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2. The Harlot of Babylon Close Up (Revelation 17:3-6)
The Harlot's Love of Splendor (v4): John continued on in the account of his vision in the wilderness. Amazed and perplexed, he noted that the lonely woman upon the back of the beast was arrayed in a purple gown with scarlet cape and scarf (Revelation 17:4). Violet and light reds were the dominant colors that revealed the character of the harlot: She wanted success and fame, wanted to live out her passionate ambitions. At the same time, she wanted her power and recognition forced through by way of her economic undertakings.
The great seductress, with her golden bracelets, rings, ornamented belts and shoes, did not shy away from exalting herself. She openly displayed her precious stones, pearls and jewelry. These treasures must have been gifts from her many rich lovers, who wanted to see their goals accomplished. Poor woman! No one really loved her. All either used her for their own purposes or were afraid of her. The woman was lonesome in spite of her gorgeous self-appearance. She intentionally showed off her wealth so she would be honored and admired. She glorified herself in unrestrained egoism. She radiated arrogance, cunning, lust and intrigue.
The proud woman is the opposite of the Holy Spirit, who does not glorify Himself, but Jesus, the Son of God (John 16:13-14). Followers of Christ do not indulge in self-adulation, and do not continually speak about all their gifting and experience, but testify to their Lord Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One.
How many poor and impoverished people could this lady overloaded with riches have helped? Or how many hungry could she have fed? But she didn't see the misery. She had no sympathy for them, for she alone wanted to be glorified, rule and judge.
Whoever sees on television a full assembly of Catholic cardinals and bishops from all continents gathered in Saint Peters Dome in Rome will realize, with consternation, that most cardinals are covered with scarlet gowns, and bishops in resplendent purple. Is this obvious parallel to the woman on the beast in the vision of John a coincidence, or a confirmation? Have the church sovereigns become rulers and covert power-seekers? Or do they deny themselves as humble servants of Christ? Sometimes their domes and cathedrals, churches and chapels are overloaded with gold. Their shrines, monstrances and pictures of saints shine in the glow of countless precious stones. Where is the poverty of Christ to be seen in them? Even Mohammed, wanting to feed and provide for his refugees in Mecca, had once tried to get at the riches in Orthodox monasteries (Sura al-Tauba 9:34-35). Experts claim that the hoarded riches of Orthodox and Catholic churches would go beyond all imagination.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank You because You lived in Your worldly life satisfied with what Your heavenly Father had given You. You did not own a house, a bed, or a donkey; and You did not build a pompous church building. Teach us contentedness and simplicity that we may not wish to become rich or famous in the society, but merciful and accepted by our heavenly Father. Grant the whole world a spiritual revival and put an end to wars, hatred and spite. Amen.
QUESTION:
- Why did the harlot clearly display her splendor?