Issue 1518 – Babylon – August 7, 2024

With all that is happening in the world, I have been having fascinating conversations with people I know online. There are natural disasters everywhere, the political systems are increasingly corrupt and ineffective, and the world is trying its best to turn every Christian value into something to be mocked and replaced.

If we aren’t living in ancient Babylon or Rome yet, we are in a pretty good representation of those times. What are believers to do?

Firstly, we don’t need to fall into fear. No matter what happens, the Lord remains sovereign.

Secondly, we must remember that the people pushing these agendas are not our enemies.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Thirdly, we must give honor where honor is due. God has ordained governments. Paul wrote.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1

When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus over things of the government, Jesus astounded them.

Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:17

We must learn to be like Daniel and his friends. They honored and obeyed until they could not compromise. Then, they faced the consequences in faith.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

They came out unscathed, although many in history did not.

What do we do?

We give honor and obedience where they are due, love and pray for those who oppose the truth, and trust God regardless of the outcome.

Will it be easy? No. Jesus never told us that following Him would be easy.

Hang in there, my friends. I have read the book. There are battles yet to be fought, and there will be casualties, but Jesus has already overcome them and has victory. The outcome was never in doubt.

May you have the wisdom of Daniel, the faith of His friends, and the unabashed zeal of Paul.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

__________________________________________ 

Please share this post with friends and your circle of influence. Also, feel free to comment. 

Did you know that we have an email version? It has the same great content but in a different format.

Subscribe today: https://mailchi.mp/f27bbeb09c22/gleanings-1 

___________________________________________ 

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)