"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion of Revelation 17
Daily Nugget:
In Revelation 17, John was shown another judgment, the judgment of the great “whore” (Revelation 17:1). A prostitute sells her body for money. This “whore” does not sell her body but sells the beliefs and principles she should have for her getting more wealth, power, and popularity.
Many have ideas of who “she” might be among past and present organizations that fit this chapter’s descriptions. However, no one will know who “she” is until her identity is apparent in the last half of the seven-year tribulation.
We do not need to make many assumptions, as the Bible reveals some facts describing “her.” She is identified in this chapter as:
- One who sits, or controls, many “waters” (Revelation 17:1). The “waters” are identified as multitudes and nations of different languages (Revelation 17:15). She will have authority over many people.
- “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17:5). Babylon is closely associated with a religious system at Babel that tried to get to God their way (Genesis 10:8-10).
This “whore” is a false religious system. With all the real Christians being previously raptured (Revelation 4:1), this man-made cult will deceive those who remain with a form of religion trying to get them to Heaven their way, not God’s. She will prostitute her “religion” for her gain. - A Mother (Revelation 17:5). A mother has children. This ecumenical system will attempt to attach all religions, “isms,” denominations, and cults to her apron strings. The adjective “Great” also indicates it will be a large system.
- Full of abominations. Since the sin of idolatry will be very great during this time (Revelation 13:14-15), this may be the system’s greatest abomination.
- Guilty of fornication (Revelation 17:2). Since this is a religious system, it is not referring to sexual relations. It is speaking of spiritual fornication, which is what idolatry and false worship are. This system will also persuade political powers to be involved in her sin.
- A woman sitting “… upon a scarlet coloured beast” (Revelation 17:3). Scarlet is usually biblically symbolic of blood or wealth. She will “ride” along with power that is either responsible for the deaths of many, is very rich, or both.
- Having “… seven heads …” (Revelation 17:3). Later, the “heads” are identified as mountains (Revelation 17:9). This system will sit on seven mountains. Although over 59 cities in the world fit that demographic, Rome has long been identified as the “City of Seven Hills.”
- Having “… ten horns …” (Revelation 17:3). These “horns” are identified as kings (vs. 12) that eventually will turn on, hate, and destroy her (Revelation 17:16).
- A “woman.” This “woman” is symbolic and is not a woman but a city (Revelation 17:18). It is a rich center that will be known for its “religion.”
- A very rich city, laden with expensive clothing and other riches (Revelation 17:4). It is rich in purple, scarlet, gold, pearls, and precious stones.
- A “woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” This system would be responsible for having persecuted Christians before the rapture (“martyrs of Jesus”) and will kill many who get saved after the rapture.
There are many similarities to existing religious systems, past activities, and the system in power at the end times. However, no one will know for sure until those prophecies become a reality. The Bible gives many indications as to what the Mother of Harlots will be involved in.
As for Christians, we will not be here for this great deception and power struggle. These revealing descriptions can help any believer that is now involved in any religious activities similar to those described to stand clear of what may bring reproach to the Lord and anger Him.
Today’s Thought:
“Do not sell out your God or your principles.”
Words to Understand:
Perdition: eternal misery after death
Today’s Reading:
Revelation 17
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
7 ¶ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.