Year of the Bible: Part Twelve of TwelveSample

Babylon, the City of Rebellion

Ever since the rise of the first Babylon in Genesis 11, the city of Babylon has been the symbol of rebellion against God's plan for humankind to approach Him in humility. Babylon is built in the strength of the flesh, declaring, "I can get to God in my own ways, on my own strength." What a failure.

In the final days, Babylon will demonstrate full-blown hostility towards God's character and lordship. Government institutions will no longer pretend to recognize the rightful place of God. They will be set up in violent opposition.

However, God will have His way. The allies of those opposed to God will turn on themselves and destroy one another. The structures the opposition erects to oppose God will crumble. In the end, Jesus will be declared King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When reading this chapter and book, keep the end game in focus. The point is the final restoration, for eternity, of humankind's eternal, secure relationship with God. The horrors, plagues, wars, and destruction will end with Jesus's exaltation. That exaltation will usher in the eternal joy of everlasting relationship and access to Jesus.

Question: How do you approach God? Can you humble yourself in submission to the Lordship of Jesus in ways that invite the Holy Spirit to draw near to you?

Prayer: Spend some time in worship to God for His magnificent plans to bring each of us back into fellowship with Himself. Jesus, the lamb of God, will become the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. We will rejoice before Him with great joy and thanksgiving.