Jeremiah 51:1-53
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Jeremiah Chapter 51 dives into Babylon's destruction! Lately we've been basically just looking at Babylon the city & empire and Nebuchadnezzar from the historical perspective - though, certainly seeing where and how God has been interacting with Babylon. I think it might be a good point here to consider the spiritual connotations of Babylon. A great place to begin this conversation is in Revelation Chapters 17 & 18 where Babylon is discussed. I won't go into trying to interpret these two chapters of Revelation today... :) We have yet to get to Revelation later this year in the One Year Bible! But, these two chapters may give you some more insight into the spiritual meaning of the term Babylon. If you do want to read more about Babylon in context of these two Revelation chapters, check out this link for an interesting commentary. Below is an image of Babylon before its destruction...
It is interesting in the middle of Jeremiah 51 we have a few verses of a hymn of praise to God - verses 15 through 19. Again, in verse 18, idols are mentioned and can be assumed as one of the prime reasons of Babylon's destruction: "Idols are worthless; they are lies! The time is coming when they will all be destroyed." Do you believe that idols are worthless? Are they lies? What are some of our modern day idols that are worthless and lies? Are you rejecting worshiping any and all of our modern day idols and focusing your worship and time and love toward God and Jesus? Please, leave those worthless idols behind... and don't pick them up ever again!
The other thing to note in this chapter is that earlier in Jeremiah we read about the coming destruction of Jerusalem - but always with the note of ultimate redemption. In this chapter with Babylon, and other chapters discussing Babylon, there is no redemption for Babylon. This city will not be restored... Below is artist John Martin's "Fall of Babylon" from Illustrations from the Bible, 1835:
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Kathryn Scott and her song "Your Name is Holy" and here's another group performing this song live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSvHuRN0OLI
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Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
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