On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Detestable Things of the Earth. (Revelation 17:5)
What appears to be impressive today, could lead us away from God tomorrow. What looks like a good opportunity now, could later result in our downfall. This is what the Apostle John is witnessing, as he gets another look behind the veil.
Babylon the Great is mentioned several times throughout Revelation, and it’s often referring to the Roman Empire and other powerful influences in the world that oppose the Lamb. These kingdoms, individuals, or ways of life can appear to be attractive, but John sees that they’re actually destructive. He sees how they are leading many astray.
Now, what we see throughout Scripture is that when people are led astray, it’s normally not dramatic. It’s subtle. It’s the every day things of life that can direct our heart’s worship to others. One decision at a time. One opportunity at a time.
But we can prevent this drifting from happening by prayerfully questioning the things that appear to be worthwhile to us. Think about whether that decision, opportunity, new activity, way of life, or relationship will either draw you deeper into worshiping God or further away.
John gives us a reality check on our world and advice in his letter in 1 John writing, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions — is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:15-17).