REVELATION 18:1-5
Read Revelation 18:1-5.
Looking at chapter 18, we move to a new aspect of the revelation. Another angel appears on the scene, glorious to the point of illuminating the earth. The angel announces the good news that Babylon the Great has fallen. This must refer to no other than the woman, the harlot of ch. 17, who was destroyed by the beast of the sea, the Antichrist (17:16-18). Whether this refers to a physical city of Babylon or a spiritual one is not clear. The description of and reaction to her destruction is more fitting of a physical city, but regardless, her destruction is a point of sadness and terror for the inhabitants of the world. The bulk of this chapter concerns the reaction of three groups of people: the kings of the earth (v. 9), the merchants of the earth (i.e. land, v. 11), and the merchants of the sea (v. 17). These were people who “grew rich from her excessive luxuries” (v. 3). The literal translation is that these people grew rich from the “power of her excessive straining.” She will use all of her power to break free from anything that prevents her from getting what she wants. That Babylon will use her power to get more and more of it in an attempt to satisfy her unquenchable desires will no doubt influence the world. The world will seek what she seeks, and will benefit from her pursuit. I suspect the followers of the Antichrist will be guilty of straining with her with all their might to gain the riches of this world.
But God says of His people: “Come out of her… so you will not share in her sins” (v. 4). As God’s people, we are not to be drawn into her pursuits. We are not to be straining with all of our might to gain the world, but rather gain the riches of God by seeking first His kingdom. The world may be filled with enticements and unhealthy/ungodly attractions, but really, what God has to offer is so much better! “Oh, what peace we often forfeit” in our pursuit of things so temporary. Consider your pursuits today. Consider what you are hoping to achieve, accomplish, and attain in your life’s pursuits. And if you are found wanting more of the things of this world, pray that God would open yours eyes to the glorious and incomparable riches of His kingdom.
-Mike
