Vol.4, No.51 – December 22, 2019, Countdown to the end – 38
And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls –Revelation 18:11-13
Perhaps verse 15 is plainest in the last days: The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud.
It will be proper for us to make a brief comparison of Chapters 17 and 18
- Mystery Babylon compared to Babylon the Great
- A woman or a mother compared to a great city
- The Superchurch compared to the Supermarket
- Situated on Seven Hills compared to visible from the sea
- The judgement of the great whore compared to the collapse of the world market
- Destroyed by the kings compared to destroyed by God
- The kings rejoiced compared to the kings wept
Babylon, founded under Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-12), became the first center ruled by violence. She (the city) once was the capital of the world. She will once again become the central city of the world and a home for idolatry, occultism, perversion, demonism, fake and false religion.
Like many corrupt businesses, Babylon’s economic pail has its bottom drop out. Bigger barns (houses, churches, businesses) do not guarantee life. The 28 categories of merchandise are luxurious and worldly baubles. Made for impression.
Note there is not a single necessity of life contained in the list!
- The monarchs of the world cry (Alas, alas! 18:10)
- The merchants of the world cry (Alas, alas! or Woe is us, woe is us! 18:16)
- The mariners of the seas cry (Alas, alas! or Misery and disaster! 18:19)
The reality of the Great Tribulation is upon them. During the last days of the Great Tribulation, there is a transition. Rejoice over her, O Heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her! (18:20)
After this, I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of q great multitude in Heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of His servants” once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever” (19:1-3)
God’s salvation, vindicated, the overthrow of Babylon marks the end of those organized evils that have plagued the earth for so long. The saints and angels of Heaven are singing for the severity of God, the sovereignty of God, the supremacy of God, the justice of God, and the righteousness of God.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God! Revelation 4:11
He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! Revelation 2:7
Behold, Jesus is coming soon Revelation 22:6
Life Application
Do not assume that future events allow you to sit back, because you know how the story ends. Countless millions of people do not confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are on the road to destruction. If we care, we will spend time, sharing the truth of the Gospel, and the absolute outcome due to rejection of the Gospel. How we care demonstrates in our personal ministry of witness and invitation.
Thought for the Season
The incarnation of Jesus Christ is God’s clear demonstration that He will always make good on all of His promises to us . . . .Paul powerfully argues that when God fulfilled his promise to send His Messiah Son to earth, He guaranteed that He would fulfill every other promise He’s made to us –Paul Tripp, in Come Let us Adore Him
