What can we learn from the "woman drunk with the blood" about persecution? Setting the Scene “And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses to Jesus. And I was greatly astonished when I saw her.” (Revelation 17:6) John is shown a seductive, corrupt system pictured as a woman—the great prostitute—who not only opposes God but actually relishes the slaughter of believers. The vision pulls back the curtain on the final form of worldly rebellion that has appeared in every age and will climax before Christ returns. The Woman Drunk with the Blood • Her intoxication shows delight, not mere participation, in violence against God’s people. • Being “drunk” implies habitual, ongoing persecution, not an isolated event. • She targets both “saints” (holy ones living set apart for God) and “witnesses to Jesus” (those who testify openly). • The image is literal in that real blood of real believers will be shed; it is also symbolic of all organized hostility to the gospel through history and especially in the last days. Lessons about Persecution Today • Persecution is inevitable whenever truth confronts entrenched evil. – “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Systems—political, religious, cultural—can become so corrupt that they celebrate cruelty. • Hostility may appear sophisticated and alluring (“arrayed in purple and scarlet,” v. 4) yet remain murderous at its core. • The world’s hatred of believers is ultimately hatred of Christ. – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18) • God allows persecution but never loses control; the woman is later judged (Revelation 17:16–18). God’s Perspective on Persecution • He sees every tear and records every martyr’s blood. – “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God.” (Revelation 6:9) • He regards the persecuted as blessed. – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:10) • He promises vengeance that is His alone. – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) The Certainty of Judgment • The same cup she uses to intoxicate herself (v. 4) will be filled with God’s wrath (Revelation 18:6). • Her fall is swift and final: “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!” (Revelation 18:17). • Persecutors may appear triumphant now, but their doom is sealed. – “For the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment.” (Job 20:5) Encouragement for the Faithful • Suffering identifies us with Christ. – “Rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of Christ.” (1 Peter 4:13) • Nothing can separate us from His love. – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? … tribulation, or distress, or persecution?” (Romans 8:35) • Eternal reward far outweighs present pain. – “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Living in Light of the Vision • Expect opposition; do not be surprised when it intensifies. • Stay faithful in witness, even when costly. • Discern the seductive pull of any system that demands compromise for comfort. • Strengthen fellowship; persecuted believers need one another (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Keep eyes fixed on Christ’s return, when the persecutor will be destroyed and the persecuted vindicated. |
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