In the Bible, Babylon symbolizes every people or culture that opposes God. It was also a real place that earned a real reputation. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at the motive behind the tower of Babel.
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[00:00:00] You are listening to my devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way.
[00:00:08] In the Grips of Babylon, by Dr. Michael Youssef, in the Bible, Babylon symbolizes every
[00:00:16] people, group or culture that opposes God. It was also a real place that earned a real
[00:00:22] reputation. Babylon was founded by Nimrod, the grandson of Noah's son, Ham. Nimrod's
[00:00:30] generation was not far removed from the time of the Great Flood. He knew the reason for
[00:00:35] the flood that God had judged the people of the world for their sinfulness. He knew
[00:00:40] the Lord had saved his grandfather and great grandfather in the ark. He should have been a
[00:00:45] thankful and devoted worshipper of God. But instead, he built a city dedicated to
[00:00:52] define him. The citizens of Babylon, the original name of Babylon, deliberately rejected
[00:00:59] the one true God their ancestors had served. In Genesis 114 we read, then they said,
[00:01:05] come, let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may
[00:01:10] make a name for ourselves. On the top of that tower in the middle of the city of Babylon,
[00:01:16] they sought independence from God, the essence of idolatry, self worship and pride.
[00:01:23] The God of self still reigns supreme in our culture today and if we're honest with
[00:01:28] ourselves that often reigns supreme in our own hearts, this self worship is one of the greatest
[00:01:33] temptations we will face as children of God living in the city of man. We might think,
[00:01:39] I don't worship myself but how often do we choose ourselves over God? How often do we say
[00:01:46] God, I'd rather do this my way. How often do we compromise with Babylon? Beyond your
[00:01:53] guard against the God of self, it is a subtle idolatry that's easily rationalized. But
[00:02:02] the idolatry of self is the religion of Babylon. Only as we humble ourselves before
[00:02:08] God can we be delivered from its grip and so become children of God without fault in a
[00:02:14] warped and crooked generation. We live in challenging times but God has a word for citizens
[00:02:21] of the city of God living in the city of man. If by the power of the Holy Spirit we will live
[00:02:27] blameless lives exemplifying the purity and simplicity of the gospel, then we will shine among
[00:02:33] them like stars in the sky. No matter how dark the world becomes, our God is a God of power
[00:02:39] and might. And because He is one the ultimate victory, we can also be victorious in Jesus' name.
[00:02:46] Let's pray together. Father help us to be aware of how the God of self might be infiltrating
[00:02:51] our hearts and minds. May we keep in step with your spirits so that we can honor you and share
[00:02:58] your love and hope with those who put in our paths. We pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.
[00:03:05] If today's devotional encouraged you, we'd love to hear about it. Leave a review and share
[00:03:11] this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. My devotional is a ministry of leading the way
[00:03:17] with Dr. Michael Yusse. To learn more visit LTW.org today.