Babylon Is Fallen

Jeremiah 51:1-64 

Babylon had long history – dating back 2000 or so years to first biblical reference Gen. 11, after Flood and before dispersion of nations. General character of its people largely unchanged – began w/ construction of ziggurat or tower and shrine at summit. Intent for man to achieve god-status by own efforts. Nebuchadnezzar upped the ante w/ gold overlaid image, command to worship. Pride grown to where everything upside down, man makes own god to worship, declaring Babylon’s kingdom to be eternal one.

Became symbol / poster child for pride, arrogance, rebellion against God and his authority. Whether actual empire of the prophets or painted woman of Revelation, God leaves no question about who is true sovereign w/ eternal kingdom. Serves as both encouragement and warning depending on where loyalty lies. As symbol has been applied to variety of locations and entities since NT times, especially building from imagery found in Revelation. Whether John’s account references only Roman Catholic church or not as many believe, lessons from Babylon apply to many places and nations.

Whether we think are at risk from Babylon, living in Babylon, observing Babylon at distance, God makes no mistakes. He has limits but looks after his children well.

A. run for your lives  (6,45-46, 49-50)

escape indicates trust

important introduction to this section: YHWH declares intention to act decisively using agents he raises up against Babylon

this far more than punishment for misbehavior with intent to correct – is in part to warn all who see what judgment is like

a counter-intuitive message, how could Babylon ever fall, who will believe warning – this only warning, no other indication

those who trust prophet and believe God’s declaration will escape destruction, no guarantees for those remaining behind

remember your hope

warning repeated along with extent of destruction described – as Babylon has done to others, so will be done to her (49)

urgency to warning, hurry up and get far away… but to go where? remember YHWH, seems far away but is still Lord of covenant he made

add to that later promises through Jeremiah of restoration: “I will bring back Israel to his home… I will pardon” (49:19-20)

hard thing to do b/c it’s personal but… remember Jerusalem – as she was overthrown, so will Babylon be, but you restored

B. perhaps she can be healed  (8-9, 53)

pity the rebellious lost

when enemy is humiliated, first response often to celebrate – not what is encouraged here, instead expected to do opposite

desire has been, ours should be for healing of enemies rather than destruction, followed by sorrow when they aren’t

as bad as judgment in this life is, cannot compare with eternal judgment – should pity those who stubbornly die in their sins

beyond redemption?

not possible for us to know all factors present in God’s action but gives the appearance of line in sand, no hope beyond

we know God does exactly as he chooses, for Babylon chose not to be patient any longer but instead bring just punishment

God not in as much hurry as we, took Canaanites 400 years – we don’t know God’s timelines for Babylons in today’s world

do know he may choose to begin judgment in this life, warning of same should be part of witnessing to persistent rebels

more reason to hope

clear assurance from example of Babel and words here – as mighty as Babylon appears, will never overthrow true God

even if she were able to achieve her goals, God still has sufficient resources to bring about his purpose for his people

regardless of appearances, how dire situation of God’s people looks, is not a real contest, God gloriously prevails over enemies

both Bible and history filled with examples of God doing God things like he said he would, they really should have listened

C. this is our God

all-powerful  (15-17)

prior to Hebrew children leaving Egypt God humiliated Egypt’s gods, showed total supremacy over them, incl. Pharaoh

similar point here, is the true God speaking through prophet who has ultimate power and all he need do is speak

oh yes, don’t forget, he is Israel’s God, his army way bigger, more powerful than any other… Lord of heaven’s armies

answers prayer  (34-36)

if people reach conclusion based only on what they can see, might think many times God not hearing and answering prayer

God’s timing and methods often much different from what those praying to him expect but… he has not forgotten

not simply  responding to insults to his people – God takes sins of world’s Babylons personally b/c they are meant that way

defender  (36)

God responds to cries of his people… again, declares what he will do – will both stand up for them and take vengeance

those who trust God will not be disappointed – God’s defense far more effective than anything they might try to do

think ahead to Belshazzar, perhaps grandson of Nebuchadnezzar – feast using Temple utensils, no wonder God was angry

just  (24,49,56)

God declares he will repay Babylon for their evil – not like human payback often excessive, God stops when paid in full

because God is just and the one sinned against, he must repay evil for evil – justice demands satisfactory repayment for injury

God’s justice can be satisfied two ways, either by individual or by substitute – God’s using evil for good does not relieve individual responsibility

D. this is our Babylon

idols  (17-18)

idolatry #1 issue for Babylon, her enemies, even Israel – practice continues in all subsequent peoples who follow her example

some days hard to distinguish between idols: self, science, stuff, strength – those predominate on culture’s God-shelf

my rights; thus says the scientist; pursuit of bigger/better/more expensive; pursuit of power, means to exercise it

violence  (20-23)

every aspect of violence on increase, not just frequency – more ways for violence to be expressed, broader scope of harm

by no means limited to our culture/nation – more than enough to go around worldwide, plenty of places on increase

yet God remembers  (5)

that we have Jeremiah’s prophecy and following history clear evidence God heard and answered prayers of his faithful

no cause to think God has changed, somehow will forget his people now – have witness of John how it will end

Rev. 19:1-3, 6 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! “For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!”  …And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

We must be alert, not get sucked in by world’s pressure to think and act wrongly. At same time, don’t be discouraged. Have read last chapter, know how it all turns out – the Lamb wins! Meanwhile…

 

Unprofitable or Profitable?

Philemon 1:8-11 

Think how the world counts status – imprisoned apostle vs free citizen at liberty; runaway slave vs aged apostle; slave vs master. What apostle Paul writes here turns estimation of many on its head, stands in stark contrast to how interpersonal relationships function both among professed Christians and others. Certainly not new, shows how often important principles get overlooked.

Paul begins here to address highly sensitive issue that directly affected Philemon, his household, and church meeting in home. Know from other letters Paul didn’t lack words to say precisely what was on his mind. More than one way to approach important topic, what would be best in this situation may be one of things kept Paul awake nights. First, he wanted to do only what would please Christ. Second, wanted outcome to please Christ in every respect, on part of everyone concerned. Then there is Holy Spirit’s desire what he wrote be profitable for all Christ-followers who would read letter.

Paul also keenly aware his method being observed by ones who might be faced with similar situation, would be helped by having example to follow. Then the bit about interactions with family / community members seeing situation play out. If they were to give good answers to questions, needed to understand from God’s perspective and embrace solution wholeheartedly. Paul didn’t need to rely solely on own wisdom to sort all this out, had assistance of Holy Spirit to direct thoughts and words to good conclusion.

A. true humility  v.8

genuine status

Paul’s place in early NT church not really in question – had been challenged about it… by those who wanted to discredit him

was recognized by many in Europe and Asia Minor as an apostle – didn’t just listen to him, asked for his help solving issues

is apparent his letters we have treated from beginning as carrying great weight, recognized as rightly belonging in Bible

right to command

since Paul commissioned to ministry by Christ himself, called by Christ “a chosen vessel of mine” (Acts 9:15) had authority

really speaking as ambassador of Christ, like other apostles, speaking in Christ’s name like Old Testament prophets did

w/i scope of his commission to simply tell Philemon what to do, how he and others in similar situation should act

set it aside

chose to set all that aside and rest his persuasion on friendship and fellowship – all they shared b/c of relationship with Christ

Paul not first to make that kind of choice, opting not to exercise authority at crucial time – Jesus when before Pilate, e.g.

his approach meant was far more likely restored relationships not “poisoned” by resentment, result of forced outcome

B. unfeigned love  v.9

for the sake of love

kind of love Paul cites here without conditions – strives for what is best for the other person, sacrificing self if necessary

he doesn’t specify whose love he means – love for Christ, for each other, for Onesimus, or all of the above… probably

each would add weight to Paul’s argument, all together should make good lasting outcome highly likely

from an old man

“If Paul did refer to himself here as an old man (which, around the age of sixty, he was indeed entitled to do),”  F F Bruce, age 74 at time of writing

same word translated “elder”, often referring to position of responsibility in local church… yet Paul already set that aside

if anything, Paul expecting a hearing out of respect for advanced years, plus wisdom/maturity that goes with age

uncertain future

sure, Paul asks Philemon to get guest room ready for his visit but… Paul not naive – knows his imprisonment has no guarantees

has strong desire to go to Colosse but at same time knows God may have other plans… will be ok with that

also knows at his age, not a kid, ability to continue in ministry not inexhaustible – his time will come to an end

C. side-by-side appeal  v.9-10a

come alongside

intended to draw parties close together, not keep at arm’s length – come close so we can work this out together

desire to treat one another as close friends working together toward shared outcome… same as believer and Holy Spirit

for the sake of Christ

Christ is thread from beginning to end of letter – just as Christ is present throughout, he must be present in final outcome

Paul not interested in Philemon or anyone else doing what he requests simply to appease him, satisfy his desire

entire purpose here to bring glory to Christ in way obvious to everyone… including community at large

and for Onesimus

Paul discreet about giving personal details about Onesimus – he was slave, probably runaway, now presented as Paul’s son

probably had seen church started and grow, heard regular teaching from God’s word, seen how people brought into group

Paul believed it essential Philemon and rest behave properly toward Onesimus to avoid causing hurt or discouragement

D. what changed  v.10b-11

my son

don’t know how Paul and Onesimus introduced, one of those series of events God brought about for his purpose

referred to Timothy as his son in the faith – Onesimus not believer when first introduced, occurred later

Paul instrumental in leading Onesimus like Timothy to saving faith in Christ – others involved along the way, Paul at conclusion

was unprofitable

Paul used Onesimus’ name to set up description of what happened – Onesimus name means profitable or useful

while serving Philemon, were limits to his usefulness both in his household and also toward church family

was especially unprofitable after he ran away – would have been compounded if he had taken anything of value from Philemon

now has purpose

whole new way of understanding opened up to Onesimus – can recognize / use spiritual truth in way impossible before

seems from next section of letter he was quick study, growing rapidly as things once hidden now made sense, useful to him

enabled him to be great help to apostle in his ministry, probably something Philemon never thought of as possible

Really begins in earnest at the cross, but doesn’t end there. We give glory to God when someone comes to faith in Christ, continue to give glory to him as we grow in grace, in likeness to Christ. Much cause to give glory that apostle had blessing of supplying last necessary piece in Onesimus’ salvation. We can do same when God provides same opportunity. Can also give him the glory as we observe all the ways new child of God grows in their usefulness to him. Sometimes it begins with simple request “come with me”. God uses that and multiplies the blessings from there.