Revelation 17
Why is sex such a big deal? Aside from the physical pleasure aspect, the lower story, it’s a union of man and woman, however, in the upper story, the spiritual aspect, it’s a picture of God and His image-bearers together in relationship. Satan must hate that intimate love we experience with God because he’s always attempting to corrupt it as we read in Revelation 17.
It’s not accidental that John’s vision pictured a prostitute riding a beast; it was intentional since we understand the power of seduction (the whore) and control (the beast). This chapter begins the process of God’s plan for utter destruction of Satan’s dominion on earth. At the end of time the world will be seduced like a beautiful woman luring an unsuspecting man; this end-time culture, called Babylon, will take pleasure-seeking, luxury, and wealth to new heights, all promising increased happiness. The central government (the beast) will remove individual rights and totally dominate the citizens of the world all while persecuting Christians who oppose it. That’s the gist of verses 1-6 and not difficult to imagine.
We know from ancient world history that all great empires eventually fell into ruin (Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, or Roman) since none stand today and the final Anti-Christian empire (the beast) will be no different. The Beast vs. The Lamb will be a victory for Jesus since He’s the Lord of all lords and King of all kings. God will remain sovereign and His dominion will have no end as He directs this drama to its conclusion: a wedding.
What does it all have to do with us? What’s our take-home from this chapter? Begin with this warning from John,
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:16-17
When our desire is to please God in our daily life we’re on the right path. The world’s temptations will always lure you away from Him but the Spirit will keep your thinking clear, your motivations pure, and your actions in opposition to the way the world operates.
“Get more money, you’ll be happier; please yourself alone, you’ve earned it; God understands, He wants you to be happy.”
Actually, He craves relationship with you and total dependence on Him in life; that’s true intimacy and a divine oneness that Satan will never understand. Chapter 17 is hard to read and understand but God’s plan is not: it’s a marriage.
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. Philippians 3:8-9a
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