Last night, I wrote about how I was feeling torn about my next steps. I think I might have some insight, but I need to think about it more over the next few days or so. I will go ahead and share so you can consider it too. What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment or send an email.
There are two big enemies of God’s people mentioned in the bible, and I think we see both at work in the New Testament and in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
These two enemies are the Assyrians and Babylonians.
My understanding of the Assyrians, in Christian terms, has to do with our own sin. In this time, there are many strong temptations in this world. There is temptation to fear and unbelief, self-righteous indignation, resentment, jealousy, theft, idolatry, and so on. I do believe that our greatest temptations of this time are temptations to violence–and there are many things at the root of our violent natures.
However, there is a violence of God and there is a violence of Satan. Meaning, those who speak the truth of God will seem violent to those who oppose God. However, many do the work of Satan thinking that they do the work of God–and that is because they are overcome by the Assyrian.
As for the Babylonians, I think this has to do with unjust powers that overthrow the people of God. In the final sense, this takes form of the false prophet and the great whore of mystery Babylon. There are types of Babylon at play now–but if we are blinded by the Assyrian, then we will not see it. In-fact, we might bow down and worship it, all the while thinking we are doing well.
So, we are fighting on two fronts, and both are important. Maybe my fight is more with the Assyrians, and the fight of another is more with the Babylonians–but both go together. Or, maybe I should deal with both.
Maybe I am way off base with this. I will consider it more. If you have thoughts, please share. I’d love to hear from you.
Jesus Alone 