When In Babylon...

We Survived…

Take it from the mind of G.K. Chesterton when it comes to discussions around politics.

“I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss.”

Some of you may roll your eyes in disdain and sarcasm. Others may soberly nod and agree. The fact of the matter is, there are 2 things that impact everybody: Religion and Politics. They need to be discussed. At the dinner table, in small groups… Yes… from the pulpit even.

That being said, in the debate between current president Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump, we learned about golf, the cognitive state of our current president, the blending of relativism with huge moral issues like abortion, and the list goes on and on.

There was no winner. No one can rightfully triumph in the streets. Not a single soul can make the claim that “Our side won.” Because… honestly… in a debate with no true information given, who really wins?

We saw an exercise of insanity before our eyes. And it impacts us all.

So, how are you doing?

I May be Overreacting, but I Can’t Help but Get the Feeling That We are in Babylon…

Of course, we are not in literal Babylon. But when one is following Jesus, it seems that we are so far removed from where our culture is headed and where our politics now lie that it is other-worldly. It’s as if we have exited Earth and have now landed on Mars. What are we to do?

If you are a follower of Jesus, and you’re feeling like you’re living in Babylon, this is for you. If you are a follower of Jesus and you think everything is just fine… I want to encourage you to consider this: When asked about the issue of abortion, a former president who is running for reelection (who is commonly championed as the Pro-Life option) said, “Some people, you have to follow your heart, some people don’t believe in that.”

If the same statement were to be said about chattel slavery in the U.S. or sex trafficking, there would be riots in the streets. This is where we are. And so, we must respond. But how?

When in Babylon… Take it From Daniel

There is wisdom in looking at the person of Daniel. Daniel 1 is where I want to start.

When Nebuchadnezzar defeated King Jehoiakim of Judah, he took away all of the elites of Israel to the Capital city as was customary in Ancient Near Eastern warfare. Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among these elites that were carried off.

They were to be trained, taught, and fed in order to be fit for royal service. But upon hearing this, Daniel refused to defile himself.

Here’s the First Takeaway…

When in Babylon… Don’t Defile Yourself

At this point in time, there are all sorts of ways to defile yourself in our culture. We have ample choices to make. What music are we listening to and what shows are we watching? How much screen time are we allowing our children to have? What foods are we eating? Are we seeking pleasure through wild parties and drunkenness? Are we living out our own self-described sexuality or are we ascribing to God’s sexual ethic? Do we affirm things that Jesus doesn’t and do we wave off murdering babies with a “Follow your heart on this issue; if you don’t want an abortion then don’t get one” kind of attitude?

How are you doing on comment sections so far? Are you prayerfully having conversations that matter or are you creating noise and causing confusion online?

When in Babylon, don’t defile yourself. Be cautious.

As believers we are called to be salt and light in a world that is bland and dark.

Statues of Gold

Perhaps you’re familiar with Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue. He made a law that stated that any time a great musical chorus was sounded that all were to bow to the statue and worship it. If one were to disobey, they would be thrown into the furnace.

As you can guess, Daniel’s friends (and presumably Daniel) refused to worship the statue. They said,

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3: 16-18 NLT

Woah.

When in Babylon… Remember to Whom Your True Loyalty is Owed

Have you noticed an almost fanatical defense of both candidates? As if to say something unpopular, or “incorrect” about them means that you are committing the ultimate offense? Or what about other cultural issues?

When you speak out against abortion as murder of babies, you’re thrown into a furnace. You’re against women.

When you speak up against men swimming in women’s events, you’re thrown into a furnace. You’re a transphobe.

Speaking up against federally sanctioned same-sex marriage causes you to be thrown into a furnace. You’re a bigot.

Speaking out against DEI trainings, though they are finally becoming unpopular in businesses, causes you to be thrown into a furnace. You’re a racist.

How many furnaces are trying to avoid?

When we seek to love our neighbor and love God, we are bound to be thrown into a furnace as some point. Our duty to be gracious and kind, yes. And it’s also to be truth-telling. Love cannot exist without truth. And to lie to others is the opposite of love even when done from the heart of compassion.

Your true loyalty is owed to Christ who is your true King. Don’t bow to the golden statues of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Tolerance. Don’t wave you hand flippantly at moral crimes. Be a loving and gracious truth-teller. Remember to whom your loyalty is owed.

When in Babylon… Praise the Lord Above All Else

Babylon was taken over by King Darius and the Medes (commonly known as the Persians). Hence, there was a shift in the court where Daniel was, at best, unknown and, at worst, unfavorable. In Daniel’s case, though unknown, he was found in favor of King Darius.

A law was passed in which anyone who dared worship and praise, pray to, or honor any deity but Darius, then they would be thrown to the lions. Daniel, upon hearing this, immediately went home, and prayed facing Jerusalem. he continued to worship the Lord 3 times a day as was normal in light of the law that was passed. A troubled Darius then, bound by his own law, had to throw David to the lions.

Laws will be passed. Messages will be censored. Jobs will be lost. Friends will desert. The government will claim authority over your children. But in the end, we must remember that we are but sojourners here on a world that is fading away. We are to influence for the Kingdom of God and are to invite others into this kingdom. And above all else, we are to fear God over man.

No matter what dens await us, no matter what furnaces await to be used, and no matter sugar-tainted message is offered, remember who your Lord is. And follow Him over man.

When in Babylon… what other choice is there?

In the meantime:

Represent Jesus whenever always.
Follow Jesus over man.
Vote with your conscience, taking into account how to truly love your neighbor and how to love the Lord.
Stand for truth with grace and precision.