Join us for Easter this Sunday, 10am at Deltona High! Click here for more info!

Under the Influence: Part 1

UndertheInfluenceInsta copy

Have you noticed a pattern with blockbuster movie trilogies from the past several decades—especially those storylines from books? They go like this:

The world lies under the influence of an evil power, led by a sinister ruler, with headquarters in a capitol city. Everyone enslaved by this evil force is largely unaware of their plight, due either to fear, blindness, ignorance, or apathy. But then someone is awakened, a “chosen one.” This hero sees the truth, identifies the villain, and forms a rebellion, resistance, or fellowship of some kind. Sleeping people wake up, ignorant people wise up, drunk people sober up, weak people power up, and the epic battle ensues. Dystopian to Utopian. Happily ever after.  

Perhaps The Matrix best epitomizes that plot line. Everyone in the false, computer-generated Matrix is enslaved to an evil system that is devouring them while keeping them distracted with material pleasures. As long as victims are “plugged into” the Matrix, they sleep their entire life while providing energy for the machines that dominate and control the world.      

The only way to unplug, see the lies and hear the truth, is to take the red pill, which represents freedom and knowledge. The blue pill represents slavery and ignorance. Evil, oppressive system; enlightened savior; high-stakes battle; happy ending. That’s pretty much Cliff’s notes for The Matrix, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Divergent, and Lord of the Rings. So if you want to write the next blockbuster….     

 When Tolkien was reasoning with C.S. Lewis about the truthfulness of Christianity, he did what a good apologist does. He entered through Lewis’ own fascination with stories and myths. He called Christianity the “True Myth.” Sound dangerous? Say what you like, Lewis converted not long after that conversation. 

Every story carries at least a faint echo of THE STORY. All begin with evil. All those books and movies remind me of Babylon. Does that name ring a bell? When you encounter the name “Babylon,” a few things may pop into your mind. If you’re a student of world history, Babylon conjures up images of massive Ziggurats, hanging gardens, vast armies and unsurpassed beauty. It was a “wonder of the ancient world.” World history remembers Babylon with fascination and adoration. 

But Biblical history remembers Babylon with disgust. From its beginning, Babylon was a menacing presence, not just to God’s people, but the entire world. And even though the physical city Babylon was destroyed long ago, cursed to never emerge again as a world empire, the influence and filth remains. That’s what Revelation 18 is all about: the influence and destruction of Babylon. It’s a gripping chapter.

It begins with a powerful angel declaring that Babylon is finished, doomed to destruction. Her influence will disappear into the sea like a sinking millstone—and so will everyone who found their comfort, hope, security and identity in her.   

Babylon is the place where God’s people live in exile, face persecution for their faith and suffer the temptation to compromise. Babylon represents the spirit of self-indulgence and self-assertion. It’s the culture that unites under the declaration “Let us make a name for ourselves.” It’s unity, religion, ambition, and identity—without God. That’s Babylon. This chapter calls God’s people to “Come out of her, lest you take part in her sins, and share in her plagues.” This is serious business. Why is Babylon so dangerous? Four reasons, at least.   

She Is Attractive: John’s description sounds like everything we would crave in a city. We read of beauty, luxury, gold, pearls, high-end clothing and products of all kinds. Foods, wines, spices, oils. You can even buy people in Babylon. Use your imagination. If your fallen heart longs for it, Babylon offers it—for a high price, of course. Babylon was impressive. No doubt about it. Her beauty was unsurpassed. Hanging gardens, immense temples, prosperity everywhere. Babylon was called the “Jewel of the ancient world” for a reason.   

She Is Pervasive: Babylon is connected and powerful. She is not one kingdom in one place at one time, but the pervasive worldliness that reigns in every country, culture, and government. She sits “over many waters” and influences “all those who dwell on the earth.” Babylon represents a vast empire. Kings, merchants, sailors and people at every level of society are under her sway. You can’t escape her influence by changing zip codes. She is WORLD-WIDE. Think of Hollywood, Nashville, New York, D.C, and Los Angeles—all united into one culture. That’s Babylon. Economics, politics, entertainment, and religion. A culture at odds with God and His people.  

She Is Seductive: John saw a vision of Babylon as a seductive prostitute enticing the whole world—and he marveled. She was adorned in costly jewels, luxurious garments, and brimming with pleasure-giving potential. Like a glammed-out, dolled-up celebrity, she had the whole world watching and waiting. 

Two images illustrate Babylon’s seduction: intoxicating wine and sexual immorality. Everyone on the earth is drunk with her wine and enticed with her fornication. In her bed, they’re like that proverbial frog in the kettle. Too comfortable to “jump out,” too drunk to care. Barely feeling a thing.  

She Is Deceptive: Babylon is attractive, pervasive, and seductive. That’s no problem for most people who already chase those thrills. But the last description is the knife in your back, a sprung trap. “All nations were deceived by your sorcery” (verse 23). Babylon is a complete lie. A trap. She’s after your soul. 

Just like The Matrix, The Capitol City, Mordor, and The Death Star. She’s violent and unfulfilling. Babylon is built on cruelty, deception and exploitation. The blood of the saints flows through her streets. That’s why she’s finished. Judgment Day is coming. The words, “no more” appear six times at the climax of this section.

No more music. No more wealth. No more arts, luxury, food, drink. And no more deception. No more Babylon. Gone forever. Good riddance.

But we still have this call to “Come out of her, my people…” How can we do that? What hope do we have in the face of her beauty, power, seduction and deception? We’ll talk about that next week. Check back next Wednesday for the conclusion of “Under the Influence.”