Revelation 18:15-17

15         The merchants who became wealthy by selling her these things will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will weep and cry out,

16         “How terrible, how terrible for that great city! She was clothed in finest purple and scarlet linens, decked out with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17         In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone!” And all the captains of the merchant ships and their passengers and sailors and crews will stand at a distance.

The traders and businesspeople profited from their lives of luxury through Babylon. Remember, Babylon represents a corrupt world system. It represents a center of commerce and idolatry. There is often a moral compromise when it comes to the earthly wealthy systems. People would often sell their soul in a hope to make a profit or a living, often to provide for their cost of living or provide for their family unit. These people will keep their distance, hoping they will not be involved or collateral when Babylon faces their divine judgment. They’re fearful and helpless, witnessing a downfall of their once steady support system. They don’t want to face the divine judgment from God; they want to stay away from what they know about God’s consequences of sin. They’re so concerned that they weep and mourn their regrets and loss. They aren’t looking to be forgiven of their wrongs, but they are upset at the events that are transpiring. They are concerned about their economic impact rather than their spiritual well-being.

For us, we must take away that God stands wholeheartedly against corrupt and oppressive systems. We must work to live justly and avoid these systems. We hear Jesus’ call to us to take care of the marginalized, to speak up for the voiceless, to stand up against those who are taking away the right of God’s creation. In our world today, we are finding many companies and corporations that are focusing solely on making a profit with reckless abandon. We must work to stand up against those organization (even churches) that fall under this regard. God’s creation was done to be able for the earth and humanity to work in harmony, to provide for the needs of each other, to care for another, and to all submit to the plan that God has for it.

We hear about Babylon having this extensive and fancy wardrobe, representing their nobility and their elite. They were the 1% at that time. It describes this city’s focus and priority on material and self-indulgence.

We focus a lot on our resources. We are watching the stock market like a clock. We focus on our bank account, hoping it will magically increase and not dramatically decrease. We look at our fridge, wishing they would magically mix in a delicious meal and be plentiful – not empty. The idea I’m describing is that our priorities focus on the material – tangible things that we could commit to. God wants us to trust in him, and that he will provide enough for we need in life. It’s hard to trust in something that we can’t see. It’s hard to find confidence that these resources will be given. That’s when our faith kicks in, and that’s how we can boldly represent our relationship in Christ.

God’s judgment comes in and wipes out the wealth that Babylon had built. It happens fast, and when one would least expect it. The people seeing this judgment take place are helpless. They saw their major avenue of trade and economic system collapse. They are helpless and afraid of what their future holds.

How many of us feel that way right now? We’re fearful and hopeless about what the future of the world looks like. Being in the United States, it’s a constant state of fear. The turbulence, turmoil, and drama that our current government systems and representatives share shows that our future is not solidified. In a moment, rights are taken away. Benefits to help impoverished families no longer exist. Families are stripped apart because of how they look or who they love. It’s a scary and fearful time. It’s not one, as well, to wait and hope that God will swoop in and fix things. The judgment of God is terrifying and can cause an emotional whiplash for us. We must trust that God’s victory happened, and that he will see us through to that victory. He is calling us to trust in his guidance and teachings and share it with the world today.

Next Part: The Fall of Evil – Part 6

Associated Scripture

Revelation 18:15       Ezekiel 27:36

Revelation 18:16       Revelation 17:4

Revelation 18:17       Ezekiel 27:27-29