Some Thoughts About Babylon

“Come out, my people, flee from Babylon. Save yourselves! Run from the LORD’s fierce anger. But do not panic; don’t be afraid when you hear the first rumor of approaching forces. For rumors will keep coming year by year. Violence will erupt in the land as the leaders fight against each other. [Jeremiah 51.45-46]

I really don't want to make something out of nothing, but I cannot help but think of myself and my home country when I read this passage from Jeremiah above.

I think we all have to decide whether God hates sin or not (really). Then, if we conclude that God does in fact hate sin, we have to decide whether or not He will execute judgment upon sin. 

And then, if we conclude God does punish sin, we are faced with the responsibility of deciding whether or not we are participants in sin - and this requires that we consider the Advent and work of Jesus Christ (whether His atonement applies to all mankind or just those who genuinely believe). 

And, if we decide that punishment is only for the unrepentant, we must choose what we believe about our role in the future of the unrepentant - do we avoid them, or engage them on behalf of their souls?

I suppose the difference in Jeremiah's day and our day is indeed the work of Jesus Christ fulfilled. In Jeremiah's day, there had been no Redeemer yet and punishment was imminent. In our day, while punishment remains imminent, there is not only refuge, but hope in Christ and therefore reason not to flee from sinners but instead to run to them with abundant hope upon our lives to share. And, in fact, we have the final words of Jesus on earth detailing this reason as fact.

The Old Testament way was to flee from sinners. The New Testament way is to run to sinners (in the world, but not of the world) in persuading them to the Way of Christ.

Father, help me to further consider my thoughts written here and draw life-leading direction.