Revelation 18:4-8

4             Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, “Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her.

5             For her sins are piled as high as heaven, and God remembers her evil deeds.

6             Do to her as she has done to others. Double her penalty for all her evil deeds. She brewed a cup of terror for others, so brew twice as much for her.

7             She glorified herself and lived in luxury, so match it now with torment and sorrow. She boasted in her heart, ‘I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow, and I have no reason to mourn.’

8             Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day – death and mourning and famine. She will be completely consumed by fire.

A reminder of who the “she/her” John is referring. John is describing the city of Babylon, an analogy to the evil forces of the world. John heard this angel calling the citizens of heaven away from the evil powers. They must step away from the evil, or risk being caught in God’s punishment against them. The evil describes their power, comfort, and joy – but God’s punishment to these evil forces will be death, mourning, and famine.

The people of Babylon lived in luxury that came from immoral acts and exploitations of others. The powerful, wealthy people of this world are susceptible to act like the Queen did, not worrying about the risk that comes with their wealth, power, and created joy. People who are financially comfortable often feel secure and comforted. They feel in control of their heart because they are able to overcome any foreseeable emergencies and chaos. Their hearts are hardened to the world around them. They don’t care who they hurt to obtain their stability and comfort. For them, it’s about them and them alone.

This attitude defies God, who calls us to honor him and serve others. It can be difficult in the world today to be wiling to do so. We’re inundated with harsh news and danger circumstances around us, creating a spirit of fear in our lives. We need to obtain more to comfort us. We need to do more to secure us. It doesn’t matter what others need, for that is not the priority. God wants us to trust in him. To take only as much as we need and leave the rest for those who also need. To sacrifice some of our resources to ensure that we are caring for our neighbors.

We must avoid the lure of Babylon’s sins and the harsh judgment that will accompany this kind of living. If you’re financially secure, don’t become complacent. Don’t believe that you are receiving enough and can become self-sufficient without God. Don’t work to grow rich at the expense of someone else. Use what you have to help others and advance God’s kingdom. Use your resources to meet the needs of others, and create the community that he wants us to live in. One that is built on compassion and forgiveness. One that reaches the marginalized where they are to create a fair place of living. One that is accessible for all.

Next Part – The Fall of Living – Part 3

Associated Scripture

Revelation 18:4          Isaiah 48:20, 52:11; Jeremiah 51:6, 9, 45

Revelation 18:5          Jeremiah 51:9

Revelation 18:6          Jeremiah 50:15, 29

Revelation 18:7          Isaiah 47:8

Revelation 18:8          Isaiah 47:9; Jeremiah 50:31-34