This chapter opens with the word, "Then".....that is, it's a chapter in a sequence of previous judgements that God will bring upon the earth during the great tribulation.
This 17th chapter deals with what is called the Judgement of God on Babylon.
Is it a city, is it a system? Well, there is a city by that name, but, it most likely is referencing a system. In other words, at the end of the worlds as we know it, ( before Christ comes to reign on the earth ) the system of man's invention, empowered in the tribulation period by satan through the anti-christ, will come to an end, as God pours out His judgement on it.
We will look at this more in-depth through the week. But, let's begin today with just the first two verses of chapter 17.
John tells us that one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls of judgment came to him, and invited him to come and see the judgement of the great harlot as it is called, who sits on many waters, ( most likely referencing many people's )
So, this chapter gives us a very detailed look at this specific aspect of God's judgment during the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period. We see it here in advance in a very graphic way.
A harlot of course is a term used to describe an immoral woman, and harlotry is used to describe both men and women who involve themselves in something beyond the bounds of what God has given to men. Fidelity in relationships is what brings blessing, and infidelity, brings destruction.
Also, harlot's are known for their seduction, and seductive ways. Seduction and deception go together, and those 2 terms truly mark the effect of satan through the anti-christ.
The sitting on many waters, seems to speak of the fact, that anti-christ's reign and influence will be global, affecting all people in one way or another. It's unheard of in human history to see the loss of life that will take place during the tribulation period. Perhaps as much as two thirds or close to it of earth's population will die at this time.
Chapter 17 goes on in verse 2, to describe what men will have been doing.
The kings of the earth, or perhaps the leaders of nations are being mentioned here.
They have committed fornication, a term used to speak of sexual immorality, is used to speak of the way they led and how they misused their positions of authority.
Going on, we are told about the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So, the actions of the leaders are spoken of as the wine of fornication. That is, their leadership caused men to become drunk as it were. Drunk, morally.
So, the judgment of God is coming to the earth.
The Bible is filled with times of Judgment from God upon men.
Jesus spoke of this coming judgment, saying that there never has been anything like it in earth's history, nor will there ever be again. It will be the worst that has ever taken place.
I'm not sure we as Christian's spend much time really thinking about what is coming, and what it will be like when it does come. It's not a pleasant subject to say the least. But it is true, and it will come quickly when it comes. It will be over before men know it as we say. Very quickly, like a thief in then night.
In the meantime, we are here now, in Christ, with the good news of Jesus Christ, and have the opportunity to share that good news even today. God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but He sure does delight in men coming to salvation.
I'm currently having the great blessing of watching someone come to Christ. They by their own admission are not quite there yet, but, are about as close as one could be. I fully expect to see this friend of mine become born again any day now. He told me that when he is ready to pray and give his life to Christ, he would like me to be involved with him in that prayer. If you remember, will you please pray for him, and ask for this work of God's grace to come to it's full and complete end.
Thank you so much.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
