Read Revelation 17.
The battle of Armageddon will not be an international war as many have used the
term. Nor will it be the end of the world and human life on earth.
It is most helpful to go to the one and only definitive source that
describes Armageddon for a clear understanding. The nations of the world
will not be at war with each other. In fact, they will unite in order to
wage war against their common enemy.
To explain this to the Apostle John, images are shown to him. There was
no need for John, or us, to be confused by these or to speculate as to their
meanings. Each is explained within this chapter.
The great prostitute.
The symbolic woman is identified as one who lives in opulence. She has
intimate relationships with all the world's leaders. Her actions are
called immoral as she has sold herself to these leaders in exchange for money
and power. Her influence over these leaders is akin to drunkenness.
Her relationship with the peoples of earth is she sits on them, as a
picture of oppression. She is guilty of killing believers in Jesus (v.6).
This describes the religious system, established by the false prophet in
chapter 15. Empowered by Satan, the object of worship is the
Antichrist.
She wears the label of Babylon. Babylon is the mother or source of all
rebellious belief systems against God. The city may be traced to Genesis
10-11 when founded by Nimrod. It was the place of defiance against God in
constructing the infamous tower of Babel. All false religion and idolatry
may be traced back to this one city. "The woman that you saw is the
great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth." (v.18)
Here we are told that the religious system will have power over
government, at least for a time. Verse 16 indicates that world leaders
will reach a point where they will reject this religious control, strip her of
her authority, and destroy her once and for all.
The kings.
These leaders from various parts of the globe are described as heads and horns
on the prostitute. World leaders are often labeled as heads of state.
They wield horns of power. Verses 2, 10 and 12 make clear who they
are. They will be of "one mind". Collectively, they will
submit their authority and military might to her for the purpose of waging full
scale war against the Lamb of God. (v.14).
The beast.
He is the 8th leader mentioned in verse 11. This is the Antichrist, the
beast of chapter 13.
So, what does this have to do with us?
1. How ludicrous for human beings to think they can rebel and fight against the
God of heaven! Jesus is "Lord of lords and King of kings"
(v.14b). He is omnipotent. They cannot win this war. This demonstrates
the demonic inspired insanity that results from rejecting Jesus. Yet,
people today reject Jesus and do not think there will be any consequence.
It is a loser's belief.
2. All of these prophecies underscore that God is actively at work in this world.
"For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by
being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the
words of God are fulfilled." (v.17) And, more importantly for
today, He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives that He is working out
right now. Pursue Him.
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