Revelation 18
Everyone loves a good economy; just ask American voters who elected Bill Clinton in 1992 due in part to his mantra, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Revelation 18 shows us that it will be the world economy that collapses: Babylon has fallen.
God sent one of His authorized, top-ranking angels who was in His glorious presence to deliver that message. This powerful figure looked into the future and saw the world systems of finance, trade, wealth in all forms, and even social systems fall into ruin. Nations, under the rule of the beast (Antichrist), have grown rich with the world’s power but their destruction is immanent.
As you read this chapter pay close attention as God Himself responds:
“Come out of her My people.”
What the world has to offer, wealth, luxury, and prosperity will eventually disappear like a giant millstone cast into the sea never to rise again (vs. 21-24). The economy will tank, financial institutions will crash and burn, unemployment will soar, and families who put their faith in the world’s systems will suffer. Jesus was right to warn us,
“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25
“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19
“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John 17:16
What’s even more interesting is that this collapse will happen suddenly and quickly; the symbolism is ‘in a single hour’. What will be the response in heaven? Rejoicing, God has remembered His promises to apostles, prophets, and saints with rewards and punishments coming due: Justice will be administered and righteousness will triumph.
How should that effect believers, regardless of their time period, who read this chapter? Be smart, make investments, work hard, show honesty and integrity but hold all the worldly rewards loosely in your hands. It can disappear in a single hour. Our provision is not in the world but in our Savior: Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Therefore, if the economy tanks in our day we don’t fall apart or fall into fear because we trust in the Creator of the Universe and our future continues into eternity. We learn to recognize that what the world has to offer is temporary and fleeting so we die to it’s seductions.
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14
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