Revelation 18:21–24 (ESV)
The Fall of Babylon
21Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,
“So will Babylon
the great city be thrown down with violence,
and will be found no more;
22 and the sound of
harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,
will be heard in you no more,
and a craftsman of any
craft
will be found in you no more,
and the sound of the mill
will
be heard in you no more,
23 and the light of a lamp
will shine in you no more,
and the voice of bridegroom and bride
will be heard in you no more,
for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,
and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
24
And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,
and of all who have been slain on earth.”
In the vision, we see the revelation of the end of Babylon. All merchants, business, craftsmen, etc… comes to an end. The economy shuts down. The music even comes to an end.
The evil that has been leading the world, becomes obvious that it has been leading the world the wrong way… away from God. The Lutheran Study Bible states: “John describes the collapse and judgment of Babylon, the great oppressor of the
innocent and exploiter of the weak. As modern, Western Christians hear the charges against Babylon, they note that some strike very close to home, especially greed and an addiction to luxury. The Church must remember where its true treasures are to be found.
Whoever has Jesus can look forward to enjoying eternal splendor and joy in heaven.”
I pray: Lord
Jesus, turn our hearts away from Babylon and her foul wares so that we remain holy children of Mother Church, Your eternal Bride. Help us to be responsible stewards of the wealth and gifts that You entrust to us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.