Heaven’s Ambassadors
In today’s high-tech world, it’s easy to feel like a good Wi-Fi connection is a birthright. When the internet goes down, we might even joke that the great tribulation has begun. We’ve become so reliant on technology that we often turn to tech support before we turn to God. This reliance on technology is a reflection of a deeper issue: the spirit of Babylon that permeates our culture.
The Spirit of Babylon in the Modern World
The spirit of Babylon is not new. It began in the Garden of Eden, tempted humanity at the Tower of Babel, and continues to manifest in our world today. This spirit promises us the attributes of God—omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence—through technology. It’s the age-old lie: “You can be like God.”
In our digital age, this lie is more pervasive than ever. We see it in the way people form emotional attachments to AI, as depicted in the movie “Her,” and in real-life stories of individuals developing relationships with AI companions. This is a striking example of how technology can lead us away from genuine human connection and, ultimately, from God.
Exiles and Ambassadors: Our Dual Citizenship
As Christians, we are called to live as exiles and ambassadors. In 1 Peter 2, Peter reminds us that we are aliens and strangers in this world. Our true home is in heaven, and we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Yet, we are also ambassadors, representing God’s kingdom in a foreign land.
Being an exile means resisting assimilation into the world’s rebellious, humanistic, and immoral culture. Being an ambassador means engaging with the world, representing Jesus, and bringing the light of the Gospel to those around us. We must hold both identities in tension, living in the world but not of it.
The Operating System of Babylon
Babylon’s operating system is built on four core principles:
- Self-Exaltation: The desire to make a name for ourselves, putting self above God.
- Cultural Captivity: Allowing the world to define truth and morality, leading to organized rebellion against God.
- Manufactured Transcendence: Seeking spirituality without submission to God, trying to reach heaven on our own terms.
- Continuous Building: The relentless pursuit of a utopia without God, promising a perfect world without repentance.
This system is evident throughout history, from Egypt to Rome, and continues to operate today. In Revelation 17 and 18, we see the full maturity of this Babylonian spirit, symbolized by a harlot riding a beast, representing the seductive power of the world that leads people away from God.
Come Out of Babylon
Revelation 18 calls us to “come out of her, my people,” urging us not to share in Babylon’s sins. We must not let the world disciple us. Instead, we are called to live faithfully as exiles and ambassadors, representing Jesus in a world that is not our home.
Our Mission as Ambassadors
As ambassadors, we have a clear mission:
- Proclamation: We carry the message of reconciliation, calling people to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
- Presence: We bring the presence of the living God into the world through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
- Peace: We seek the peace of our cities, bringing the shalom of God to our communities.
Practical Steps for Faithful Living
- Scripture Before Screens: Start your day with God’s Word before turning to technology.
- Rest Before Rush: Embrace Sabbath rest, defying the culture of constant productivity.
- Remain Undefiled: Guard what feeds your soul, maintaining purity and holiness.
- Hospitality Over Hostility: Use hospitality as a tool for evangelism, inviting others into your life and story.
In conclusion, we are called to live as exiles and ambassadors in a world influenced by the spirit of Babylon. Let us carry heaven in our hearts, representing the Kingdom of God with love, truth, and peace. As we partake in communion, let us remember that Jesus became an exile to bring us home, reconciling us to the Father and calling us to live as His ambassadors in the world.