Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, November 5
Revelation 17:1-14. Come, I will show you the judgment of the great whore who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and with the wine of whose fornication the inhabitants of the earth have become drunk.
We’re deep into the innards of the Book of Revelation here, and the imagery is not for the faint of heart. The symbolic numbers, timelines, and geographical details suggest that the woman in this passage is the city of Rome. The Bible often uses the image of a prostitute to refer to unfaithful people. In the Old Testament it is usually Israel, but here it is the capital city of a Gentile empire.
Don’t try to identify these gory images with modern nations (you’d have to contort the text to make it fit such a reading). Ponder instead how tragic and destructive it is to align ourselves with “the beast” that seeks to set itself up in opposition to the “Lord of lords and King of kings.” Where today is the beast asserting itself? Where in your personal life? In the life of the church? In the political arena? By what signs is the beast identified for the imposter it is? By what signs is the King of kings recognized? Do you need to make a decision for one or the other?
PRAY for the Diocese of Udi (Nigeria)
Ps 75, 76 * 23, 27; Ezra 9:1-15; Matthew 14:22-36
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
