January 27, 2022
“Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim—do not conceal it—Say, ‘Babylon is taken . . .’” Jeremiah 50:2a
Jeremiah, through many decades and tears, steadfastly spoke forth, holding to the Word of God as the standard by which the ongoing false teachings of Babylon could be so easily recognized. He was shown that it will come to pass in the latter days (Jeremiah 49:39) that those who are held captive by them have opportunity to break free. And, while the Word repeatedly condemns the worldly system of idolatry: holding up manmade ideas and traditions above Biblical teachings—God also communicates His welcome to any and every individual who chooses Him over the world’s popular ideologies.
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37
“My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place. Jeremiah 50:6
How Jeremiah’s heart was broken as he was shown vision after vision of the continuing nature of confusion (for this is what the name Babylon means). The standard of God’s Word would clear any confusion, but the “sheep” continue to listen to false shepherds, as Jesus warned:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15
Jesus also points us to Daniel who was shown the persistent nature of Satan’s workings through men: The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces. (Daniel 7:23) And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Revelation 13:3.4
Beloved, God’s Word highlights the end-time issue: it is the issue of worship. Do not assume that there is safety in numbers. Just because “everyone is doing it” doesn’t make it the right choice.
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29