A prayer based on Revelation 18

<aside> 🙏🏻 Father, you have promised that you will judge this world with justice through the man you have appointed, your Son the Lord Jesus, and you have made this known by raising Him from the dead. We thank you that He is the conquering Lamb. The King of kings. The Lord of lords. And we praise you that He will return to put an end to all sin and wickedness, suffering and death.

Lord Jesus, thank you this judgment you are going to bring upon this world is certain. So, certain that you have announced in advance, that one day this world in all its opposition to you will come to an end. And we know what a fearful day it will be for those who will be punished by you in hell. It is hard to comprehend the awful reality of what that will be like for those experiencing eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord. To no longer enjoy laughter and music and entertainment and art and sport and food and friends and parties and friends and relationships. And yet we are to rejoice that this coming judgment is going to happen, because it is a just judgment, as this world is getting what it deserves for the way it has ignored you, suppressed the truth about you, rebelled against your good commands and laws, led people to worship idols, and persecuted your people.

We thank you not only that this judgment is coming, but that we have been rescued from it, because you, the Son of God have loved us while we sinners, and have given your life for us. We should have been facing this terrifying punishment, yet you had mercy on us: Forgiving our sins. Making us righteous. Giving us eternal life. Even if you were to suddenly return at this very moment without warning, you have assured us that we will be among the great multitude entering your kingdom in all its fullness. Therefore, we ask that you would help us by your Spirit, to be who we are. Sons and daughters of the living God. To come out of this world, by living in this world but not like it. To not be taken in by the promises that money, sex, relationships, possessions, popularity, success, power, and prestige make. For what is the point of gaining all that this world has to offer if in the end we lose our lives, and are punished for eternity in hell.

And knowing that you will come like a thief in the night when you return to judge the living and the dead, help us to share the gospel so that others will be ready for that moment too. Help us to not be silent. Create in us a willingness to be marginalised, to be persecuted, and to miss out on the splendour this world has to offer, if it means others are saved. And to trust in that in eternity all our needs will be satisfied.

We pray to you in the name of Jesus, the One whose judgment is righteous and just.

Amen.

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