Scripture
12I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. 13Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:12-14
Observation
Though the city of Babylon was still in existence at the time of this writing, most Biblical scholars feel Peter was referring to Rome when he talks of Babylon. Just as Babylon was the very center of wickedness and spiritual rebellion that influenced the world in the Old Testament so too was Rome in the New Testament and very similar to the influence of the US today. Notice, Peter doesn’t write that the Church should run and hide out until Jesus comes back. No, this whole letter is filled with instructions on how to not just survive, but to thrive in Babylon. He writes, “stand firm in this grace”. There’s a commitment to stand even in the midst of persecution as this is actually “part of God’s grace”. Peter knew first hand what it feels like to face suffering and persecution in his own strength as he failed so miserably on the night of Christ’s arrest. He knew the only way to stand was in the grace and strength of The Holy Spirit. Peter does give three practical ways to stand with an accurate perspective in Babylon:
This is a spiritual battle. We must not get distracted or forget that we don’t fight against flesh and blood- “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (Vs. 8)
We aren’t alone in this battle even if we are the minority- "Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are." (Vs. 9)
This isn’t our permanent home. We were never supposed to be comfortable here. Jesus is coming back for us so even though the suffering feels like it will be forever, it will be limited and we will be victorious. “10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11All power to him forever! Amen.” (10-11)
Application
What does standing and thriving in Babylon look like? Last week Cyndi and I along with Josh Godknecht had the privilege of praying with Judy Fitzgerald as she prepared to launch her campaign for City Council in Escondido. Politics is already a mine field, but in California its a whole other level of complicated. This is especially the case as she chose to run with Faith, Family, and Community front and center as the focus of her campaign. She was given advice to downplay her faith to curry more support, she was given the cold shoulder by many who said they would support her, but she knew God has asking her to be true to her belief so there was no pretending on the platform. She writes, "Escondido has been my home for over 35 years. This is the community where I raised my kids, started my business, and became who I am today. I care deeply about protecting Escondido and doing what I can to help our community thrive. Called by my faith, supported by my family, and driven to give back to my community, today I am announcing my campaign for Escondido City Council. While we face significant issues like protecting public safety, addressing homelessness, and supporting small businesses, I know that with the right leaders at City Hall, we can solve these issues and continue to make Escondido a town we can all be proud of. I look forward to earning the support of my neighbors and fellow community members." As she shared her heart for the city and the State of California I couldn’t help but be reminded of God’s words to his people Israel in Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah. These are words to us all: “4This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-7
Prayer
Lord, I’m so thankful for this fresh perspective this morning. It seems that every day I wake up there is some new level of wickedness being turned into law in this land. Then, I read of what Israel endured in the Old Testament and what Christians endured in the New Testament and I realize, I haven’t seen anything yet. When I think of what my bothers and sisters in the faith endure around the world, being martyred for their faith I realize how weak my faith is. It’s time to stop whining and to start winning in the places you’ve called us to live here in Babylon. I pray for Judy and her run for Escondido City Council, that in every conversation both personally and publicly You would give her the words to say as the leader this city needs. I pray that each of us would find creative ways to work for the peace and prosperity of the city where we have been sent. That we would pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine our welfare.
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