Our God is Near

We made it through the challenge of personal judgement in Revelation 16 (see our July 6 post). The positive coming from the descriptive and challenging language in that chapter is the understanding of an immanent God—our God is near and knows our challenge and success (Ps. 145:18; Acts 17:27; Phil 4:5). In Chapter 17 the judgement is directed toward the world.

Symbolic language is abundant in this chapter as it begins with a reference to the notorious prostitute who is “seated on many waters.”

Revelation 17:1 (CSB)

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me: “Come, I will show you the judgment of the notorious prostitute who is seated on many waters.

“Many waters” is v. 1 is terminology for “people.” Many people will be seduced by the “notorious prostitute,” the kings of the earth are intoxicated by her. The great city of Babylon is her symbol, as she attempts to draw people away from Christ (Beal, Revelation. 848). The “scarlet beast covered with names” (v. 3) stands for the system of the world enters the judgement scene—the prostitute on his back.

The world and its system of immorality and idolatry will be judged in the last times. But for you Christian there is hope because as it was in the chapter 16, you are left with the affirmation that God is near, and his return is immanent. In v. 14 John informs of the prevailing “Lamb”—the “Lord of Lords”—who will conquer and return (see Rev 19:10) for the “called, chosen, and faithful” (v. 14).

We know there are challenges in your recovery. The system of the world brings challenges in our efforts toward purity and righteousness. The Bible claims God, in all his fullness (Ps. 145) is near, and fighting for your you, your recovery, and your family, who are faithful.