Revelation 18 – Alas, Babylon! The Great City has Fallen!

As they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, we are continually reminded throughout Revelation that heaven is in control. Out of heaven comes an angel who illuminated the earth by his splendor. The world formerly was illuminated by the splendor of Babylon but has now become overshadowed.

The Unexpected Fall of the Great City

Like the mighty Titanic, no one ever thought Babylon would have ever fallen. People placed their hope, value, future, and identity in Babylon and now it is gone! Those who loved this great city of Babylon will mourn for her loss. With the loss of Babylon they too have lost all things. They have placed all of their value in this great city.

Historical Significance and Spiritual Exile

Babylon is significant for the Jews because when they were taken into captivity by Babylon many of them just accepted their new fate and stayed there. They adapted to their new surroundings and acted as though they themselves were from Babylon. However, the voice in verse 4 calls these people out of Babylon.

What kingdom do you live in?

You are currently an exile in a foreign land, a resident alien. Every country that is not the Kingdom of God is Babylon. Have you decided to become a citizen of the place where you find yourself? Or, have you held on to your true identity as a citizen of God’s Kingdom?

Evaluating Our Actions

We continually have to evaluate our actions as well as the actions of the culture in which we reside. We must reflect on whether we have maintained our spiritual distinction:

• Have we assimilated?
• Do we look like everyone else around us?

We are not concerned with Babylon because we are from a place that is greater. Alas, Babylon! The great city has fallen!