Revelation 19:1-8 NIV
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2] for true and just are his judgements. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” [3] And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” [4] The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” [5] Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” [6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. [8] Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
The city of Babylon, described here as ‘the great prostitute’, symbolises Rome who has persecuted the church and tempted Christians to abandon their faithfulness to God. It symbolises anything in our lives that acts in a similar way, corrupting our faith or tempting us away from it. Of course in the days Revelation was written, Rome seemed eternal and all powerful, it was understandable that in front of its power and promise, folk would turn to it rather than life on the edge of society with Christ. But once more Revelation declares that appearances are deceiving, it is Christ not Babylon that is eternal and all powerful, rewarding those who remain pure and faithful to him.
Lord, help us to remain true to you and to prepare ourselves to receive you!
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