You were also a prostitute for the Babylonians, that nation of merchants, but they didn’t satisfy you either.

— Ezekiel 16:29

They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.

— Revelation 17:14

if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

— 2 Peter 2:9

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.

17 The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

–1 John 2:15-17

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

This world offers many enticements. Social media, sports teams, movie personalities, and distractions of many kinds overwhelm our lives and invade our thoughts. Believers face alluring and attractive entanglements designed to divert our attention and energy away from eternally significant matters and faithfulness to God. Revelation 17 depicts a vivid picture of the pervasive battleground God’s children navigate. Ominous forces that oppose God and His people lurk behind the captivating and intoxicating glitter of this world.

In Revelation 17, a prostitute and a scarlet beast reveal political, economic, and cultural systems that deliberately and actively war against God. Seductive temptations contrary to righteousness, justice, and true godliness entrap people in a masterful masquerade. This world’s shiny fruit hides its rotten core. A life consumed by loving possessions, exploiting people, and seeking pleasure leaves no room for God. People who love Jesus and live for Him face suffering as they choose eternity’s treasure over this world’s fleeting pleasure. However, enduring truth stands above temporary deception. All who choose to stand against God will experience destruction. We need to study Revelation17 and let it help us choose to follow the Lamb of God and help us live wisely.