Revelation Day 48 - Why is Babylon So Bad?

DAY 49
Why is Babylon So Bad?
Revelation 18:1-3
Why is Babylon so bad?

We can summarize Babylon from Revelation with four ingredients. They’re not Babylon on their own but together make a Babylon cocktail. You can't simply quote one verse here or there from Revelation to get each ingredient. You have to carefully read and pray through the entire book.

First, Babylon is ARROGANT. Babylon wants to be in charge of everything. Babylon thinks it’s better than everyone else. It looks down on other people and eventually mistreats other people. Babylon is blind to its own failures and sins.

Second, Babylon is HOSTILE. It’s aggressive. Its bloodthirsty. It loves a good fight. It forces itself on everyone else.  

Third, Babylon is PREDATORY. Rev. 18 shows a system willing to exploit people for money. It controls the economy. That’s why the unjust business people mourn Babylon’s fall. Babylon doesn’t mind using people to get more for itself.

Finally, Babylon is IDOLATROUS. Babylon pressures people to make something other than the one true God their Ultimate Thing. When John’s churches were pressured to worship Caesar, that’s idolatry. When nations like China pressure people to make the nation first, that’s idolatry. When churchgoers insist that Jesus was white and Christians need to fight for a white America, that’s idolatry.

Arrogant, hostile, predatory, idolatry. Mix well, you’ve got a Bablyon.

REFLECT
Think carefully: have you ever seen these ingredients all together in one place, in one person, or in one group?

PRAY
Lord, protect your people and your world from Babylon. Help us to be alert. Keep us pure from its influence. Amen.