Toiling for Nothing

When we build without God, we risk toiling for nothing—only His Kingdom endures and gives lasting purpose to our work.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed and her high gates will be set on fire; so the peoples will toil for nothing, and the nations become exhausted only for fire.’”—Jeremiah 51:58 NASB

Babylon was one of the marvels of the ancient world—a masterpiece of design and beauty.

This great city was completely secure. One scholar described how Nebuchadnezzar’s engineers “constructed the great chain of fortifications, which seemed to make Babylon impregnable.” Its two walls were said to be 56 miles in length, 335 feet high, and 85 feet thick!

Yet God knew that these defenses eventually would fail, and He said Babylon’s broad wall “will be completely razed.”

Many must have thought this prophecy was impossible. Yet in 539 BC, several years after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians. This victory was so swift and complete that Babylon’s king reentered his city without realizing it was in Persian hands.

The Babylonians had worked hard to be invincible. Their walls seemed mighty, but they were as nothing before the hand of God.

Throughout history, God has continually demonstrated that He alone is sovereign: “It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom, and by His understanding He stretched out the heavens” (v. 15). He controls the affairs of the world … regardless of what people think.

God still is sovereign over the nations. His plans are secure. He will accomplish His purposes. Make sure you don’t “toil for nothing,” but seek the Kingdom that cannot be defeated—the Kingdom of God.

Reflection Question: What are you building that will still matter in God’s Kingdom?