Revelation 18:2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
There are places in many cities around the world where it is not safe to travel, unless you live there. And for many of these places, it is not safe to travel even if you are a resident. Many these places are drug infested and crime ridden, where all sense of decency and propriety has disappeared.
Those who live there are often trapped by their addiction or by their station in life. Many have been sold as slaves to that life. Political and economic forces maintain the status quo. To our shame as Americans, these places exist here in the US, the place that has been the envy of the world.
One thing for sure, the Gospel hasn’t penetrated the hearts of those in charge of these areas. The gangs and landlords are OK with the status quo. The Gospel hasn’t reached their hearts to the degree that they see the residents as people made in God’s image. Instead, they are seen as disposable.
But there will be a moment when judgment comes on the hearts of humanity. Evil will one day be brought to light and those outside of Christ will be put under the spotlight of God. Those living in the land of darkness will see a great light, and the light will bring judgment.
Our text is the start of the announcement that judgment has happened. The words are in line with the words of the Prophets of the Old Testament, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The heavenly messenger shouts! I can almost hear the excitement in his voice. The time all the heavenly beings have been waiting for has finally arrived. And he has the privilege of announcing it to the whole universe.
Some of the best words I have wanted to shout in my life have been, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” They certainly were words I wanted to shout when I married by bride over 40 years ago. And I have pronounced them over couples during my long years of ministry.
When those words of pronouncement are made, it seems as though smiles and tears abound. The couple have waited, and now the time has come. It used to mean that consumption of the relationship would happen that night, a joyous and intimate occasion. But too often, now it means “we are making official.”
I have never heard anyone who waited until their wedding night for sexual intimacy regret that decision. But I have heard numerous people who didn’t wait regret that early intimacy. In my opinion, early intimacy demonstrates a lack of control, a lack of control that often exhibits itself later in marriage in devastating ways.
Out angel shouts that the enemy of God, as depicted in the image of Babylon the Great, both the city and the ruling power, this enemy has been defeated. In light of the holiness of God, this place, this rebellion personified, has been cleaned of its rebellion. What had been lost in the Fall is being restored, and Spring cleaning has begun!
Then next several chapters outline this cleaning. There are “Woes” that are announced and carried out all with the end of God’s reign in Heaven showing up here on Earth. And we as followers of Jesus are right there working with Him. When it is all said and done, we will be reigning with Him over this planet that is renewed and energized again with His presence, as it was at the beginning of Creation.
The Arnold Journey 