Babylon Will be Destroyed
8/22 Reading Portions: 1 Samuel 14; Romans 12; Jeremiah 51; Psalm 30
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
8/22 Reading Portions: 1 Samuel 14; Romans 12; Jeremiah 51; Psalm 30
Jeremiah 51:53
“Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify her strong height, yet destroyers would come from Me against her, declares the LORD.”
DESTRUCTION
Although the Babylonian empire was used of the LORD to bring judgment to Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry (Babylon was a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, Jer 51:7), Babylon will always be Babylon, and her idolatry will always offend the LORD. Although Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by the LORD and finally bent his knee to the Most High (Dan 4:28-37), all other kings in Babylon continued in their idolatrous ways, defying the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For the time being, sinners continue to inhabit the world in which we live. They are of the world and are adulterous, idolatrous, and filled with pride— just as we were before God saved us (Eph 2:1-3). Yet just as the Babylonians were used to serve God’s plans and purposes, sinners are used in God’s kingdom and economy while the Lord Jesus…
works all things together for good to them that love God… Romans 8:28
Some of them may even be saved by God’s grace, just as Nebuchadnezzar was. Nevertheless, those who continue in their adultery, idolatry, and pride of life, though they should strive and reach incredible achievements (mount up to heaven), and though they should secure fame, wealth, and legacy in this world (fortify her strong height), apart from the grace of God in, by, and through Jesus Christ, they will ultimately be damned. The corruptions which still remain within our mortal flesh are also little Babylonian empires. The judgment it brings (1 Pet 4:17) causes us to cling to Christ and His cross all the more. As Babylon must be destroyed, likewise so must the corruptions of our flesh; those battles must still be waged. One day, however, we will put on incorruption and immortality (1 Cor 15:51-54) —and God will be glorified through Christ the Lord. Hallelujah! What a just and righteous Savior!
Fallen, fallen is Babylon,
The once great city used of God;
Destoy’d they’ll be when they are gone
For sins indulg’d on mortal sod.