The first 5 times in my annual Bible reading this sentence "And nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them” caused me confusion and consternation. (Admittedly, sometimes I'm a bit slow.) I thought surely this was meant as hyperbole...because really?! Nothing would be impossible for mankind?!
Now I know God was not being hyperbolic at all; we are watching what man can do when God loosens the leash on Satan. The self-destructive modern inventions of AI, advanced weaponry, the surveillance state, global monetary control, etc., are, as you say, Thad, Babel-like. Same game, modernized strategy. The primary characteristics of sin; ambition, hubris and pride, are at the very core of our coming downfall because they intentionally don't include, nor glorify the Lord.
The rotten fruit of Satan's plans; the violence, corruption, lawlessness, perversions, and open rebellion to all that is godly and good, are overwhelming our world. Most of us encounter people daily, both secular and redeemed, who see and sense this. Those who cannot discern it, or worse, embrace and foster it, suffer from reprobate consciences that are seared to the TRUTH. They are active participants in bringing about God's wrath, and the world's destruction.
Scattering all the people by changing their language has always seemed to me a very gentle way for God to redirect man's rebellion. In their day it likely didn't feel gentle at all, as it must have created great confusion and conflict. But in the terms of God's historical, biblical judgments, the destruction of Babel must be among the most mild. (I marvel at how He uses such an ingenious array of solutions for the situations we put ourselves into: Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.")
What is coming, and I believe very soon, will not be mild. Our holy, holy, holy God has clearly and repeatedly described what He has planned for Earth's future and the global elites' futures to establish His kingdom. They have been warned, but they do not believe Him.
Robin, thank you. This is a sermon in itself. The argument that you highlighted, that it is not an exaggeration, is precisely what most miss and, once you see it, you can’t see any other way to read it. Your comment on the Babel story about its leniency: that is something I wish I would have said too; many languages were scattered, and yet they all left alive. This is an example of mercy appearing in judgment.
It is amazing how gracious the Holy Spirit is to help us understand the various attributes and actions of the Lord in His word. I may have mentioned before that my prayer every day when I read scripture is to truly understand God as He has revealed Himself...at least within my tiny, finite capacity; which is to say, once He reveals His intents and His ways you simply can't unsee them. All by grace and design.
Thank you for your thoughtful articles Thad, I really look forward to them. Being without a church home is a lonely spot for me,therefore I crave all the solid teachings I can find. You are a refuge, brother. Blessings to you and your family.
The first 5 times in my annual Bible reading this sentence "And nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them” caused me confusion and consternation. (Admittedly, sometimes I'm a bit slow.) I thought surely this was meant as hyperbole...because really?! Nothing would be impossible for mankind?!
Now I know God was not being hyperbolic at all; we are watching what man can do when God loosens the leash on Satan. The self-destructive modern inventions of AI, advanced weaponry, the surveillance state, global monetary control, etc., are, as you say, Thad, Babel-like. Same game, modernized strategy. The primary characteristics of sin; ambition, hubris and pride, are at the very core of our coming downfall because they intentionally don't include, nor glorify the Lord.
The rotten fruit of Satan's plans; the violence, corruption, lawlessness, perversions, and open rebellion to all that is godly and good, are overwhelming our world. Most of us encounter people daily, both secular and redeemed, who see and sense this. Those who cannot discern it, or worse, embrace and foster it, suffer from reprobate consciences that are seared to the TRUTH. They are active participants in bringing about God's wrath, and the world's destruction.
Scattering all the people by changing their language has always seemed to me a very gentle way for God to redirect man's rebellion. In their day it likely didn't feel gentle at all, as it must have created great confusion and conflict. But in the terms of God's historical, biblical judgments, the destruction of Babel must be among the most mild. (I marvel at how He uses such an ingenious array of solutions for the situations we put ourselves into: Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.")
What is coming, and I believe very soon, will not be mild. Our holy, holy, holy God has clearly and repeatedly described what He has planned for Earth's future and the global elites' futures to establish His kingdom. They have been warned, but they do not believe Him.
Robin, thank you. This is a sermon in itself. The argument that you highlighted, that it is not an exaggeration, is precisely what most miss and, once you see it, you can’t see any other way to read it. Your comment on the Babel story about its leniency: that is something I wish I would have said too; many languages were scattered, and yet they all left alive. This is an example of mercy appearing in judgment.
It is amazing how gracious the Holy Spirit is to help us understand the various attributes and actions of the Lord in His word. I may have mentioned before that my prayer every day when I read scripture is to truly understand God as He has revealed Himself...at least within my tiny, finite capacity; which is to say, once He reveals His intents and His ways you simply can't unsee them. All by grace and design.
Thank you for your thoughtful articles Thad, I really look forward to them. Being without a church home is a lonely spot for me,therefore I crave all the solid teachings I can find. You are a refuge, brother. Blessings to you and your family.