The message is proclaimed to everyone—every nation, tribe, language, and people; therefore, no one can have the excuse that they did not know the gospel message. As Paul said in Romans, “They have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20). This is a key theme of Revelation—whenever there has been a time of judgment, there has been a preceding time of warning, when people are given the opportunity to repent. However, those who refuse want nothing to do with God; their punishment is justified.
A second angel followed the first angel, shouting that Babylon is fallen (Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8). In the Old Testament, Babylon was the name of both an evil city and an immoral empire—a world center for idol worship. Outside that city, Nebuchadnezzar had built a great statue to himself and had required everyone to worship it (Daniel 3:1-6; compare Revelation 13:14-15). King Nebuchadnezzar had reached the apex of power and pride, only to find himself judged by God (Daniel 4:28-33). The Babylonians had ransacked Jerusalem and had taken many of the people of Judah into captivity (2 Kings 24 and 2 Chronicles 36). Just as Babylon had been Judah’s worst enemy, the Roman Empire was the worst enemy of the early Christians. John, who probably did not dare speak openly against Rome, was applying the name “Babylon” to this enemy of God’s people (Rome)—and, by extension, to all of God’s enemies of all times. “Babylon” is the name given to the civilization that was seduced by the beast. This world system is filled with idolatry, corruption, and sexual sin, a wellspring of ungodly religion, government, and economics.
The angel’s words here are a prediction: the actual fall of the city would not occur until the judgment of the last bowl. God would judge this evil power because she seduced the nations of the world and made them drink the wine of her passionate immorality (see also 17:2). This draws from the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 51:7). This pictures the godlessness and sinfulness of those who have been lured away from God into a world system that fulfills their lusts and passions but ultimately destroys them. Ultimately, God will destroy this evil and judge the people.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
What a way to start our final week of the year - the day after Christmas - God's unyielding judgment against the world and against sin and against rebellion. What do we take away from this passage? Time is short and it grows shorter by the day. We must wake up. We must get on with it. We must see heaven and hell. We must see the destination that awaits those who reject Christ. I saw some nephews yesterday I hadn't seen for a few years. I know it was awkward and I know I probably put them on the spot, but who know when I would see them again - who knows when I would have another opportunity to share with them? So, I took the chance to talk with them about spiritual things.
Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds that time is short and to use our time wisely. My prayer for you today is that you would do just that with the family and friends and co-workers and neighbors in your world and life.
No comments:
Post a Comment