Sometimes we wonder where the world's governments and economic systems are heading. John gives to us the answer. The very systems that support our immoral and idolatrous living, as empowered by Satan, will by God's design find that their customers ally with Satan and destroy the very system they have served. This is amazing!
“The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”” (Revelation 17:18, NIV)
"Two women symbolize two cities. First is the lewd prostitute, Babylon the Great; second is the pure bride, New Jerusalem. The first is the finest product of human technology and achievement, one final terrible display of civilization apart from God. The second is the finest product of divine grace, the eternal flowering of God’s people. Sandwiched between John’s view of the two cities is the coming of the Bridegroom and his wedding—presented in just those terms (19:6–10)." [1] It would be wrong to view this vision as some future event, entirely. These events in Chapter 18 encompass perhaps of all time even up to the present and into the future. The battle between these two cities has been the story of the ages.
“Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: babylon the great the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.” (Revelation 17:3–6, NIV)
John also saw this woman riding on a beast. This beast mimics Christ the one “who is, and who was, and who is to come”(1:4). But his power is from the Pit. “The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.” (Revelation 17:8, NIV). "The beast … was and is not and is to come; it had received a mortal wound yet came back to life (13:12–14). The prediction that the beast was about to rise from the bottomless pit (11:7) and go to destruction means that its present power to persecute Christians is inhibited, and that its future appearance in unprecedented violence will be short-lived (see 19:19–21; 20:7–10)." [2]
This alliance of evil, the world government/economic system allied with Satanic powers is designed to destroy God's people. “They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”” (Revelation 17:13–14, NIV). Although we know they will be conquered. Although we know that it will be temporary, we need to always keep in mind that the "world" and the wicked power behind it is intent to destroy you. But what a shock! Notice what destroys it?
"Surprise. We expected the final Antichrist and his federated powers to hate the Lamb, but we could not anticipate that the beast and the ten horns will hate the prostitute. This reflects, however, an observation readily verified from history: evil often turns on itself, carrying the seeds of its own defeat." [3] "The meaning is that there will come a time when these same worldly people who together with their antichristian governments constitute ‘the beast’ and who were infatuated with the ‘harlot’, that is, with the seduction of this world, its pleasures and allurements, its culture and luxury, come to see what great fools they have been." [4] This reversal of outcome is God's idea. “For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.” (Revelation 17:17, NIV)
"The satanic alliance of prostitute and beast will disintegrate, and military power will ravage the economic system it once supported. When the beast and its allies strip the prostitute naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, they will imitate the judgment pronounced by God on Israel, his unfaithful bride (Ezek. 16:39–41). God sovereignly uses even his enemies to carry out his purpose and fulfill his words, both for the salvation of his own people (Acts 2:23; 4:24–28) and for the destruction of the enemies themselves." [5]
Father, as we start this day, we are confronted with the "Woman". She rides on the "Beast". Her intent is to destroy us. Through the lure of pleasure, power and immorality she is bent on destruction. She has devised all forms of institutions and structures to capture God's people and turn our hearts toward her wicked devices. Ironically she will someday self-destruct by the same power that motivates her today. Grant to your saints a wartime mentality. We go into this day armed and ready for war. We are being seduced at every turn. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (304). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2487). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
3. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (313). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (pp. 172-173). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
5. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2487). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles
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