Drunken with the Blood of the Saints

- Revelation 17:1-6

INTRODUCTION

During John’s prophecy, the Bible says that he “wondered with great admiration” when he saw the future persecution to come upon the followers of Jesus. This persecution will come by the hands of a religious organization that commits fornication (has an inappropriate union) with the kings of the earth. This religion, portrayed as a woman in Revelation chapter 17, is “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS,” indicating she gives birth to other religious institutions who likewise involve themselves in the inappropriate unions of their “mother” religion. This seems to be why John was so perplexed. He could not fathom the thought that a group would identify itself as a Christian group while putting others to death for their faith in Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17 ). Jesus rebuked the leaders of His time and warned His disciples of the persecution that would soon come (Matthew 23:27-35 ; John 16:1-3 ). It is important to remember that God is still in charge and will make things right in His time (Revelation 18:5
  , 8).
• (For everyone): Have there been religious groups in the past that persecuted and put to death those who professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Have there been religious groups in the past that persecuted and put to death those who professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to open your eyes if you are associated with “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS.”
• Ask the Lord to put a hedge of protection about His people.