Day 256, Revelation 18
As we turn the final corner and into the finishing straight of this book, it is worth recalling once more that this is a revelation of Jesus, not a prophecy of specific future historical events. The language is apocalyptic (that is to say, revealing), unveiling the greatest truths with more clarity than ever. This is the final volume of God’s written Word, the end of the saga and invitation to a transformed eternity.
As we read these words, we read to grasp the broad sweep of the message of their symbolism, not to parse every jot and tittle for religious or political interpretation. These principles apply to this chapter (the final throes of the evil earthly system), the next (the celebration at that termination of the imperial system), and chapter 20 (the final judgment). Look for the broad sweep.
So, Chapter 18’s symbolic message (along with that of chapter 17) is that the seductively attractive and dominatingly powerful empires, superpowers, and governments of this world’s imperial system are actually wholly corrupted by the beast on which they ride: the satan’s power grab to dominate, intimidate, and control. The more powerful, the more glorious, the more attractive and seductive any specific manifestation of this system is, the more resounding will be the sound of its ultimate fall, when God says “Enough!” Whether communist empire, Hollywood franchise, or Islamic caliphate, all will be ultimately exposed and destroyed. As fast as the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, so all this world’s seducing power structures will collapse in the end. Even the American dream, and the self-righteous denominationalism of much of Christianity in the 21st Century will eventually be devastated, and the darkness hiding within will be exposed and expunged. The Church – the chosen and the faithful – will emerge in pure worship as God demolishes the imposters and restores the eternal.
Have a great day!
Mark.