BIG IDEA: The Resurrected Lamb is Subduing Seductive Systemic Rebellion.
Here’s a map for the final 6 chapters:
Chapters 17-18 depict the fall of the old, broken system (a.k.a. Babylon).
Chapters 19-20 depict the demise of the devil behind it all.
Chapters 21-22 depict the reunification of God and creation (a.k.a. New Jerusalem).
“What can be deduced about Babylon?”
- It’s bigger than one nation, ruler, or moment in history.
- It’s inspired by spiritual evil (cf. Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-20).
- It’s a transhistorical symbol for humanity organized apart from God.
- It’s a system/culture of idolatry, exploitation, violence, arrogance, and seduction.
Scholars say that “The biggest problem facing the 7 churches was Babylon. And the biggest problem we still face in our churches is Babylon…When we read Revelation well, we develop our ability to discern the presence of Babylon in our world and in our own churches, and then we learn to resist its creeping powers.” (McKnight, 50).
Finally, a question that reveal ways even the most faithful of us are unwittingly captivated by Babylon’s allure. To that end, I’ll ask: “Where in your life (e.g. habits, relationships, perspectives) might God be trying to draw you out of organized rebellion (done on purpose or otherwise) so you can partner with Him in restoration?”
