In A Single Moment

Revelation 18:1-4 is a vision of God's judgment on Babylon.  Babylon, not a particular place or city, but a religious system and worldview of massive proportions that is bent on power and wealth. The people of God are called to come out of such cultures.

“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;” (Revelation 18:4, ESV)

The demise of Babylon in God's judgment is emphasized:

• “Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day— death and mourning and famine. She will be completely consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”” (Revelation 18:8, NLT)
• “They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, “How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city! In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.”” (Revelation 18:10, NLT)
• “In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone!” And all the captains of the merchant ships and their passengers and sailors and crews will stand at a distance.” (Revelation 18:17, NLT)
• “And they will weep and throw dust on their heads to show their grief. And they will cry out, “How terrible, how terrible for that great city! The shipowners became wealthy by transporting her great wealth on the seas. In a single moment it is all gone.”” (Revelation 18:19, NLT)

 

This is how fast we can lose it all.  We need to distance ourselves from worldliness.  The things of the world can disappear in an instant.