“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ ... For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries ... and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries” (v3). As powerful as the world’s rulers, influencers, and owners seem to be, John’s vision shows it all crashing down. When God comes to judge (v20), the world’s “glory and luxury” gives way to plagues and death (v8). Political leaders, business leaders, all those whose highest values are comfort and selling “luxury and splendor” will mourn (v11, 14-15). 

“Rejoice, you people of God!” (v20). Just as believers in John’s day were faithful under pressure, God calls us to imitate His love and holiness in a world that glorifies self-idolatry and sin.