In one sense they can't. All of humanity – and thus, all of creation – participates in Adam's sin and guilt.
Only Zion can escape – because Zion is the heavenly city – the city whose founder and builder is God.
But insofar as cities and nations live according to the way that God calls us to live, they will at least be spared a certain measure of judgment. If even Nebuchadnezzar can be called by God, 'my servant,' then surely those who seek to govern in a manner pleasing to God are better than those who don't!
The three central themes in our passage tonight – the cup, the banquet, and the temple – remind us that Jeremiah’s point is liturgical and eschatological.
It is liturgical – because worship is what forms each of these two cities. The liturgies of these two cities are starkly opposed to one another. The liturgies of Babylon celebrate the glory of the earthly city. The liturgies of Zion celebrate the glory of the heavenly city.
It is eschatological – because Jeremiah is calling his hearers to see beyond what their eyes can take in.
If you just look around you, it will appear that Babylon is winning. But that’s only because you are not seeing the last-days purpose of God...
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