Read Revelation 17:1–18
When reading this chapter, we must remember that Revelation is often recursive and kaleidoscopic (i.e., it looks back at the same events from a different perspective). After John mentions Babylon’s final destruction in the last bowl of judgment, we turn here to see the destruction of Babylon from another angle. Let’s look at a few highlights from the chapter.
We should pay close attention to how Babylon is described. On one hand, John describes her with things we might want or desire. She had nice clothes, gold, jewels, and pearls (17:4). She held a golden cup and was riding on top of an impressive animal (17:3–4). Driving a Porsche in your new Gucci outfit sounds great, doesn’t it? But we cannot ignore the rest of the description. The beast she was riding was covered with “blasphemous names” (17:3). Her golden cup was filled with “everything detestable” and “impurities” (17:4). And then we see that she is drunk with the blood of followers of Jesus (17:6). Those glittering, impressive things are not so great when what is behind them is so despicable.
In verse 8, the beast is described with this phrase: “was, and is not, and is about to come up…to destruction.”
There is much debate about what this could mean, but it seems like the most reasonable takeaway is that the kingdoms of the fallen world come and go and will ultimately be defeated. Many world powers are now in the past. As one power dies out, another one always takes its place. One day, that cycle will end, and all earthly kingdoms will be brought to destruction.
So what can we learn today from this beast and the woman riding it? Impressive, flashy, and shiny things are not all they are cracked up to be. Is it okay to have nice things or be influential in our community? Yes. But it is far more important to pursue and prioritize the eternal plan of God. What is your primary focus today?
