December 22, 2024 - Revelation 17

The great prostitute, Babylon, and the beast and all the enemies of God.  What a terrible scene.  Any more than John, we should not be surprised or marvel at how this scenario plays out.  John sees the woman and the martyrs, and the angel explains:  “And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly.  But the angel said to me, ‘Why do you marvel?  I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her’” (17:6-7).  God has his purposes, and he will bring them to pass.  We should not marvel or be surprised.  And the end of it all?  “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (17:14).

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all!

Let every tongue and every tribe

responsive to his call,

to him all majesty ascribe,

and crown him Lord of all.

To him all majesty ascribe,

and crown him Lord of all!   -- Edward Perronet (1780)