Right now, across the earth, in the midst of impossible crises; elections; climate-fear; Israel; epidemics; and even church scandals, the way of Babylon is being heralded, elevated, and strengthened through all forms of media, governments, organizations, and human interaction – and especially through social media.

At its essence “Babylon” is the way of self-determination, and self-rule. The voice of Babylon says: “Come, let us build ourselves…” (Genesis 11:4) It’s the way of developing solutions to human crises. It legislates laws. It forms think-tanks and committees. It develops strategies and initiatives. It protests, and then demands countermeasures.

Resolutions that are impossible to accomplish, and enforce – but programs that are put in place none-the-less; without humiliation; without abasement; without poverty of spirit – liberal, socialist, conservative and nationalist; these endeavors of human flesh “promise the world” without the encumbrance of being subjected to (and waiting upon) the One Who created, died for, and is coming to rule the world.

These very human ways; the way of Babylon, are fouling the earth with insurrection against the essence of our endemic relationship with God. These are the ways of human striving and impatience.

We belong under our Father’s intimate, daily, and holy care. Apart from this life-giving connection, we’re in rebellion against our God. We are living in human autonomy – ultimately, only accountable, “on the curve”, in comparison to others who are also living alienated from our true life-source.

This way of Babylon is being touted by political champions, cultural idols, and religious intelligencia; prophets and priests alike – everyone who attempts to crowd-source a unity rooted in the power of human strength, rather than human poverty.

This is the prevalent, endemic way of the human heart – and the Bible tells us, it will mushroom, compound, and thoroughly infect the whole earth…

“And (the angel) cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great… has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 18:2-3)

The first Words of Jesus’ sermon on the mount spell the end to the kingdom of Babylon: “You’re blessed when you realize that you’re poor, and you live with the daily awareness of your impoverished spirit. In fact, THIS mental attitude is the gateway into My Kingdom.” (Matthew 5:3)

Right now, those who are (even blindly) caught up in the ways of Babylon, are urging communities, nations and churches to come up with solutions to the troubles and tribulations that threaten us – without needing to acknowledge our mutual poverty; without needing to admit that none of us are righteous; without acknowledging that none of us have the keys to life.

Do you see the difference? The Lord is orchestrating circumstances, and training the redeemed to perceive the distinction between the way of true life, and the way of perpetual darkness, curse and frustration.

Those who humble themselves and learn from Him, are seeing the distinction; and are becoming more and more rooted in intimate, humble, repentant-even, conversation with the dialogue-speaking God. He’s our way; our truth; our life; (John 14:8) breath by daily breath. He is our very Present Shepherd Who guides, counsels, provides, protects, and resurrects EVERYONE who comes to Him out of the contention of Babylon, and says: “I’m poor. Completely poor. Without a cent. Without one plea. Show me the way.”

Those who never come to Him in this manner; who continue to follow the self-sufficient-siren-song of Babylon, will never sing the song of the Lamb. When push comes to shove, they will not have cultivated lives that have learned the blessed place of putting all their weight, and hope on the close, leadership of the King. And with the rubble of Babylon’s laws, edicts, projects, initiatives and mandates all around them, they will not understand the tingling zeal of those who herald Him with the words: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing… and who sits on the throne… forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12,13,14)

Today is a day for us to come to Him, and behold Him in all His unique, life-giving sufficiency; to fall at His feet; to lay the millions of our wisest solutions before Him; to plead utter poverty – and to plead for grace to continue to live before Him in such an impoverished manner. When we do, the Kingdom of heaven will open to us (Matthew 5:3) – and we may even be privileged to offer His Kingdom to others who are being chafed by the barren promises of Babylon.

Beloved. Right now, the Father is waiting for us to do His Son’s first beatitude; to humble ourselves; to desperately need Him; and to urgently cry out for His tangible, daily, in-our-midst, administration of our lives.

His invitation into (or BACK into) His Kingdom is open to us at this very moment.

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JSB • July, 2024