Tuesday, 22 June 2021
and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’ Revelation 18:18
The shipmasters, sea travelers, sailors, and sea traders all cry out now, just as it is said that the kings of the earth and the merchants of the earth have cried out – mourning over the destruction of Babylon the great. As it says, “and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning.”
As noted, this will be an event seen around the world. This is certain because of the various categories of people that are said to lament over her as they witness her destruction. For all of them to see this, it means that they must have the ability to do so via TV/internet. This is unlike Tyre of Ezekiel’s prophecy that speaks in similar terms concerning her destruction, but nothing is said of these people being personal eyewitnesses of the events.
But with the coming of modern technology, the prophesied destruction of Rome will be – like the coming of the two witnesses to testify – a worldwide event. Of these people, and when they see her burning, they will say, “What is like this great city?” The words are reflective of the question concerning Tyre from Ezekiel –
“In their wailing for you
They will take up a lamentation,
And lament for you:
‘What city is like Tyre,
Destroyed in the midst of the sea?’” Ezekiel 27:32
Rome has been around for millennia. It has been the center of the world at times. The old saying, “all roads lead to Rome,” is based on that fact. It is an international hub of trade, and its wares include the apostate trade in Roman Catholicism. Babylon the great will be judged, and it will bring Rome to utter destruction.
Life application: The people of the world will look at the vast devastation of Babylon the great and cry out in horror. In other words, if this devastation can come upon her, then what hope is there at all? It is the feeling many Americans had in 2001 as they saw the twin towers fall.
There is an ocean that separates America from her enemies. There is the greatest military on earth to protect her from them. There is wealth and power, ease, and security… and yet sudden destruction came upon the very symbols of her power and wealth. And this was merely a few buildings, not an entire city and system. As incomprehensible as was the destruction on 9/11, it will be minuscule in comparison to the fall of Babylon the great.
In a similar cry of perceived power, we saw in Revelation 13:4 this question asked by the people of the earth, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Suddenly, their marvel at the power of the great beast is turned into cries of “Alas!” What was thought incomparable has been leveled by something far greater. The question the people should have asked when all this started is the question asked by Moses and the children of Israel at the Exodus –
“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11.
You see, there is only one God and there is only one ultimate power. Anything else is a part of what He has created. No matter how splendid, powerful, rich, or terrible, it is only a part of the creation, and it is therefore subject to His awesome hand of direction and judgment. Thus is the fall of Babylon in the eyes of those who look upon her in horror and dread.
For true safety and security that transcends this temporary and perishing world, look to what God offers. He promises eternal security and eternal life for all who come to Him through JESUS.
Yes Lord! There is none like You. You are above all the “gods” for they are not gods at all, but the deceptive lies of our imaginations and the boastings of those who do not perceive the truth. Help us, O God, to rightly look to You alone and to proclaim Your glory to those around us. Praises belong to You, O God. Amen.