Revelation (Written)

Sunday, 27 June 2021

The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. Revelation 18:23

The state of fallen Babylon continues to be described by the mighty angel. The great harlot, the city of apostasy and wickedness, has seen her end. As such, the angel next says, “The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore.”

There will be enduring darkness in her. In the modern world, almost everything is lighted by electricity. Even the most remote villages have it for an hour or two a day. Not only will that not be the case, but even lamps fed by oil (as the Greek word means) will not be found there. The contrast to the Light of the World, Christ, is made evident. She rejected Him, and now she finds only darkness.

Next, it says, “and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.” The words are reflective of the words of Jeremiah, but – surprisingly – they refer to Judah when it was to be destroyed by Babylon –

“Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.” Jeremiah 25:10

The difference, however, is that the next verse in Jeremiah says that this would continue for seventy years. The state of Babylon the great will be forever. Never again will the happy sounds of the bridegroom and the bride be heard again. And the explanation for this starts with the angel, saying, “For your merchants were the great men of the earth.”

The sentiment is similar to that given concerning Tyre in Ezekiel 27. The great and noblemen of the earth were those who traded with Babylon. Now, with their trade ended, there will never again be a reason to return to what once was. Babylon will stand desolate and ruined because of her actions. As the angel then states, “for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.”

The Greek more appropriately reads, “for in your sorcery.” Rome, and the place where the Vatican stands, could not be better described than this. Their teachings and doctrines are like a drug-induced spell upon the people.

Roman Catholics around the world reject Scripture when it conflicts with church dogma. They are seduced into harlotries with prayers to Mary and the saints instead of to God through Jesus – the one appointed Mediator between God and man. They constantly mix profane doctrines into the faith. On and on it goes. No opium den on earth could be more effective at stealing away the minds of people than the aberrant doctrines found there.

And more directly, the scope of her heretical teaching flows out to almost all nations on the earth, perfectly describing the state and level of her deceptions.

Life application: Babylon’s very mode and method of continuation is ended. And why? Because the great of the earth whom she deals with are the “movers and shakers” who are perceived to have control of everything they touch. They are the tycoons, the behind-the-scenes controllers of trade, commerce, communications, and so on. And their ways have been cunning and devious.

It is evident that this includes a host of troubling sins such as magic arts like astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, palm readings, and even false religious rites. Black magic, Santeria, numerology, occult practices, idolatry, spiritualism, and so on. They can all be included in this. Any type of religious conduct which isn’t in accord with what the Lord has designated can be added to the list.

Further, the word certainly must be considered to include the use of drugs. Opiates, narcotics, and so forth, that produce altered states of mind are a part of their merchandise, and they are exported to the people of the world. This deceives the people into believing in the lie of escape from reality.

Drug use is actually a way of having people lose contact with their Creator. It causes them to focus inward and towards selfish fulfillment of addictive desires. The connection between various mafia-related organizations that deal in such things to the RCC has long been noted.

These drugs are also used when mingled with spiritual practices. In this sense, they not only deprive people of a relationship with the Creator, but they drive people into adulterous religious avenues. As you can see, the sins of Babylon are many and the punishment for them is complete and final.

For those who are willing to step away from the false religious expressions and practices and come to Christ, they will find true grace and life in a biblically established relationship with God. That relationship is based on adherence to Scripture as the rule and guide of the faith, and Scripture is what tells us of God’s offer of peace and right relationship with Him. It tells us of JESUS.

Jesus, You have released us from our lives of sin and addiction, and we ask that you continue to hold us safe in Your arms, keeping us from returning there. Please use us to lead others away from these things and toward you as well. Without You, our lives are like small ships tossed about on great waters of turmoil. Be with us and guide us, O Christ. Amen.

Saturday, 26 June 2021

The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.  Revelation 18:22

The mighty angel just cast a stone, like a great millstone, into the sea and proclaimed the sure and sudden destruction of Babylon. With that, a list of what that means begins. It is not unlike a similar list found in Ezekiel 26 when referring to Tyre. His words begin with, “The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore.”

The word kitharódos, or harpists, is only found twice in the Bible. The first was in verse 14:2, and now this is its last use. It comes from two words signifying a harp and a singer. Thus, it is one who plays and sings to the music he plays. The word translated as harp is kithara. It is the root of our modern-day guitar.

The word translated as “musicians” is mousikos. It is someone skilled in music. The word is found only here in Scripture. It is from the same root as the word mousa, or “a muse.” One can see the root of our modern-day “music.”

The “flutists” are seen only in Matthew 9:23 and here. It signifies a flute player.

The word translated as “trumpeters” is also found only in this verse. It signifies a trumpet player.

Taken together, the list is intended to mean that there will never be music again in this city. Her ruin is complete, and the things which were pleasing to the ears, mind, and soul are taken away. The city of fun and ease will be a city of ruin.

Next, it says, “No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore.” The word is from the Greek technités. One can see the root of our modern “technician.” It signifies an artisan, a builder, a craftsman, and so on. One could think of our modern-day carpenters, plumbers, electricians, air-condition workers, and so on. Whoever provides skills that complement the ability to build or maintain an infrastructure is probably included in this thought.

Finally, the verse ends with, “and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.” In Jeremiah 25:10, it says –

“Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.”

This is probably the same thought here. The idea of the sound of a millstone is one of joy and happiness as the millers work together, passing the handle of the mill back and forth, singing, and rejoicing in the product that comes forth from their efforts. The idea then is that of happy, productive labor. This will be forever removed from Babylon.

Life application: Verses 22 and 23 further describe the losses in Babylon, but there is a difference between these two verses and the preceding ones which started in verse 18:11. The earlier verses spoke about the materials and commodities which were sold, but these speak about the people who make and use those commodities. Not only are all of the riches of Babylon gone, but so are the people.

The sweet sounds of the royal palace, the exciting evenings at the opera house, the outdoor concerts of rock and roll – they are all gone from Babylon forever. Even the radio stations and internet channels have gone silent. The only sound is that of ruin.

In addition to the melodies of the musicians, the sound of craftsmen plying their trade is gone. There will be no more beats of the hammer. The tempo of industry is silenced. The potter’s wheel and the tools of the sheet-metal workers have stopped their own melodious strains, never to be heard again. Industry is gone, and the life-sounds that have accompanied them are gone too.

All of it is all gone because of the wickedness of the people. Such a great and vast system has come to ruin in a moment. People were living their lives, eating, working, and listening to music when it all suddenly ended. Such was the state of Sodom and Gomorrah, and so will be the state of Babylon the great. When God determines an end to Babylon, it will be sudden and complete.

Unlike those who lived for this life only, Hebrews speaks of those who live by faith –

“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16

What is your hope? If it is something in this life, it is temporary, perishing, and futile. But if it is in what God has promised for those who wait for Him, a better and eternal city lies ahead. The door is open for those who come to Him as He has determined. The way is made available to lead us there. It is through God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. It is through JESUS.

How pleasant are the sounds of life, O Lord. You walked among us and listened to the sounds of workmen, You smelled the wood as it was cut and the bread as it was baked. You know how our minds are filled with joy from these things. But You are right in removing them when they become our idols. Help us to remember that all things came from You, and to You alone belongs our worship and our thanks. Amen.

Friday, 25 June 2021

Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.  Revelation 18:21

With the description of the mourning of those on the earth and the rejoicing of those in heaven complete, a description of what the words “one hour” noted in verses 18:10, 18:17, and 18:19 is now given. That term was repeated to show that the destruction of Babylon would be quick. Now, showing how violently it will occur, and beginning with, “Then a mighty angel.”

The Greek reads, “one mighty angel.” Because of the wording, it is may not the same as the one mentioned in verse 18:1. Words comparable to Revelation 18:21-24 are found in Jeremiah 25:8-11, and those words are spoken by the Lord. Therefore, this is at least an angel appointed by the Lord for this particular time, or it could be another revelation of Christ Himself.

Either way, it says this angel “took up a stone like a great millstone.” A stone like a millstone signifies one round and very heavy. They were about two feet in diameter and about twelve inches thick. There were two of them. The bottom would not move. The top one would be turned by a handle or crank affixed to it. Two people would sit opposite one another. The first took the handle and turned it halfway. Then the other person would grab it and turn it the other half of the way.

The meaning of “like a millstone” can only be speculated on, but being round, it could signify an asteroid or a nuclear weapon. Whatever it is, it will be something that will catastrophically wipe out the entire city. The words next say, “and threw it into the sea.” This would be for effect. Throwing a heavy, circular-shaped stone into the sea would cause the water to splash up in all directions, just as the land would be heaved up in all directions when a large asteroid or nuke lands on it.

With this demonstration of destruction, the angel is “saying, ‘Thus with violence.’” In this, a word found only here in Scripture is used, horméma. It signifies “a rushing on,” or “impulse.” There will be a great and sudden impulse that overflows the city. It is possible that it is an advancing army, but they would have to come through exceedingly quickly and with extreme violence. Whatever is the cause of the ruin, the final words of the verse explain the complete nature of her destruction, saying, “the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.”

Babylon will come to a complete and permanent end. The words of this verse were prophetically anticipated through the words of Jeremiah –

“Now it shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you shall tie a stone to it and throw it out into the Euphrates. ⁶⁴ Then you shall say, ‘Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary.’” Jeremiah 51:63, 64

What happened to ancient Babylon was a type of what is coming upon Babylon the great. Whether this is Rome or not, but which seems exceedingly likely, this great city will be completely wiped out. There will be absolute ruin of it, and it will remain desolate as a witness to her complete apostasy for all ages.

Life application: In Daniel 2, we read the account of a dream the king of Babylon had concerning a giant statue made of different materials. Here is a portion of that–

“This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. ³² This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, ³³ its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. ³⁴ You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. ³⁵ Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:31-35

Daniel went on to explain that this statue represented a series of world empires – Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each of these was directly involved in the affairs of the Jewish people and controlled the land of Israel. Yes, other world powers have come and gone, but it is these that are the focus of the prophetic events.

Understanding the symbolism of this vision, and others in Daniel, it appears to confirm that the Rome which was will also be again. In other words, the Roman Empire is being reconstructed in the end times and will have a major bearing on the nation of Israel during the tribulation period. It is where the antichrist will come from. However, further down in the Daniel 2 account, we read –

“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44

“Those kings” is referring to the same 10 kings mentioned already in Revelation (note that human feet have 10 toes which correspond to the 10 kings). The symbolism in this verse, which was of a millstone being cast into the sea, corresponds to the striking of Daniel’s image on the feet. It is a violent and sudden destruction of this line of power that reaches back through the ages.

This did not occur in the past as preterists claim. Rather, the Roman Empire simply faded away from the world scene. But its underlying control and power remain in a latent form. It is coming together again, even before our eyes as the nations of Europe struggle to form a unit that will work for them. So far, the EU has not worked out well, and it will be refined until it matches the prophecies of Scripture. As this occurs, the world is rushing headlong into its final hour.

The scene of the millstone must have been marvelous to John’s eyes, and he certainly stood in awe at the splendor of how Babylon the great will meet its final moment.

Human history has been marching along, and the wickedness of false religion – mixed with world power – has been great and will grow even greater in the end times. But the kingdom of our Lord and Savior is far, far greater. Soon it will come in all its splendor, and He will sit on His throne in glory. The Old Testament prophets speak in detail about that coming kingdom and what it will be like. It will be a time of awe and wonder on earth. It is coming soon to a Millennial Kingdom near you, and the center of its focus will be JESUS!

O Lord Jesus! How great it will be to see You exalted among the nations and to know that only the glory of Your kingdom will be acknowledged. Babylon will be gone forever and ever – never to be remembered again. But You, O Christ, will reign in glory and in the majesty of Your throne. How our hearts long for that day! Hallelujah and Amen.

Thursday, 24 June 2021

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” Revelation 18:20

With the desolation of Babylon the great complete, words of victory over her come forth, saying, “Rejoice over her, O heaven.”

The meaning is that heaven itself will rejoice over the fall of this city. Thus, there is a stark contrast between the worldly reaction over her to that of the heavenly one. The kings of the earth, the merchants of the earth, and those engaged in sea trade all mourn and lament over her. They had become enriched through their dealings with her, and all they could feel was the sadness of the loss that accompanied her fall because of it.

Heaven, however, is filled with the saints of the ages who had been persecuted and martyred by her. And more, her message has been contrary to the gospel itself, relying on works in order to be saved. But the gospel is of faith and not of works. Therefore, this enemy of the pure gospel is destroyed, and heaven will rejoice over that.

And more, it next says, “and you holy apostles and prophets.” Here, some manuscripts state “and the saints, and the apostles, and the prophets.” The difference in the Greek means either an accidental insertion or an accidental drop of a couple words probably occurred. Either way, by naming the various categories, it is a way of saying that not only will there be a general rejoicing in heaven over her, but that each category will find itself vindicated over her.

Rome’s authority killed prophets, such as John the Baptist. Rome’s authority martyred apostles. And Rome martyred innumerable saints over the centuries as well. The mixing of Christianity with the authority of Rome did not end the persecution, it just made it state-sanctioned persecution of those who rejected Rome’s view of the presentation of the faith. But all of that has come to an end. As the verse says, “for God has avenged you on her!”

The Greek could have several meanings. It literally reads, “for God has judged your judgment on (or out of) her. This could mean the judgment that she is due for the treatment of you. It could mean the judgment which is your due. It could mean the judgment that she has judged concerning you. Or, it could even mean God has taken your cause out of her authority and assumed it as his own.

Whichever is the case, God is the one to ultimately decide. As these words follow after the thought of heaven and its occupants rejoicing over her, it certainly involves the idea that her destruction is fully in accord with the plans and purposes of God, and that His plans and purposes have remembered all of His faithful who were harmed by her.

Life application:  Quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, Paul says in Romans 12:19, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” After saying this, he then quotes Proverbs 25:21–

“Therefore,
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’”

This is the calling of the believer because God would rather have a lost soul turn to Him than for him to continue on in his wayward life and be eternally separated from Him. Once a believer is saved, nothing can separate him from an eternity in God’s presence. Therefore, we are to consider our own lives as less important than others and be willing to expend ourselves even for our enemies.

At the same time though, there is the human weakness of wanting immediate justice for offenses against us. God asks us to put those on hold because all wrongs will be righted, and all offenses will be repaid. Babylon the great, the one who has oppressed God’s people all along, will receive her punishment in full.

At that time, the heavens, the apostles, and the prophets will rejoice because of what will come upon her. The vengeance we are now asked to restrain ourselves from will be realized. God will personally ensure that the destruction this great harlot is set for will come about. All wrongs will be avenged, and all offenses will be repaid.

Until that day, it is our job to share the gospel. As hard as it is to share it with some people, this is what we should always strive to do. Our Lord hung on a cross for man’s reconciliation to God. Therefore, let us speak about this great deed. Let us tell the world about JESUS!

Lord God Almighty, when we face hardships, slanders, and personal offense by those who are enemies of Your truth, it sure is hard to not take revenge on them. In our natural selves, it is just not normal to turn around and offer them a blessing. So, Lord, please stir up our spirits to do as You have asked and give us the strength to follow through with it. Thank You and amen.

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

“They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ Revelation 18:19

John continues with the words concerning those who mourn over the destruction of Babylon the great, saying, “They threw dust on their heads.” The word “They” is referring to “Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea,” as is found in verse 18:17.

The idea of throwing dust on one’s head signifies great mourning and lamentation. In Joshua 7, after being defeated by an army of insignificant size, Joshua and Israel’s elders mourned at the loss –

“Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.” Joshua 7:6

This type of mourning is recorded elsewhere in Scripture such as in the comparable verses about Tyre in Ezekiel 27:30. It is an outward display that is not without meaning. The idea goes back to the very creation of man where the Bible says in Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

The idea conveyed is that the distress or sadness is so great that returning to the dust would be preferable to what is being felt. All one can think of, in such a state of distress, is about the time when he didn’t exist. He mourns as if he could return to that state. In this terrible mourning, it next says, “and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying ‘Alas, alas, that great city.’”

This is the same terminology, found in verses 15 and 16 of this chapter, that was uttered by the merchants of the earth. Just as the merchants were distressed over the loss of revenue in the selling of their goods, so these people are equally affected in the same manner and for the same reason. As it next says, “in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!”

To them, there is personal loss over the city’s destruction. They had financially benefited from trade in her, and that has ended. The goods they send upon the seas will arrive at a port, and when they do, there will be no trucks heading in that direction any longer. There was once bustling trade coming in and going out of her, but that has ceased forever. Babylon the great has fallen, “For in one hour she is made desolate.”

This is similar in thought to verse 17, which said, “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” The world’s system of trade and commerce has been violently upheaved at the destruction of this great harlot, and the people who are a part of it will mourn greatly at the loss they have suffered.

Life application: In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon says – “If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he” (Ecclesiastes 6:3).

This reflects the state of those who see the destruction of Babylon. They cry out, they weep, and they wail at the loss. But it is a sadness that is actually directed inward, at their personal loss. The city’s fall means that they will no longer be able to conduct trade and commerce. Their sadness has less to do with the city or the people than it does for their own sad situation.

The shock of this enormous empire falling in such a short time has them beside themselves with grief. But this is exactly what Jesus warned about when speaking to Israel in Matthew 6:19-21 –

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The love of money and the things of the world will only bring sadness in the end. It has caused once-wealthy businessmen to dive out of high rises, sports figures to point a gun back at themselves, and lovers to devise ways of disposing of each other in hopes of obtaining what they desire. When our eyes, affections, and lusts look to the creation for satisfaction, they will only consume us in misery. But when we direct our eyes to the Creator, we will find the Source of every good blessing we could ever desire.

This is one main premise of the Bible that goes from its very first pages to its very last. Only in the Creator is found true joy and contentment. In order to help us more fully understand this, He sent Christ into the world to lead us back to Himself. It is through Him alone that this state of peace and everlasting joy can be found. Redirect your eyes away from this world and to the Christ of God, our Lord JESUS.

O God, forgive us for placing idols in our hearts and before our eyes. Help us always to direct our attention and affections to You alone, and help us to be strong in the conviction that only You can truly satisfy our deepest needs and desires. Thank You, O God, for looking out for us and filling us with blessings from Your open hand of grace. Amen.