You Are Found, In Christ
The message of Rev. 18 is rich with symbolism representing the system of the world that can draw us away from our walk with Christ. The imagery John uses can induce reflection on a time when we were lost, but now (praying) you are found, in Christ. Hold on to the understanding of Babylon representing the “system” of the world—with its manipulative force to corrupt humanity—and this chapter offers a striking depiction of a life dependent on temporary material comfort, and a life dependent on the eternal values of God.
The people of the world weep over the fall of Babylon. If you recall from Rev. 17:1 the angel promised that he would show the seer “the judgement of the great whore sitting on many waters.” This judgement is fulfilled in chapter 18,
Revelation 18:11–13 (CSB)
11 The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo any longer—12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; all kinds of fragrant wood products; objects of ivory; objects of expensive wood, brass, iron, and marble; 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and grain; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and slaves—human lives.
The worldly merchants become rich with money from material consumerism. They are kings of the earth (v.9), merchants (v. 11, 15), and sailors (v. 17, 19), and the text says they all wept, mourned, and “threw dust on their heads” (v. 9, 11, 15, 19), while a mighty angel symbolically tied a millstone to Babylon and threw it into the sea.
The character of Rev. 18 can harken back a time when your value, your dependence, and your faith was placed in the fleeting “cargo” of the world, its “suppliers,” and the temporary physical comfort it provides. You were addicted to the fleeting system of “Babylon” and the rule of the “Beast” and the “Woman.” But now your faith in Christ redirected that dependence, and your recovery work—which was a challenge at first—has connected you to eternal peace the material of the world simply cannot provide.
October is filled with lessons and testimony to support your recovery, so come join us Monday nights as we look forward to celebrating Reformation Day (October 31), the day in 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 99 Thesis’ to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany which broke the Protestant Reformation.