this present Babylon is not corrupted by it.
The Bride
The church is called the Bride of Christ. The marriage supper is a time of rejoicing.
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” (Revelation 19:6b-8 ESV)
I dream of a church that is preparing itself for the marriage of the Lamb.
The Great White Throne
The Day of Judgment will come for everyone.
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelation 20:11-12 KJV)
I dream of a church that takes this seriously and looks forward to being told, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV)
Come
The invitation is open. What will you choose?
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.” (Revelation 22:17 NASB)
I dream of a church filled with repentant people flocking in to accept God’s gift of eternal life.
Postlude
A Catholic priest friend once admitted that the church is sometimes the Bride of Christ and sometimes the Whore of Babylon. I suggested in reply that the Protestant church is probably very similar. Many have been severely hurt by their church experience. Perhaps they moved on to another church. Perhaps they began a house church. Perhaps they left entirely. Whatever you have experienced, keep on being the church. Don’t run back to Babylon. Keep sharing the words of life in a loving community. Keep dreaming of a pure, wholesome Bride of Christ.
