Face To FaithSample

Have you ever lost something?

Sure you have. We all have. But some people care so much about their things that when they lose them, it’s really like they lose themselves, too. Our verses today give us some
powerful perspective that can help us make sure that we’re not lost today.

Now let me set the scene just a little, because these verses say that the merchants are mourning over someone. The someone is Babylon, the great city and world system of commerce that leads the entire world into deception. And the reason they’re mourning is because Babylon was destroyed, very quickly in fact. Suddenly, all these merchants are looking from
afar at their mistress, who is now brutally destroyed to the point of never rising again.

Who are the merchants? They are the ones who sell us our countertops and jewelry, our perfume and clothes, our building material and food. Even our musicians and movie makers
fall into this category.

And one more group that we can’t allow ourselves to miss: those who are merchants of the
bodies and souls of men. Do you know what that group is? Slave traders. Do not forget for a moment the multi-billion dollar industry this is in the world, including both the pornography and the sex-slavery industries. We cannot turn a blind eye to these industries that sell the very bodies and souls of men, women, and children.

You probably noticed that these merchants of Babylon sold basically everything that can be sold. So here’s what I’m not saying: I’m not saying it’s wrong to buy things (though obviously some things are wrong to buy—like prostitutes). But here’s what I am saying: It is wrong to live for the things you can buy.

Instead, live for what you could never buy, not with all the wealth of the world: A rela- tionship with Jesus Christ. Everything else will end one day and the world will mourn its loss, but those who put their hope in Jesus will never be disappointed.

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thanks for giving me perspective on how valuable the things of this world are compared with knowing You! I could never buy the relationship I have with You, and I refuse to be bought away from You by the things of this world.
Amen