SCRIPTURE: Revelation 18:1-24
OBSERVATION:
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great (18:1-3) Babylon, which was at one time a powerful empire, is used here symbolically of all powerful, oppressive and decadent empires. Every age has its Babylon. Rome was such an empire at the time this was written, but there have been many other examples through history. Any powerful ruler/government that hordes the wealth, oppresses the poor and weak, and revels in immoral and decadent lifestyles fits the title “Babylon”. Even the Church at times has fit this description! Soime would say that the Western world is a Babylon. The point of these words are that such powers will fall, violently!
Come out of her, my people (18:4-8) This is a warning to all those who live by God’s values and standards, who are committed to living selfless, gracious, generous and moral lives in the world. Watch out, do not be sucked in by the empires promises of wealth, pleasure, success… for it will all come tumbling down one day. Look at how many people are being sucked in by the promise of success, happiness, pleasure, immorality. The empire consumes the bodies and souls of men (13). The voice from heaven continues to call out, come out!
In one hour (18:9-19) This recurring refrain (10,17,19) shows how quickly and unexpectly this fall will come. The citizens of this empire (represented by kings, merchants, sailors) will see its downfall, and all of them will weep in horror, “Woe, woe, O great city!”
Rejoice (18:20) This may seem harsh, to rejoice at someone else’s suffering. But put this in the context of a people under seige. The citizens of France could finally rejoice when the cruel Nazis were driven out. They celebrated in the streets! The people rejoicing in this passage are the humble, the oppressed, the weak, the one’s loyal to God.
A large millstone (18:21-24) In other words, its going to be a big splash, everyone will see it!
APPLICATION:
Do I sense the power of the “empire” I live in? Am I being sucked into the American (or Canadian) way, the way of pleasure, success, power, decadence, luxury, excessive wealth, frivolity and immorality? Am I one of the merchants doing business with the empire, or am I one of the “saints and apostles and prophets” who stand against this immorality and cruelty, even at great cost to myself? This world doesn’t need more self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking people, its filled with them. What it needs is more God and neighbour serving people, generous, compassionate, gracious, humble. Many of the worlds poor and needy look at us as the oppressors, the modern day Babylon. Is there any indication in my life that I am not?
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You again for the warning. Help me to see where I am living in compromise to the empire. Show me my heart, and help me to become a generous, compassionate, humble servant of You. Amen.