Are We Drunk by the Wine of Her Immorality?

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:26-28) 

Consider the contrast between the Mary, virgin of Nazareth and the great prostitute of Babylon described in chapter 17 of Revelation.

One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven bowls came over and spoke to me. “Come with me,” he said, “and I will show you the judgment that is going to come on the great prostitute, who rules over many waters. The kings of the world have committed adultery with her, and the people who belong to this world have been made drunk by the wine of her immorality.” (Revelation 17:1-2) 

I could see that she was drunk—drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses for Jesus. (Revelation 17:6) 

Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because He is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And His called and chosen and faithful ones will be with Him.” (Revelation 17:14) 

And this woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world.” (Revelation 17:18)

What is the difference between the great prostitute of Babylon and Mary, the virgin of Nazareth?

• The prostitute is rich. Mary is poor.
• The prostitute controls the nations and martyrs the people of God. Mary has no control beyond her own personal choice. She can't even control the reaction of her fiance Joseph. An angel must intervene.
• The prostitute blasphemies God. She loves her sins and wears them like a royal robe. Mary trusts the Lord and is obedient to His will.
• The prostitute is full of obscenities, impurity and immorality.  Mary magnifies the Lord and is grateful. 
• The prostitute will war against Christ and His followers. Mary was willing to risk everything to bring Christ into the world. 
  

Reading about the great prostitute of Babylon is horrifying. I want to figure out what country the angels are talking about. Is it my own? When will this happen? How can I and my family stay safe?

Those are not the important questions. Like Mary, I have no control beyond my own person choice. I must focus on that: 

• Will I refuse the comforts and riches of Babylon when they require my allegiance to anything else besides Christ? 
• Will I stay alert to seduction of the culture and its immoral things and refuse them? 
• Will I trust the Lord and stay obedient to His word even when it costs me? 
• Will I praise Him and be grateful even in the suffering? 
• Will I side with Christ against the things of this world?    

Beloved, send Your Spirit. I am weak but Your Spirit is strong. Help me to be like Mary. Continue Your work to sanctify me while I wait for Your victory!

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)