We learn from the Bible that we are made in God’s image, which means we inherited many of his characteristics. That’s why we are special creatures above others.
Today I’m going to focus on something God put in us, which is also part of him – examining. We are all good at this, especially when we are serious. We start by examining our lives in detail. We examine our surroundings, we examine our families, our friends and our pets. We don’t stop there, we go even further to examine our cities, our towns, our countries, and other countries.
And let me tell you, because we are highly intelligent we have become experts. The news broadcasting has become a global enterprise, so busy sending out information, the good and the bad to every corner of the world. Everyone of them is got one thing in common, they feel it is an obligation.
Let’s go back to God; we learn from the Bible that he examines every individual in detail, nothing is hidden before him. He examines city by city, country by country. I was taken by surprise when I read Ezekiel 27 today, which shows how observant God Almighty is. Here, he examines a city called Tyre and its activities.
Ezekiel 27:1-24 (NIV). He says, ‘you say, O Tyre, I’m perfect in beauty. Your domain was on the high seas. Your builders brought your beauty to perfection. When he says this, he is referring to countries that are praising themselves, for every country has something to praise about itself.
And HE goes on to say in Vs 12, Tarnish did business with you because of your great wither of goods. They exchanged silver, iron, tin and lead for your merchandise. Vs 13 Greece, tubal, Meshech traded with you. They exchanged slaves and articles of bronze for your wares. Men of berth Torgarmah exchanged work horses, war horses, and mules for your merchandise. The men of Rhodes traded with you and many coastlands were your customers; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony. Judah and Israel traded with you. They exchanged wheat from Minnith and confections, honey, oil and balm for your wares. He also mentions wine, gold, precious stones, beautiful garments, embroidery, rugs, wool, lambs, rams, goats and all kinds of spices. We also learn from here that God is looking at how the world trade operates. (the import and export of guns, cars, computers, etc)
How does God see countries now? He examines the positives and the negatives of the country and its cities. He examines the people’s attitudes and actions. We learn as well that he deals with each country accordingly. Some countries are more at peace than others because of what they do. Every country is got problems, every country is unstable. Some are more unstable than others because of what they do.
Two cities are mentioned in the Bible more than others. Jerusalem and Babylon. They both represent two sides of the world. Jerusalem is connected to Jesus and God, while Babylon is just the opposite. (the rebels). The world, as we know it, is operating on the Babylonian system. The Babylonian system is not focused on God – it is more focussed on false worship, politics, traditions, superstitions, social activities, witchcraft, cultures, education and money. This system is very stressful, undermining, unfair, cunning, and temporary. The Kingdom of God on the other hand is the opposite; it is empowering, loving, peaceful, encouraging, and everlasting.
God’s system where Jesus is the leader, is higher than the worldly system; once you get into it, you’re the lucky one.