December 30: MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH (part 2)

And cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. Revelation 18:13-14

The extensive, widely varying list of “commercial interests” (twenty-eight in total) comes to a shockingly incongruous end with the last two entries: and bodies and souls of men. It seems clear that the goal of the enemy of souls is to lead them astray through the “selling” of ideas and principles that will weaken minds and bodies, thus misdirecting people — precious souls! — in order to foil God’s plan of salvation in the life of each individual. Beloved, let us pray for ourselves and each other that we will not “buy” (even for a moment) the fruit of worldly splendors promoted to obscure our view of heaven’s true splendors. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:36)

The number 28, being a multiple of seven, the number of completeness, and four, the number symbolizing creation, reminds us of the global reach of the usurper’s tentacles with which to sabotage the spiritual sensitivities of individuals. The excessive lifestyle of the apostate church is laid out in chapter 17, and the display of its splendors are for its own worldly profit. Such a show of earthly treasures is intended to appeal to covetous human nature: The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The lamentations of the figurative commercial salespeople — purveyors of Babylonian doctrines — contain no elements of genuine concern for others or repentance for themselves. The merchants of the earth lament Babylon’s judgment because of their own personal losses. Babylon’s fall is a judgment upon them for having had a part in spreading false messages.

Making your relationship with Lord Jesus your top priority ultimately translates into “having it all”, including your very life with which to enjoy these things (Matthew 6:33). In conversing with Abram, who was called out of Babylon, the LORD said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

Think of your ‘buying power’ in light of the cross. You are invited to pull out your ragged, dirty bills of selfishness and rebellion from your life’s wallet, and lay them at the feet of the Savior. The cost of gaining Christ means you ‘pay’ by relinquishing every terrible character trait and sinful habit that you possess. In exchange you will come to possess a character which lasts for eternity.

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Revelation 3:18