What actions can we take to honor and protect God's messengers now? Scripture Focus: Revelation 18:24 “In her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Why This Warning Matters Today God exposes Babylon’s guilt to remind every generation how precious His messengers are. Prophets and saints were silenced by corrupt powers; the same spirit still opposes truth-tellers now. If we do not actively honor and protect those who speak God’s Word, we risk sharing Babylon’s judgment. Actions That Honor and Protect God’s Messengers • Receive them as we would receive Christ • Matthew 10:40-41—“He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” • Practical step: welcome faithful preachers and missionaries into our homes, pulpits, and schedules with warmth and respect. • Provide material support • Galatians 6:6—“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” • 3 John 5-8—Believers are “fellow workers for the truth” when we supply what God’s servants lack on the road. • Practical step: give generously, budget for their needs, and send encouragement packages. • Defend them publicly • Proverbs 31:8-9—“Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.” • Acts 23:9—Even hostile councils heard a defense that spared Paul’s life. • Practical step: write letters, speak out, and use media to counter false accusations or legal threats. • Pray strategic, specific prayers • Ephesians 6:19-20—Paul asks for boldness “to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” • Practical step: form prayer chains, intercede for fresh anointing, protection, and open doors. • Offer relational accountability • Hebrews 13:17—Leaders “keep watch over your souls,” and believers are to make their work a joy, not a burden. • Practical step: provide safe, honest friendships that encourage holiness and emotional health. • Encourage ongoing training • 2 Timothy 2:15—“Present yourself to God as one approved… correctly handling the word of truth.” • Practical step: fund seminary courses, supply books, host workshops, share study tools. • Stand with the persecuted • Hebrews 13:3—“Remember the prisoners as if you were bound with them.” • Practical step: support advocacy ministries, write to imprisoned pastors, and pressure governments diplomatically. • Speak the Word ourselves • Philippians 1:14—When Paul was imprisoned, “most of the brothers… became confident to speak the word without fear.” • Practical step: share Scripture in daily conversations, teach children, and lead studies, reducing the burden on a few voices. Promises Attached to Honoring Messengers • Shared reward (Matthew 10:41-42) • Overflowing provision (Philippians 4:18-19) • Bold, unhindered advance of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3) • Participation in eternal harvest (Daniel 12:3) Wrapping Up Revelation 18:24 shows how heaven weighs the treatment of God’s messengers. By welcoming, supporting, defending, praying, training, standing with, and echoing their message, we break with Babylon’s cruelty and align ourselves with the Lamb who treasures every voice that speaks His Word. |
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