December 22: THE GREAT ESCAPE

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

In the midst of the fourth angel’s description of fallen Babylon, John hears another voice from heaven. This is not so much an interruption as it is a reinforcement of the importance of the message—and, even more than that, a reinforcement of the foundational Biblical precept of God’s love for mankind. His protection and forgiveness are available to anyone willing to leave the ways of the world behind.

Jeremiah pleaded with his fellow Jews. My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray. Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans. Flee from the midst of Babylon, And everyone save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity. My people, go out of the midst of her! And let everyone deliver himself from the fierce anger of the LORD. Jeremiah 50:6a, 8; 51:6, 45

There are still many sincere, God-fearing people lingering in Babylon today. Remember that, before God’s judgment fell upon Sodom and the cities of the plain, Lot was exhorted to come out, lest [he] be consumed (Genesis 19:15). Even though he did not take part in the sin of Sodom, he was identified with it. Had he chosen to simply stay where he was, he would have been unprotected from the judgment as it rained down upon the plain. For the LORD’s sake and for his own, the exhortation to exit was issued by God’s messengers!

Now John is conveying the end-time appeal to Christians everywhere to see with spiritual eyes the reality of the fallen world system and to act accordingly. It is the final opportunity for people to turn away from this system and toward God, for He is making a way of escape from the fate of Babylon and all of those associated with her.

We are also called to be careful as presenters of the undiluted, everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6). In condemning the worldly system, we are instructed not to judge individuals. Jesus emphasized that wheat and tares would both grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:30). Our own dear Apostle Paul had himself been a wolf in sheep’s clothing before his conversion. As one of the greatest assets for church growth, Paul’s grateful heart experienced firsthand that one who has been forgiven much loves much. His life of service to the Lord Jesus is still blessing the true church today.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

For further study: Genesis 19:17; Psalm 71:2; 124:7; Zechariah 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Hebrews 2:3