|
I
|
N Isaiah 47, we find Babylon's story revealed to us in a
metaphor. The kingdom and its capital are presented simply as a wealthy and
healthy queen of sorts. But, rather than existing in purity and respect, she
was doomed to humiliation and ruin. In this case, Babylon is condemned for
being overly harsh with the Jews (Isaiah 47:6). The Babylonians acted as if
they would never have to answer to anyone for their actions either; as if their
dominance and pleasures were sure to last forever. But God assured them that
they would indeed pay for their sins... and that it certainly wouldn't be
pleasant for them when they did (Isaiah 47:13-15). Oh, when will we humans ever
learn to humble ourselves before God (see 1st Peter 5:6)?!
You may notice in Isaiah 47:8 & 10 that God accuses the
Babylonians of speaking of themselves as if they were God Himself (compare to
Isaiah 43:11, 44:6 & 8 and 45:5, 6 & 21). And is this not the root and
origin of sinfulness anyway? Lucifer imagined that he could be like God (Isaiah
14:12-14). Adam and Eve bought the same lie (Genesis 3:5). Nebuchadnezzar
verbalized the mentality well (Daniel 4:30). We are guilty of it as well. Every
time we attempt to thwart God's sovereign design and pleasure, we imagine
ourselves divine. We act as if we made ourselves. What foolishness (Psalm
100:3)! We flex our autonomy muscles as if we created them ourselves. We defy
God's commandments and sin presumptuously.
No comments:
Post a Comment