“Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God!

Good morning! Here is today’s word of blessings for you.
Revelation 18:14-17 and 20

14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’
“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off.
20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!
Rejoice, you people of God!
Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
with the judgment she imposed on you.”

Today's title is “Rejoice Over Her, You Heavens”

Humans built great urban civilization from of old. The ancient civilization such as Egypt and Babylonia amaze us with the great scale and sophisticated system of the city. We often wonder how they built such monumental structures as Pyramid, Palaces and huge stadiums like Colosseum with such simple tools available to them. They sailed to a distant sea just with the help of wind and stars, and traded there with each other. With such ingenuous works, they piled up wealth and luxuries. They took pleasure in them. Surely those ancient people took great pride of themselves and what they have accomplished. They were confident in their own civilization and power. They believed that their cities will be eternal. Some of the ancient kingdoms even called their kings as gods and worshipped them. They often belittle those who put their hope in God and His city. But there is one fatal flow in all human civilization. They do last long. They are all bound to fade out sooner or later. That’s why we only see the ruins of the ancient civilization now. Modern civilization takes greater pride in what they have accomplished. There’s a far greater marvel in modern civilization. They are far more splendid and luxurious than any ancient civilization. But, did they completely overcome the fatal weakness in human civilization? I believe not. All human cities are bound to fall. That’s what today’s passage declares loud and clear. “Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ One hour is enough for such great wealth and luxury of a city are brought to ruin. On the contrary, God’s kingdom which may have looked as small as a mustard seed in the beginning, grows stronger and eternal eventually. When the citizens of Babylon the great weep and mourn, the people of God and heavens will rejoice. So, which city do you belong to, city of God or city of man?