“And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore” (Revelation 18:11 ESV)

As the beast in Revelation 13:1-2 is the incorporation of everything corrupt in government, Revelation 18:1-14 shows that there will be a final and great judgement of all things and of all people at the end times. This does not mean that the corrupt and their ilk can operate with impunity in the meantime. There will be those for whom judgement will come in their lifetime, maybe in their children’s lifetime.

Satan and his minions encourage corruption, dishonesty, and immorality under the guises of many temptations and opportunities, even seemingly to cloak them with a degree of invisibility or seemingly invincibility that encourages further such behaviour under the impression that all is concealed. This is why so many seem to get away with so much for so long, but nothing is outside the sight of God. Yet, how many carry on in blind ignorance thinking that success is due to their own brilliance and ingenuity?

Eventually, as part of the evil machination, the protection is withdrawn, deeds become exposed and the individual left to face the consequences. Sometimes the exposure is due to the smallest of details; a fingerprint, or a broken tail light. For others the actual trigger or exposure may remain a mystery as a large-scale sin or crime is uncovered and investigated. Surely there can be no expectation of honour and loyalty from the Prince of Darkness?

The kingdom of God has come on earth through Jesus. While we wait for its perfection when Jesus comes again, it is not all blessing and peace as the battle against the powers of darkness continues – exposure and judgement are a part of it. The light of Christ will penetrate the darkness where they feel secure

We may not be involved in investigation and prosecution, but we can use our weapon of prayer to support those who do and to combat the expose the deeds and deceptions of the enemy.

If you know investigators– pray for them –  if you don’t, pray for their organization.

Let us put our gifts to work for the Kingdom.

The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. ² The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. (Revelation 13:1-2 NIV)

 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. ¹⁰ Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’

¹¹ “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— ¹² cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; ¹³ cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves. (Revelation 18:9-13 NIV)

 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:11-12 NIV)

 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. (Isaiah 5:20 NIV)

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² 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. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)