All who have been slain on earth.

Revelation 18:24, “And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”

This great city Babylon comes to an end not because of a capricious, malicious act of God but because of well deserved judgment for those faithful believers who have been martyred. The very act of judgment is like that of the Nuremberg trials where justice was brought for hideous, unconscionable, unspeakble crimes. Even so, scripture tells us that God is not slow in bringing judgment, but He is patient desiring that all would come to their senses and turn to Him through Christ Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. We are never to rejoice in someone who refuses Him, but to intercede before the mighty throne of grace that he might come to his senses and turn to the one who calls “Come unto me.” Are we faithful to pray for those who so desperately need Him and do not know Him?

We pray for those whom we know that do not know You, that they would turn to you and come to you to be saved while there is still time; use us as Your witnesses!

ESV Lectionary