By The Waters of Babylon

The series By the Waters of Babylon explores the experiences of God’s people in captivity and the enduring lessons they teach us today. Through the lamentations of exile, the warnings of the prophets, and the hope of restoration, these messages invite us to reflect deeply on faith, humility, and God’s steadfast purpose in times of trial and renewal.

Hardened by the Deceitfulness of Sin

This opening class traces Judah’s downfall and exile, highlighting the nation’s descent into idolatry and injustice. Drawing on the prophets and the covenant they had pledged to uphold, it shows how disobedience hardened their hearts, leading to devastating judgment. Yet even in desolation, the people acknowledged God’s righteousness and recognized His mercy in preserving a remnant. The lesson calls us to examine how sin can desensitize us and to remain tenderhearted toward God’s word.

Sorrow for Self, Not for Sin

In this study, the prophet Jeremiah’s words confront the danger of complacency in times of prosperity. The people of Judah, blinded by comfort and security, felt no shame for their abominations and refused to mourn over sin. Only disaster awakened them to their condition. The exhortation is clear: we must cultivate humility and contrition now, not wait for crisis to stir us, remembering that true reliance comes from God and His word.

The Danger of Disdaining the People of God

Psalm 137 provides the backdrop for this class, capturing the anguish of exiles by Babylon’s rivers. The lesson turns to the nations that scorned Israel—Babylon, Edom, and others—who went beyond God’s intent in punishing His people and showed them no mercy. God judged these nations for despising those who were His inheritance. For us, the message is personal: we must never disdain God’s people but treat one another with care, recognizing the special place His family holds in His plan.

A God Who Loves to Save

Amid sorrow, the book of Lamentations breaks forth with a declaration of hope: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.” This class unpacks the depth of God’s covenant love, compassion, and forgiveness. Even in exile, Israel could look to His promises and find assurance of deliverance. The same canopy of grace extends to all who love and obey Him, offering the blessing of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life through His mercy.

A Return to Work

The return from captivity brought opportunity—and responsibility. God stirred the spirit of Cyrus to decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple, fulfilling prophecies given long before. Yet the people soon faltered, distracted by their own pursuits. Through the prophets, God urged them back to their task. This lesson reminds us that we too have been called to build, not for ourselves but for His house, and that we must keep our focus on His work with diligence and faith.

The Glory of This Latter House

The series concludes with Haggai’s prophecy, spoken to a discouraged remnant staring at temple ruins. God promised that the glory of the latter house would surpass that of Solomon’s, not in physical splendor but in the peace and presence of His kingdom to come. This message lifts our eyes beyond present struggles to the ultimate fulfillment in the temple of the future age, when God’s glory will again fill His house and all nations will worship Him in peace.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.