(The following is the December 24 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 18 and pay close attention to verses 15-20.)
Humans can place their hope in many things: fame, power, fortune, reputation, influence, and material possessions, to name a few. Most people are of modest means and must work to earn enough to provide the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Many will never have abundant material wealth, but that doesn’t prevent some from desiring and pursuing it above all else.
Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). If we have our priorities in order, our heart desires to know, love, and serve God. We want to go where he leads and serve him faithfully in word and deed. As we do so, we can be confident that God will supply our needs. Those with misplaced priorities focusing on material wealth will have a much worse outcome. Imagine spending decades pursuing more possessions, only to have them gone instantly. That is what John describes in Revelation 18.
The Babylon John writes about may represent Rome at the time of his writing or any kingdom that opposes God. Regardless, it suffers a great fall: “The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand far off in fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls; for in a single hour such fabulous wealth was destroyed” (vv. 15-17). Also, “For this reason her plagues will come in just one day – death and grief and famine. She will be burned up with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is mighty” (v. 8).
If we seek Christ’s kingdom and righteousness first, we will have all we need now and for eternity.
Next Step:
What have been your primary pursuits at various stages of life? Is your main goal now pursuing Christ and his righteousness? If not, bow before him and begin that journey.
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