LIVE IT! The Sins of Empires Revelation 17 In John’s coded language, the whore called Babylon in chapter 17 is Rome, a city built on seven hills. She is dressed in colors that symbolize her royalty (purple) and her obscene and immoral behavior (scarlet). Her gold and pearls are signs of her wealth and excessive luxury. The blasphemous names on her forehead are the titles that should be given to GOD but are given to the emperor instead. By calling her Babylon, John is creating a tie with the capital of another evil empire from the Old Testament. The whore is drunk on the blood of the saints who have been killed for their faith. John indicates that her evil is caused by her unrestrained desire for wealth and luxury and her abuse of power. He tells his Christian readers that they can be hopeful even amid so much suffering, because in the end, the Lamb (CHRIST) will conquer the beast. Since Revelation was written, many other empires have abused their power, including the United States. Consider, for example, its treatment of Native Americans, practice of slavery, and lack of care for the environment. Reflect for a moment. In what areas does your country need to take more responsibility to ensure justice for all people? Where has the desire for wealth and luxury gone too far? what can you do locally to take greater responsibility in these areas?
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:15:27 +0000
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