REVELATION CHAPTER 18

REVELATION CHAPTER 18 FOR TODAY?
The present events surrounding coronavirus plagues bear a striking resemblance to the events described in Revelation Chapter 18 - the Fall of Babylon . They are either the actual fulfillment of this prophecy or a rehearsal for it. Revelation 18 speaks of a sudden plague and shortage (vs.8) that effects the whole world. It describes a sudden economic collapse especially luxury industries (vss.11,12), shipping and international movement. In today’s world this would also include air travel (vs. 17). It also seems to refer to ‘social distancing’ (vs. 12 & 17), and end to music concerts. (vs. 22)

The believers are told how to respond. They are to cease relying on the world systems but rejoice in the faithfulness of God.(vs. 4) This also includes inviting others to join us in the life of trust.

Just before the return of the Lord and “The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb.” Revelation describes a sudden event which it calls “the fall of Babylon.” (Babylon here does not refer to one region but to the whole world system of economics and government that controls the earth today.) Babylon you will remember from the story of tower of Babel is the system of civilization, commerce, and political organization built on man’s natural ingenuity and ability. It was based entirely on humanistic principles without reference to God. The people of Babylon – the builders of the tower of Babel – prided themselves in their ability to build the world’s greatest civilization.

Genesis 11 describes the fall of Babylon of which Abraham was a citizen. God allowed it to come to nothing and called Abraham to leave it and to be the father of a new civilization based on dependence and obedience to God. Abraham found security and safety in a life of simple trust and obedience in God, the promise making, promise keeping Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

Revelation 18 describes the final collapse of Babylon. This time it is not a single city in the Middle East but the whole global, political financial system in which we live. This system, on which the world has organized itself, is not built on Gods’ moral standards or on trust in Him, but on man’s independent enterprise.

The “Bride of Christ” (the devoted follower of the Lord) is warned to get out of Babylon – as Abraham got out of Babylon. The believers are warned not to put their trust in the shaky political and commercial systems of this age but to live lives of faith and trust.

As we watch Babylon fail it may look like all misery and gloom. But God is building His new civilization – the Kingdom of God on earth- where the righteous rule of God, the loving Father, will be established on the earth under the rule of Messiah Jesus with His Bride. The establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth, and the coming of Jesus to rule over all the earth, will be preceded by the collapse of the present global political and economic order. It happens very suddenly like the present collapse.

What Can We Do?

In a time, similar to today, in a culture that had become morally decadent and independent of God, Habakkuk warned about a coming collapse. He then pointed to the way out for the believer: “the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2.4) The way to escape Babylon is not by running away to some remote mountain but to live a life of trust in God’s promises and do what He tells us to do. It is a time to lean on God, Our Loving Father, trust in His promises, get closer to Him and obey His instructions, especially the commandment to love and take care of one another.

The collapse of Babylon in Revelation 18 is immediately followed by the Coming of the Lord. This year, we hope and pray the world recovers, through the grace of God, the financial bailout and other government and human interventions. There will soon come a time however, when the systems will not be able to recover and their collapse will be the gateway for the return of the Lord to rule and reign. Then the Lord Himself will replace the present failed systems with His incorruptible, unshakeable Kingdom.

Today’s global collapse caused by the coronavirus is either the fulfillment of Revelation 18 or a warning foretaste of it. Perhaps the Lord is giving everyone a last chance to turn to Him (repent). We pray that millions will hear His voice.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

“You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”