Who can forget 2020 and the effect of Covid on the world’s economy. “The Coronavirus outbreak caused a global economic collapse. Most countries implemented full or partial lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus. The lockdown slowed global economic activity substantially, many companies reduced operations or closed down, and people lost their jobs.” (National Library of Medicine). A byproduct of our reduced travels was the shift to more online shopping. Amazon became a best friend, but also became a worst enemy as people found it too easy to become shopaholics.
In Revelation 17, the focus shifts to the economic and commercial aspect of the corrupt world system, describing the fall of a vast global economic power centered in Babylon. It warns against systems that attempt to control faith and create a religion in man’s image or those that promote a global system of greed and materialism. Verses 11-13 describe the scene: And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, slaves, that is, human souls.
Why so much detail ? In the end times, the world’s rebellion against God will rise to a fever pitch. The Antichrist’s system will be characterized by rampant materialism, love of money or greed, outrageous idolatry, and violence against Christians. God wants us to see that greed, materialism, idolatry, and rebellion against Him are linked and all lead to destruction. As Pastor Josh stated yesterday in his Daily Fill, “This scene (in Revelation) is not just ancient history or future prophecy; it’s a mirror for every age . . . even for today.” He did a great job of outlining these chapters and explaining what John was shown. Do you see our present day in the descriptions?.
Verses 15-16 say, The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! Notice the merchants are standing far away, not wanting to be involved!
Then in verse 17, For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste. God wasted no time in destroying Babylon’s idolatry and rebellion after giving the people so many chances to turn away from the evils of the Antichrist.
Later we see In Revelation 18:2, an angel descends to the earth proclaiming the triumphant news of Jesus’ victory over Babylon the Great.
Father, please help us keep our eyes on you and eternal things, not the temporary material things of this world. May we be watchful always of things that lure us away from you.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member