For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rev. 17
How is Babylon described? What do you think she represents? I’m so glad the angel explained the mystery of the woman and the beast – it is now as clear as mud! I can’t even remotely say I’m getting the whole message here. However there are a few things I understand. I can see that the woman is enticing, that she is deceptive, and that her way leads to destruction. She sounds a lot like the adulterous woman the Proverbs warn so heavily against. So then, what I understand is that I need to avoid this woman, no matter how enticing she appears.
How can I avoid her, though, if I don’t fully understand what she represents? The fact is, I don’t really need to fully understand. What is clear is that she is not for the Lamb. So all I need to do is focus on staying faithfully with the Lamb. Then I will know His voice and will recognize anything that is not for Him so that I can avoid it. God has given me the truth so that I can find the wisdom to stay with the Lamb when His way is hard and that woman is dripping with enticement. “The Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Rev. 17:14b).
Est. 7-10
What is the purpose of the story of Esther? Your big takeaway? I definitely see the same message in Esther as I see in Revelation. Even the fact that evil Haman, enemy of the Jews, had ten sons rings a familiar note. Haman and his sons, along with all who sided with them, were given power to kill, destroy, and annihilate the Jews, God’s people. “But now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” (Est. 9:1b). Then, “their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.” (From Est. 9:22). So, too, will the sorrow of those who hold fast, enduring to the end, be turned to joy when the Lamb overcomes all His enemies.