March 28 - The Fall of Babylon (pt. 3)

March 28 – The Fall of Babylon (pt. 3)
Revelation 18:9-19

Before Christ returns to reign as King, we have to see the destruction of the world. The final verses of Revelation 18 show us the beginnings of this destruction. This is split into three sections, plus a postlude. In each of these sections, we see the same things occurring, yet to different groups of people.

In Rev. 18:9-10, the kings of the earth lose control of Babylon. In Revelation 18:11-17, the merchants of the earth lose all their wealth and are brought down with the destruction of Babylon. In Rev. 18:17b-19, the seafaring industry is brought down.

In Rev. 18:10, 16, 19 a phrase repeats itself, making us aware of what is to come. “Woe! Woe, O great city …”

For the kings Babylon is a city of power (Rev. 18:10). For the merchants, Babylon is described as dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. (Rev. 18:16) and for the seafaring industry, Babylon is the city where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth.” (Rev. 18:19)

The thing that connects these is the final sentence of the ‘woe.’ For the kings, “In one hour your doom has come!” For the merchants, “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!” For the sea captains, “In one hour she (Babylon who provided them wealth) has been brought to ruin!”

Each group reacts in exactly the same manner. They are terrified at her torment. The kings stand far off and cry (Rev. 18:9), the merchants weep and mourn (Rev. 18:15) and the sea captains throw dust on their heads, weep and mourn (Rev. 18:19).

Everyone is at a loss as to what to do. It’s over for them. The kings and merchants stand far off from the scene and make scenes. They don’t have the courage to stand in and fight for recovery. They run far away and stand like fools crying out in terror.

The sea captains speak of Babylon and say, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ (Rev. 18:18)

Don’t believe for a second that this is a single city. When Babylon is restored before the end of the world, it will be represented in every part of this earth. We see the beginnings of its restoration now with the extreme luxury that is presented to us. I read an article about expensive things that can be purchased on Amazon.

From June of 2009:
Russian Sable Fur Jacket - Wing Collar - $29,995.00
Charades- Micro Fiber Plush Bunny - $9,999.99
Harmensz van Rijn Rembrandt Etching Original Old Master - $275,000.00
Classic Grey Sevruga Caviar - 4.00 lb. / 1800 gr. (Free Overnight Shipping!) - $13,290.50
Queen Anne Cast Iron Table Base: Standard Height: 28.5" - $1,724,998.28
HOE HNDL 54" W/FERRLE ASH - $2,555,557.99
Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Necklace VAN CLEEF & ARPELS - $1,500,000.00
Moschino Vernice Luce A7407 Shoulder Bag - $7,695.00
Princess Mega Series Modular Playground 5 Inch Posts - $43,102.33
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Mens Watch 25984OR.OO.1138OR.01 - $380,000.00

We are definitely buying into what Babylon represents. The warning from this chapter to us is that it will all be destroyed. God is in control of everything and even though we try to control our little parts of the world, we will ultimately fail.