Babylon Resisted, Defeated

 Isaiah 46-49; 1 Peter 5

“Go down, sit in the dust, Virgin Daughter of Babylon…Now then, listen, you wanton creature, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children! Both of these will overtake you in a moment…in spite of your many sorceries…”

Isaiah 47:1, 8, 9

“…Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”

1 Peter 5:8, 9

God’s judgments against Babylon extend beyond the fall of the physical city which occurred thousands of years ago. The spirit of Babylon is described as a wanton creature, an alluring harlot who seduces the powerful with her luxuries and indulgences. In John’s revelation, she is thrown down by sudden judgment. This is an end-time confrontation between the end-time political alliance of the Beast and the spirit of Babylon. While the full meaning of this revelation remains a mystery, God’s people are consistently reminded to resist spiritual powers in the name and authority of Jesus, and flee the lusts of Babylon. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).

In our spiritual battles, what is the Lord calling us to flee from today, and where are we being challenged to resist the devil in temptation?

“Lord Jesus, you have overcome the spirit of Babylon and every other power on the cross. I choose to apply that victory to my battles today, for your glory.