Toiling for Nothing

“This is what the LORD of armies says: ‘The broad wall of Babylon will be completely demolished, and her high gates will be set on fire; so the peoples will labor for nothing, and the nations become exhausted only for fire.'” – Jeremiah 51:58 NASB

Babylon was a marvel of the ancient world, a masterpiece of design with magnificent and logically laid out streets. Babylon seemed completely secure. One scholar described how Nebuchadnezzar’s engineers “constructed the great chain of fortifications which seemed to make Babylon impregnable” with walls 56 miles in length, 335 feet high, and 85 feet thick!

Yet God knew these defenses eventually would fail, that Babylon’s broad wall would “be completely demolished.”

Many must have thought that this was impossible. Yet, in October 539 BC, just a few years after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians. This victory was swift and complete.

The Babylonians worked hard to be invincible, but their elaborate defense system could not protect them forever. Their walls seemed mighty and indestructible, but they were as nothing before God.

These same principles have proven true throughout history. God continually demonstrates that He alone is sovereign. He made the earth and “established the world by His wisdom” (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 that you do not “labor for nothing.” Trust your life to Him, and seek the Kingdom that cannot be defeated – the Kingdom of God.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer entrusting all your plans to God.