Christians are now smack-dab in “Babylon.” We must live our lives under the auspices of this hostile world-system, and yet stay faithful to our Lord. We must manage ourselves with the same grace as Daniel or Esther.
In Jeremiah 29 there contains an important historical letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to those taken into captivity. In it we can absorb much of what is needful for the moment. For people caught in Babylon it becomes a vital document, advising them of what they should now do.
This list comes straight out of Jeremiah 29.
- First, prepare for the long haul. Be good citizens of your new land, (vv.5-6.)
- Second, pray for the peace of the nation you’re captive in. (v.7.)
- Third, don’t be fooled by it’s culture, Discern what is true and what is false. Babylon is full of false gods and worship.
- Fourth, remember that God has given you “a future and a hope” (v. 11.)
- Lastly, extend that same discernment to the spiritual understanding of your own past.
These five should be enough to navigate faithfully through hard times in Babylon. We must admit that we’re only “pilgrims and strangers” here. Our citizenship is in heaven where it is secure. By faith we understand this.
As broken believers we are supervised by the Holy Spirit, even in this difficult place, Our souls are shepherded by God, even in Babylon. Our “captivity” is only temporary– it is not a permanent one.
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV
“By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion.”
Psalm 137:1
“She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.”
1 Peter 5:13
‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’
Revelation 18:10
ybic, Bryan
Broken Believers 