And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.”

— Revelation 19:3

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

38 Look, your house is left to you desolate.

— Matthew 23:37-38

For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

— 2 Corinthians 6:2

Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

— Ezekiel 33:11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

When Jesus returns, He will destroy all who oppose His righteous reign. Jesus mourned for unrepentant Jerusalem before He went to the cross. Today God’s people grieve over those who do not know Him. However, no trace of sadness will mar heaven’s joy on the day of Babylon’s destruction. We know now is the day of salvation! The right time to repent is today. The Lord declared through the prophet Ezekiel, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” God yearns for people to “turn from their ways and live.” God alone truly grasps how dreadful His justice will be for His enemies. The holy and sovereign Judge pleaded, “Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die…?”

The great multitude shouts “Hallelujah”again! As they praise God for ending Babylon’s ruthless ways forever. Never again will Babylon oppress God’s people or lead anyone astray. Babylon will be burn and fall at God’s judgment. The smoke from the fires of Babylon’s destruction will rise forever. Babylon will never be rebuilt. Those who defy God, attack His people, and fail to repent can expect certain and eternal judgment.