I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.

— Revelation 17:6

And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.

— Revelation 6:9

And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth.

— Revelation 18:24

3 Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.

9 I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

–Revelation 2:3, 9-10

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Babylon seeks to kill believers. This mother prostitute is “drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.” This repulsive picture makes clear that Babylon seeks nothing less than the destruction of those God holds dear. Throughout history, the great prostitute has lusted for violence and taken pleasure in destroying God’s people. She represents all who hate God but will face His justice, as will every person and power who harms those who love God. Soon God will judge and destroy the destroyers once and for all.

Verse 6 presents another of John’s powerful references to martyrs. The word “martyr” is derived from a Greek word for “witness.” In the early church, so many who testified to the truth of Jesus paid with their lives that “martyr” came to mean “those who die for their faith.” Jesus calls His people to bear testimony to Him, even if their allegiance leads to death. The Holy Spirit enables God’s faithful people to answer the enemy’s taunts and lies with prayer, faith, and truth about Jesus. Because the Lamb triumphed through His own death, persecuted believers find confounded in His victory. Death cannot steal what Christ has won for His people.