Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

This chapter opens with the seventh angel taking John to see the coming judgment of the city of Babylon, here depicted as a prostitute sitting on a beast. This book's first readers would have recognized this as a reference to Rome and her powerful grip on "the kings of the earth" (17:2) and the surrounding nations. At this time, Rome had unleashed persecution on the Church as the woman was "drunk with the blood of the saints" (17:6).  

This vision pulls back the curtain on the spiritual reality of worldly power. Babylon is not just an ancient city—it symbolizes every empire, ideology, or system that seduces people away from God with the promises of pleasure, success, and power. It is the world's counterfeit to God's True City. Those who are seduced by power and desire glory for themselves have come under the influence of the spirit of Babylon.  

John sees this and "marveled greatly" (17:6). The sheer sight of this image was enough to stop him in his tracks. We, too, might marvel at the sight of power and glory in this life. Global innovators, billionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, and politicians can mesmerize us. The sheer power, influence, wealth, and status of certain individuals or corporations can often hypnotize us and convince us that real life is found in power, achievement, and success. How have you been tempted to think this way?  

But we must notice how the angel responds to John. The angel says, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction" (17:8).  

The angel snaps John back to reality and reminds him that she is about to be thrown down. She was and "is not," a clear reference back to the God "who is and who was" (16:5). God remains, Babylon will not. God reigns, but Babylon will fall under God's power and authority. "They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful" (17:14). 

Perhaps you find yourself today marveling at the wrong things. Maybe you have taken your eyes off the Lord lately and found yourself mesmerized by the earthly opportunities and options before you. Let this chapter sink into your heart. See how fleeting are all earthly powers and pleasures. May we marvel at the power of our True King and gladly bow down to His sovereign and good reign over our lives. To Him belong dominion, power, and glory forever. Amen.  

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Be Generous 2025

On Be Generous Sunday, November 30th, through Tuesday, December 2nd, 100% of all financial gifts will go toward funding three special projects to ignite ministry and lead more people to know, love, and follow Jesus! For more information, visit venturechurch.org/begenerous.