Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute… – Revelation 17:1
The angel invites John to witness the judgment of “the great prostitute,” which is a clearly derogatory title that is used to represent the system of powers and principalities that the Bible calls “Babylon.” Here in Revelation 17, she is dazzling! She floats above the waters, sitting on a scarlet, blasphemous beast, clothed in purple and scarlet, dripping with gold and pearls. She holds a golden cup in her hand that is full of her sins. Her power has intoxicated nations and seduced kings. If that isn’t enough, she is “drunk with the blood of the saints.” Even John “marveled greatly” at the sight.
This scene is not just ancient history or future prophecy, it’s a mirror for every age… even for today. “Babylon” stands for the world’s powers and seductive cultures, political, economic, and even religious, that lead people away from the authority of the one true God. They may not be as overt as this, but their essence remains. That’s why John is told to look at it, so he won’t be fooled. It is as if Jesus is telling John and us that we need to brace ourselves for what is to come.
1. Brace Yourself Spiritually
The power of Babylon is alluring. It will dress up corruption in gold and call compromise “success.” It invites us to drink deeply of its wine, its comfort, its status, its power, until we’re numb to what God is really up to. Spiritual bracing means waking up and becoming aware of the real struggles in our world. It is not against people, but against the powers and principalities of this world. It means that we must check what’s inside the cup before we sip, making sure that we do not give allegiance to anything other than Jesus.
2. Brace Yourself Emotionally
Babylon is an enemy of believers… of “the saints.” Verse 6 says she is drunk on their blood. Following Jesus sometimes means that we must stand up against the powers of our age. We shouldn’t be surprised when faithfulness to Jesus costs us something. Bracing ourselves means setting our expectations realistically; life with Christ is life on a battleship, not a cruise ship.
3. Brace Yourself with Hope
The angel begins with judgment, but we have to remember that judgement is not despair. No doubt, Babylon’s fall is certain. She may look dazzling now, but her days are numbered. To brace ourselves with hope is to remember, in the end, it is Jesus who wins, it is love that conquers, it is peace that perseveres! Justice comes in the form of a Lamb who was slain, and He brings Heaven with Him!
So look closely. Marvel if you must, but don’t be mesmerized. Keep your heart anchored to Jesus and he will lead you to victory!
Josh Rose
Family Pastor