How Babylon Still Puts Us in Chains

What do you associate with Babylon? Perhaps the Tower of Babel comes to mind. Today, Babylon exists only as ruins, remnants of a once significant city that served as a world power. It was known for its pluralistic population and advanced sciences, seeking to expand its influence. These qualities are strikingly mirrored in our digital world today, albeit in a more amplified and pervasive form.

The digital world knows no bounds. Content can be consumed anywhere, and the speed at which videos, posts, or articles spread has multiplied exponentially. Influencers dominate this space, amassing millions of followers. While no social media platforms existed in ancient Babylon, the concept of influencers and followers was very much present. In the ancient city, teachers such as "diviners and interpreters of dreams" (Daniel 2:27) held sway over many, who eagerly followed their teachings and interpretations.

Babylon, historically and biblically, represents more than just a city; it symbolizes spiritual diversity and a stance against the God of the Bible. The spirit of Babylon is often described as a transformative force that opposes the Spirit of God. This symbolic representation is also echoed in the book of Revelation. Although the internet is not the woman from Revelation, it started as a neutral technology. Its impact, however, depends entirely on how we choose to use it.

For instance, we can use the internet to alleviate loneliness by regularly FaceTiming our grandparents or spreading kindness through supportive comments and messages. Conversely, we can also use it to spread negativity by insulting others on platforms like Facebook or YouTube. The way we interact with this technology can have profound effects on our moral and spiritual well-bein

The term "Babylon" is derived from the Hebrew word "balal," meaning confusion or mixture. The spirit of Babylon opposes God because it confuses us and can lead us astray. In our digital age, this confusion can cause us to lose our moral compass and harden our hearts. There is nothing more important to God than our hearts, and the consequences of neglecting this are significant. The captivity of the Israelites in Babylon is a stark example of this. Although one could interpret their captivity as passive acceptance of their fate, the reality is that the Israelites spiritually paved their way to Babylon through persistent idolatry and moral decay (Ezekiel 8). Their hearts were already captive long before they were physically taken to Babylon.

In essence, the story of Babylon serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts and staying true to our spiritual values, especially in an era dominated by the pervasive and influential digital world. It encourages us to use technology wisely, to build up rather than tear down, and to stay connected to our moral and spiritual compass amidst the myriad influences that vie for our attention.

Next Step: Consider how you contribute to fostering destructive things in the digital world that harden your heart and distance you from God.