Revelation: Economic Collapse

Revelation 18:1-24 

Jesus reminded us that money can easily become our master. He also emphasized that serving two masters is impossible. In this regard, Jesus said, “either [you] will hate the one and love the other, or [you] will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24). 

In chapter 18 of Revelation, the world’s economic systems, fueled by evil powers and authorities, are being destroyed. In chapter 17, the world’s religious systems fell. Today, we witness the collapse of the world’s economic engines. 

In our passage, Babylon symbolizes more than just an ancient city of power. It stands for a force that drives the world’s economy. John sees an angel with great authority and a mighty voice shout, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” (Rev. 18:1-2a). The angel describes Babylon’s evil deeds. She is called a “dwelling place for demons” and associated with “sexual immorality” (Rev. 18:3). The world’s merchants have “grown rich from the power of her luxurious living” (Rev. 18:3b). But that is no longer true. The world’s economy has now collapsed. 

After the first angel’s announcement, John heard another voice from heaven warning anyone who follows Jesus to escape the judgment, saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues” (Rev. 18:4). God graciously gives his people a chance to escape to safety, just as he did for Lot and his family before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Babylon, representing the economic system, has glorified itself and lived in luxury (Rev. 18:7). But now, her sins “are heaped high as heaven” (Rev. 18:5). There is no sign of any change (Rev. 18:7); therefore, God’s quick and complete judgment is just and fair (Rev. 18:8).  

As the current state of the earth comes to an end, the world’s economic system will collapse rapidly. The powerful kings “who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning” (Rev. 18:9). 

Those in the marketplace will also mourn. No one will buy their goods (Rev. 18:11-13). The “delicacies…are lost to you, never to be found again!” (Rev. 18:14). Among the “goods” that were bought and sold are slaves, but the angel points out this shameful act, acknowledging that the slaves are “human souls” (Rev. 18:13). 

John states that the merchants, shipmasters, and sailors who once amassed wealth will weep and mourn loudly at the sudden economic demise (Rev. 18:15-19). Today, we would include all businesses that are part of the economic system, including those that depend on the internet. But the groaning on earth will lead to rejoicing in heaven: “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (Rev. 18:20). 

The economic system will cease to exist. As a result, entertainment will vanish. No workers will be employed again. There will be no sounds of commerce—no planes in the sky, ships on the water, no construction of houses, and no manufacturing noise (Rev. 18:21-23). All the prominent business leaders will be ousted (Rev. 18:21-23).

As I write this, Time magazine has just announced its “Person of the Year.” This year, the “person” is actually a group—the “Architects of AI.” The key figures are: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta; Lisa Su, CEO of AMD; Elon Musk, owner of X and xAI; Jensen Huang, President and CEO of Nvidia; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind; Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic; and Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute and CEO of World Labs. These leaders are depicted sitting on an elevated steel beam, echoing the famous 1930s photo “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.” 

These wealthy and brilliant men and women will eventually pass away, each one of them. Their authority, patents, and expertise will be left behind as they face eternity. What then? The answer to that question centers on Jesus—the final Judge, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

The day of judgment will be the ultimate equalizer. Everything we cherish on this earth will become insignificant. Knowing Jesus will remain the only relationship that truly matters. 

Do you know him? Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD

Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 18:1-24.

Talking to God: How can you live now in a way that shows you serve God—not money—as your true Master (Matt. 6:24)?

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