Martyrs and Miracles 12: Babylon is Fallen
They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come. (Revelation 18:10)
Previously . . . Katie and Rachel completed their divine mission. Katie discovered the Eagle Claw community’s destruction. God used orcas to deliver Rachel and Ben from execution.
Like a Salmon
The sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking crimson, gold, and tangerine hues that reflected off the smooth waters of Beaver Creek’s cove. Katie and Rachel sat in silence on their rustic porch, sipping steaming mugs of fragrant mint tea as they absorbed the serene beauty.
Rachel said, “It’s so beautiful. I’ll never tire of watching the sunset here.”
Katie nodded, her eyes still fixed on the colorful display before them. "It really is something special. Almost makes you forget about everything else going on in the world."
As daylight faded, Katie's thoughts drifted back to that fateful day on the butchering line at the Ketchikan Cannery, standing shoulder to shoulder with Johnny. She envied the dead salmon, whose struggles were over, while her troubles seemed to be just beginning. She never could have imagined the path her life would take, or the trials she’d overcome.
I didn't realize it at the time, but Jesus was always there, with me. I’ve had challenges and heartaches, but through it all he guided me to his truth, his love, and the promise of eternal life. And then, he entrusted me with the task of proclaiming his gospel ultimatum.
But now that our mission’s complete, what’s next?
The answer came to her as clearly as if it had been whispered in her ear. We keep on surviving, keep on helping others for this final year until the Lord returns. That's what he called us to do.
Execute the plan
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the planet, the harsh glow of the war room's monitors cast an eerie light on Hussein's face as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed on real-time satellite video images. His generals stood behind, their faces grim and determined.
Except for the constant hum of computers and a rhythmic electronic beeping in the background, the room was silent. In the room were nine technicians and four generals. All 26 eyes watched Hussein with anticipation.
Finally, cold and commanding, Hussein's voice broke the silence. "Execute the plan."
With those three words, the nine technicians’ keyboards started clacking, and one of Hussein’s generals picked up a phone and issued a coded command that would change the world.
Cyber
Across the globe, Hussein watched as power grids flickered and died, plunging entire nations into darkness. Seconds later, communication networks collapsed, leaving billions of people isolated and confused.
Nuclear
Thirty minutes later, the night sky in Rome exploded with blinding light as a massive nuclear explosion vaporized the Vatican. A mushroom cloud of radioactive dust billowed miles into the sky. Shockwaves shattered windows more than twenty miles away.
Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute … with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk. (Revelation 17:1-2)
I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Revelation 17:3-6)
In the war room, Hussein smiled as he watched the detonation from space. He’d just decapitated the great harlot, vaporizing it in a millisecond, never to rise again.
the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. (Revelation 17:12)
the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. (Revelation 17:16-17)
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.” (Revelation 18:1-3)
And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”
Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” (Revelation 18:17-24)
Manipulating the Survivors
Globally, over 6,000,000,000 people knew their power and telephones all-of-a-sudden didn’t work.
The initial feeling of inconvenience about the electric and communications failure quickly turned into worry. Without electric power or communications, people flooded into the streets, desperate for information.
Everyone wanted to know, “What happened?” and “When’s the power coming back?” But nobody had any answers, and they couldn’t call, text, or email anyone to find out.
As darkness fell, looting and violence started as criminals took advantage of this opportunity. The thin veneer of civilization quickly crumbled.
After three days without power or communications, Hussein reckoned billions would be on the verge of panic, and millions would already be running out of food. The world would be ready for a savior.
So, on the fourth day, he ordered his cyber-soldiers to restore the grids and networks.
Hussein, the World’s Savior
By the fifth day, in a world reeling from grid-down confusion, violence, and fear, electric power ‘miraculously’ got restored, and Hussein’s face appeared on every functioning screen. His voice, calm and reassuring, filled the airwaves with a recorded message that played over and over.
His Message
"My fellow global citizens," he began, with false sincerity. "We've now been able to restore power and communications to your national power grids. But, sadly, most of you aren't aware how our world has changed in the last few days.”
“Our entire planet just suffered an alien attack. First, they disabled our power grids to blind and disable us, then they attacked and destroyed the Vatican in Rome, the spiritual capital of civilized mankind.”
“As a result, billions of Christians in our world will now feel adrift in uncertainty.”
He paused as the images of the smoking ruins of St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum scrolled across viewers’ screens.
The camera returned to Hussein.
"But I propose to you that, together, we can rise to defeat these evil aliens and rebuild a better world. If we can come together, we can build a world with peace, provision, and protection from this kind of tragedy ever happening again."
As he spoke, stock videos of aid workers distributing food and medical supplies flashed across viewers’ screens. Carefully crafted scenes of soldiers maintaining order, distributing food, and helping to clear rubble instilled a sense of hope and security.
"I now ask for your trust and cooperation in this critical time of transition," Hussein continued, his voice growing stronger. "Join with me and let us rise from the ashes of the old world and forge a new world, a world where all are equal, all are provided for, and all are safe." He produced a sincere, hopeful smile as the screen faded to black.
Back in the War Room
Hussein turned to his generals, a triumphant smile on his face. "The stage is set," he declared. "Now, we can shape the world in my image."
As the generals nodded in agreement, Hussein's thoughts turned to the future—a future where he alone reigned supreme, where every knee bowed to him, and every tongue worshiped his name. A future where he, and he alone, held the power of life and death over all of humanity.
And in that moment, as billions looked to him as their savior, the Antichrist's reign began in earnest.
Two Unwelcome Visitors
The next day, the opulent executive boardroom of Hussein’s World Government headquarters in Jerusalem hummed with anticipation. Hussein, the emergent leader of the new world order, sat at the head of the polished, U-shaped mahogany table. His piercing gaze swept over his inner circle of three advisors and four generals who'd gathered to hear their orders following the global catastrophe he’d just orchestrated.
A blinding flash of light startled them in the center of the room, causing them to shield their eyes and recoil in shock.
As the light dimmed, two men stood in the center of the U-shaped table, clad in simple burlap robes. Their faces radiated a heavenly glow. One had a gray beard, the other’s beard was red.
Hussein leaped to his feet, his eyes narrowing in a mixture of surprise and anger. "What? You two again?" his voice booming through the room.
Graybeard pointed an accusing finger at Hussein and said, "You just murdered millions of people."
Hussein scoffed, a mocking smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Nonsense. I’m ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for all mankind!"
The man fixed Hussein with a piercing stare. "You speak of peace, but you’re a liar and a murderer. Your hands are stained with the innocent blood of millions, and you’ve only just begun."
Hussein's advisors shifted uneasily in their seats, their eyes darting between their leader and the two intruders. The tension was like a rattlesnake coiled to strike.
Redbeard said, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
Hussein was confused. What? Are you two blaming me for killing millions of people, or praising me for destroying the great whore?
Graybeard said, “We have a message for you.”
Redbeard continued, “You’re next. During the next Yom Kippur, you and your false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, where you’ll be tormented for ages of ages to come.”
Divine Protection
Hussein's face twisted in rage. He slammed his fist on the table, causing his advisors and generals to flinch. "Enough of this!" he roared. "Security, arrest these two, now!"
Four burly, armed guards rushed forward. Two had their pistols trained on the Two Witnesses, while the other two guards prepared to grab them. The witnesses smiled, unperturbed.
Graybeard raised his hand, motioning for the guards to stop. When they didn’t, a stream of fire flowed out from Redbeard’s mouth, engulfing the guards in a searing blaze. Screams of agony momentarily filled the air as they were engulfed in supernatural flames. Within three seconds, their bodies, weapons, and all their clothing dissolved onto the carpet as four piles of gray dust.
Staring the Devil Down
Hussein's eyes widened in horror, his confidence faltering for the first time. His advisors and generals cowered in their seats, their exposed skin and hair singed by the heat, their eyes full of fear.
Graybeard locked eyes with Hussein’s as he approached him until his face was within six inches of Hussein’s face.
Staring Hussein down, Graybeard spoke with a menacing growl, "You’re next, devil."
Redbeard pointed his finger and made eye contact with each of Hussein’s cabinet members, telling them, “And if you continue to follow the devil, you’ll burn with him.”
Hussein opened his mouth to retort, but no words came. A flicker of doubt crossed his face, a chink in his armor of arrogance and self-assurance.
The Two Witnesses stood tall, their presence filling the room with divine authority. Pointing at Hussein, and then down at the four piles of ash, Graybeard said, "Let this be a warning to all who would follow this deceiver."
The Two Witnesses vanished as suddenly as they’d appeared, leaving behind a stunned audience. Two of Hussein’s advisors and a general turned and bent down to involuntarily vomit onto the carpet.
Hussein slowly sank back into his chair, his face expressing both rage and fear. Advisors and generals exchanged nervous glances.
Then, gathering his wits and composure, Hussein led the group to another room—one that didn’t smell of burnt flesh and vomit—to continue his meeting. He wasn’t ready to admit defeat just yet.
The Mahdi-Messiah
Three days later, Hussein's face filled every screen across the globe, his eyes gleaming with messianic fervor. Behind him, the golden Dome of the Rock gleamed in the Jerusalem sun.
Our God Wants World Unity
"People of the world," he began, his voice smooth and deep, "I come to you today not just as your leader, but as the Mahdi, the Messiah. Since my last broadcast, our God appeared to me and said he was appointing me to lead mankind. He said it’s time to unify humanity. For too long, he said, the world has been mired in darkness, in the grip of false prophets and corrupt governments."
Hussein spread his arms wide, a benevolent smile on his face.
"Before our enemies destroyed the Vatican, I’d already been working with the Jewish Chief Rabbi, Islamic Shiite and Sunni leaders, and Pope Francis—may God rest his soul—to combine the three great Abrahamic religions into one unified faith that shares the positive attributes of all three. Then we included leaders from Buddhist, Hindu, and other religions into our circle of brethren. No longer will we be divided by petty differences of race, religion, or creed. We must come together as one global people, united in our devotion to the one true God—and to me, his humble representative on Earth."
Hussein's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with anger. "But I know there are aliens amongst us, infiltrators who would keep us divided, who oppose our unity and our peace.”
The Mark of Unity
He held up his right hand, revealing a shimmering mark in his palm. "This is the seal of the faithful, the sign of your allegiance to me and my Caliphate. Take this mark, and you’ll be welcomed into the fold, granted food, security, and a place in our new world order. Refuse, and you’ll be condemned as an alien enemy of God and man."
The Third Angel’s Warning
Around the world, the broadcast signal flickered and distorted. Then, instead of Hussein’s face, billions of people who were watching saw the stern visages of the Two Witnesses standing in front of the Western Wall of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, their eyes blazing with holy fire.
Graybeard said, "Children of God," his voice ringing with authority, "do not be deceived by Hussein. He’s a liar. He is responsible for the recent nuclear destruction and murder of millions of innocent people in Rome. He is the Antichrist, possessed by Satan to lead you astray. When he says ‘our god’ he’s referring to Satan, the Devil, the god of this world. The true God’s name is Yahweh. Hussein’s mark is not a seal of salvation, but a Satanic emblem that will condemn your soul for eternity."
Redbeard proclaimed, “Amen. Yahweh, the only true God, warned that if anyone worships this beast, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will drink the wine of God's wrath, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. The smoke of your torment will go up forever and ever, and you’ll have no rest, day or night. This is your fate if you worship the Antichrist or receive the mark of his name.”
A Way of Escape
Graybeard looked into the camera, “In every nation, tribe, and language there are communities of Christian disciples who’ve rejected Hussein’s world system. So, if you haven’t received Hussein’s mark, and you want to reject the devil and follow Yahweh, it’s not too late. If you sincerely ask Jesus to forgive your sins, you can trust God with your soul.”
Redbeard added, “We can’t promise your physical body will be protected until the Lord Jesus returns to destroy Hussein’s kingdom. God will help many of you to join a Christian community, to be kept healthy and safe from Hussein until Jesus returns. But unfortunately, Hussein will capture and martyr many others.”
Graybeard’s closing statement, “While we can’t promise to protect your physical body from Hussein, we can promise you this . . . if you trust in Jesus, even if Hussein kills your body, you will enjoy blessings in paradise forever. However, if you reject God’s gift of salvation through Jesus, you will condemn yourself to burn in torment forever with the Devil and Hussein. The choice is yours.”
Around the world, the screen faded to black.
Hussein’s Response
A moment later, Hussein's face reappeared on people’s screens, frustrated, and contorted in rage. "Lies!" he bellowed. "These men are agents of the devil, seeking to undermine the glorious peace and unity I’m bringing to you. Don’t listen to them! They can’t feed you or protect you like I can."
When the broadcast ended, Hussein seethed with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "Find those men," he snarled to his advisors. "Bring them to me, so that all the world may see what happens to those who oppose my will."
But word had spread about how the witnesses incinerated Hussein’s four personal bodyguards, and none of Hussein’s henchmen wanted to suffer the same fate. So, they made a show of looking for them in places the Two Witnesses were sure not to be, and then reported that they’d escaped.
As the world watched, transfixed by the unfolding drama, the stage was set for the ultimate battle between good and evil, a cosmic struggle that would determine the fate of all humanity. And at the center of it all, one man, energized by Satan and consumed by his own hubris, stood on the brink of eternal damnation, aware that his time was running out.
Beaver Creek Christian Community
The sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking crimson, gold, and tangerine hues that reflected off the smooth waters of Beaver Creek’s cove. Katie and Rachel sat in silence on their rustic porch, sipping steaming mugs of fragrant sassafras tea as they enjoyed the serene beauty.
Rachel said, “Another beautiful sunset.”
Katie nodded, "Yes, it really is. It almost makes you forget about everything going on in the world."
Coming next week . . . In the final year of this age, God pours wrath on the Antichrist’s throne and followers. Signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Distress of nations, with the sea and the waves roaring. Men's hearts fail them for fear. The saints are protected from God’s wrath—but not man’s.
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Let’s grow together in understanding and faith—one chapter at a time!
Another great chapter, thank you Tom.