Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 40, "A Lesson From Nebuchadnezzar", Page 210.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: A
peculiar group of Christian men and women began leaving the cities
where churches flourished in the ancient world. In search of solitude,
they went into the desert places, far removed from the hustle and bustle
of the urban centres. This took place in the fourth century, when
Christianity had become a respectable religion. Persecution had ceased
following the convention of the Roman emperor Constantine. The church
was becoming part of the establishment and was beginning to enjoy wealth
and power.
Perhaps these Christians, who have come to be known as the Desert Fathers (and Mothers), saw growing corruption in the church. With the cessation of persecution, the church was being seduced by the world. The voices an noises of urban life were too much for these Christians, who sought to live out the gospel faithfully. In a world that no longer put faithful witnesses to death, the sought new forms of martyrdom (suffering) in the barren, harsh, and lonely deserts.
They deserted the thriving cities in pursuit of spiritual discipline and holiness. They lived alone, or in small communities, in remote parts of the wilderness. They spent much time in prayer and the reading of Scripture. They had an intimate knowledge of cold nights, biting hunger, intense struggles with temptation, sin, and the dark forces of this world. They knew their spiritual condition well and were well-versed in the art of spiritual direction, guiding the soul through the treacherous labyrinth (maze) of this world.
They developed a collective wisdom addressing the spiritual life an eternity, largely unappreciated in this busy modern age. Yes, there are collections of their sayings, such as the British theologian Benedicta Ward's Saying of the Desert Fathers. However, these go unknown or unread by many.
What relevance do these disciples in the desert have for Christians today? Let me make just one point: we live in an increasing urbanised world.
In 1900, the world's population stood at around 1.6 billion, and 213 million people lived in urban areas. In 2000, there were 6.1 billion people, of which 2.9 billion were urban dwellers. [1a] It is estimated that in 2025, 56% of a total global population of 8.2 billion will live in urban areas. [2] The trend is obvious: mass migration from the rural to the urban. Cities are developing into sprawling jungles of concrete, road networks, and crowded neighbourhoods, fighting with one another for space. The number of cities with a population of more than a million has massively grown over the past century. According to a recent United Nations estimate, 43 megacities (with population of over 10 million) may exist in the year 2030. [3]
The largest city in the world is Tokyo with a population of 37.8 million. Asian cities such as Jakarta, Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai, are not far off. [4] These cities are characterised by tightly built structures and densely situated dwellings, as well as severe noise and environment pollution.
It is estimated that 1.2 billion Christians live in such urban centres. Many of us, in fact, prefer living in the city, with all its convenience and glitter. However, we must be careful not to uncritically imbibe (absorb) the underlying theological message that highly urbanised environments convey.
The urban world is largely man-made. God is soon forgotten in such a world. Human achievement is worshipped, and our utter dependence on God is forgotten. Contrast this with the message of the desert. There, one would be hard-pressed to find a man-made object. Everything in the desert points to a God who makes things and sustains them.
The ancient Israelites were slaves in urban Egypt, forced to toil on massive construction projects. When God delivered them from captivity, He displayed His awesome power by parting the Red Sea and speaking on the mountain. They passed by majestic mountains by day and crossed the desert's dunes by night. The star-filled sky would have declared God's glory to them. Yet, their faith failed. They longed for the urban delights of Egypt - meat, garlic, and Onions, among other foodstuffs - even though God provided simple manna from heaven (Numbers 11:4-6). They missed the point of the desert, which was meant to take the world out of them.
Jesus went into the desert too. The desert brought Him face to face with the deep realities of life, often obscured (hidden) by urban artificiality (deception). This is why He often chose, in the course of HIs busy ministry, to go to desert places for prayer and fellowship with the Father. He must have witnessed countless times, alone, the beautiful sight of the rising sun on cold desert dunes (hills of sand piled up by the wind).
What about us in the city? We may not have deserts to go to for quiet time. The urban landscape surrounds us, but we must not let it inhabit us and feed us with the lie that we are the masters of our destinies, that we built this world.
Remember King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who looked at his grand urban creation and said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). He was intoxicated with pride and went mad in his hubris (excessive pride). He lived like an animal, roaming the wilderness. That did his soul a lot of good. One day, he looked up at the heavens - at the work of God's hands, and in his humility, his sanity was restored.
All this does not mean that Christians should not live in urban settings. We can enjoy what the city offers and serve God in its streets. But we must not allow the city's illusions to entice and poison our souls. Ever so often, we must remind ourselves that God made the world and we are accountable to Him. In our situation, we could visit parks or walk by the seaside. Or, we could simply observe the night sky and marvel at the huge and inscrutable (mysterious) universe He made. This would remedy our pride and dispel the illusion of a man-made world, freeing us to love God and neighbour in our urban environment without being trapped in its snares.
Picture posted by NIV, HarperCollins Publishers
Perhaps these Christians, who have come to be known as the Desert Fathers (and Mothers), saw growing corruption in the church. With the cessation of persecution, the church was being seduced by the world. The voices an noises of urban life were too much for these Christians, who sought to live out the gospel faithfully. In a world that no longer put faithful witnesses to death, the sought new forms of martyrdom (suffering) in the barren, harsh, and lonely deserts.
They deserted the thriving cities in pursuit of spiritual discipline and holiness. They lived alone, or in small communities, in remote parts of the wilderness. They spent much time in prayer and the reading of Scripture. They had an intimate knowledge of cold nights, biting hunger, intense struggles with temptation, sin, and the dark forces of this world. They knew their spiritual condition well and were well-versed in the art of spiritual direction, guiding the soul through the treacherous labyrinth (maze) of this world.
They developed a collective wisdom addressing the spiritual life an eternity, largely unappreciated in this busy modern age. Yes, there are collections of their sayings, such as the British theologian Benedicta Ward's Saying of the Desert Fathers. However, these go unknown or unread by many.
What relevance do these disciples in the desert have for Christians today? Let me make just one point: we live in an increasing urbanised world.
In 1900, the world's population stood at around 1.6 billion, and 213 million people lived in urban areas. In 2000, there were 6.1 billion people, of which 2.9 billion were urban dwellers. [1a] It is estimated that in 2025, 56% of a total global population of 8.2 billion will live in urban areas. [2] The trend is obvious: mass migration from the rural to the urban. Cities are developing into sprawling jungles of concrete, road networks, and crowded neighbourhoods, fighting with one another for space. The number of cities with a population of more than a million has massively grown over the past century. According to a recent United Nations estimate, 43 megacities (with population of over 10 million) may exist in the year 2030. [3]
The largest city in the world is Tokyo with a population of 37.8 million. Asian cities such as Jakarta, Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai, are not far off. [4] These cities are characterised by tightly built structures and densely situated dwellings, as well as severe noise and environment pollution.
It is estimated that 1.2 billion Christians live in such urban centres. Many of us, in fact, prefer living in the city, with all its convenience and glitter. However, we must be careful not to uncritically imbibe (absorb) the underlying theological message that highly urbanised environments convey.
The urban world is largely man-made. God is soon forgotten in such a world. Human achievement is worshipped, and our utter dependence on God is forgotten. Contrast this with the message of the desert. There, one would be hard-pressed to find a man-made object. Everything in the desert points to a God who makes things and sustains them.
The ancient Israelites were slaves in urban Egypt, forced to toil on massive construction projects. When God delivered them from captivity, He displayed His awesome power by parting the Red Sea and speaking on the mountain. They passed by majestic mountains by day and crossed the desert's dunes by night. The star-filled sky would have declared God's glory to them. Yet, their faith failed. They longed for the urban delights of Egypt - meat, garlic, and Onions, among other foodstuffs - even though God provided simple manna from heaven (Numbers 11:4-6). They missed the point of the desert, which was meant to take the world out of them.
Jesus went into the desert too. The desert brought Him face to face with the deep realities of life, often obscured (hidden) by urban artificiality (deception). This is why He often chose, in the course of HIs busy ministry, to go to desert places for prayer and fellowship with the Father. He must have witnessed countless times, alone, the beautiful sight of the rising sun on cold desert dunes (hills of sand piled up by the wind).
What about us in the city? We may not have deserts to go to for quiet time. The urban landscape surrounds us, but we must not let it inhabit us and feed us with the lie that we are the masters of our destinies, that we built this world.
Remember King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who looked at his grand urban creation and said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). He was intoxicated with pride and went mad in his hubris (excessive pride). He lived like an animal, roaming the wilderness. That did his soul a lot of good. One day, he looked up at the heavens - at the work of God's hands, and in his humility, his sanity was restored.
All this does not mean that Christians should not live in urban settings. We can enjoy what the city offers and serve God in its streets. But we must not allow the city's illusions to entice and poison our souls. Ever so often, we must remind ourselves that God made the world and we are accountable to Him. In our situation, we could visit parks or walk by the seaside. Or, we could simply observe the night sky and marvel at the huge and inscrutable (mysterious) universe He made. This would remedy our pride and dispel the illusion of a man-made world, freeing us to love God and neighbour in our urban environment without being trapped in its snares.
Picture posted by NIV, HarperCollins Publishers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC88GhAxNg4RqguTEh0RngCR8zYQ01S6KT_sbLhtbTN5g8yv2O3yo8G6xUM-uYmcTv_Z2GTUSzc0ISGVGDczly6Z8PuwrX3jqlkfc8OuBx3nm1yXKytdfN2VilxGbx7GVCUC6-Y4uIkbjph9s8YVDi4qQZ70eEY5upPT33j-QeAfMUYfIMDXm4BnFEQcM/s1024/4.8.24_Who_Were_the_Very_First_Christians-1024x683-1.jpg
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https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/origins-of-christianity-who-when-where-were-the-first-christians/
A peculiar group of Christian men and women began leaving the cities where churches flourished in the ancient world. In search of solitude, they went into the desert places, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the urban centres. This took place in the fourth century, when Christianity had become a respectable religion. Persecution had ceased following the convention of the Roman emperor Constantine. The church was becoming part of the establishment and was beginning to enjoy wealth and power.
PHOTO: A peculiar group of Christian men and women began leaving the cities where churches flourished in the ancient world. In search of solitude, they went into the desert places, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the urban centres. This took place in the fourth century, when Christianity had become a respectable religion. Persecution had ceased following the convention of the Roman emperor Constantine. The church was becoming part of the establishment and was beginning to enjoy wealth and power.
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Desert Fathers, Monastery of the Syrians, in Wadi el Natrun
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbLxbF8sSUPN9znfxkV_dHohbY0qtalt4-quHZxLsD8MmH3KMFX640Av5Qtsdc8cWLY7JZBq0zvnAl_ns3NqoIiYT5S_404YcLmErSTKLm3wKCxoq84CEC-MN0lZrHa1_NKkXDdURPyUG83GzaYp5DPfHUXTjnNNsSuJQsw9_qPPhY4dS3g4AmAIHXqs/s1600/Deir_as_Suriani.jpg
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers#/media/File:Deir_as_Suriani.jpg
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers
Perhaps these Christians, who have come to be known as the Desert Fathers (and Mothers), saw growing corruption in the church. With the cessation of persecution, the church was being seduced by the world. The voices an noises of urban life were too much for these Christians, who sought to live out the gospel faithfully. In a world that no longer put faithful witnesses to death, the sought new forms of martyrdom (suffering) in the barren, harsh, and lonely deserts.
They deserted the thriving cities in pursuit of spiritual discipline and holiness. They lived alone, or in small communities, in remote parts of the wilderness. They spent much time in prayer and the reading of Scripture. They had an intimate knowledge of cold nights, biting hunger, intense struggles with temptation, sin, and the dark forces of this world. They knew their spiritual condition well and were well-versed in the art of spiritual direction, guiding the soul through the treacherous labyrinth (maze) of this world.
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Desert Fathers, Monastery of the Syrians, in Wadi el Natrun
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbLxbF8sSUPN9znfxkV_dHohbY0qtalt4-quHZxLsD8MmH3KMFX640Av5Qtsdc8cWLY7JZBq0zvnAl_ns3NqoIiYT5S_404YcLmErSTKLm3wKCxoq84CEC-MN0lZrHa1_NKkXDdURPyUG83GzaYp5DPfHUXTjnNNsSuJQsw9_qPPhY4dS3g4AmAIHXqs/s1600/Deir_as_Suriani.jpg
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers#/media/File:Deir_as_Suriani.jpg
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers
Perhaps these Christians, who have come to be known as the Desert Fathers (and Mothers), saw growing corruption in the church. With the cessation of persecution, the church was being seduced by the world. The voices an noises of urban life were too much for these Christians, who sought to live out the gospel faithfully. In a world that no longer put faithful witnesses to death, the sought new forms of martyrdom (suffering) in the barren, harsh, and lonely deserts.
They deserted the thriving cities in pursuit of spiritual discipline and holiness. They lived alone, or in small communities, in remote parts of the wilderness. They spent much time in prayer and the reading of Scripture. They had an intimate knowledge of cold nights, biting hunger, intense struggles with temptation, sin, and the dark forces of this world. They knew their spiritual condition well and were well-versed in the art of spiritual direction, guiding the soul through the treacherous labyrinth (maze) of this world.
PHOTO: They deserted the thriving cities in pursuit of spiritual discipline and holiness. They lived alone, or in small communities, in remote parts of the wilderness. They spent much time in prayer and the reading of Scripture. They had an intimate knowledge of cold nights, biting hunger, intense struggles with temptation, sin, and the dark forces of this world. They knew their spiritual condition well and were well-versed in the art of spiritual direction, guiding the soul through the treacherous labyrinth (maze) of this world.
Picture posted by christian.net
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https://christian.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/why-are-matthew-mark-and-luke-called-the-synoptic-gospels-1709625492.jpg
https://christian.net/videos/bible-stories/why-are-matthew-mark-and-luke-called-the-synoptic-gospels/
They developed a collective wisdom addressing the spiritual life an eternity, largely unappreciated in this busy modern age. Yes, there are collections of their sayings, such as the British theologian Benedicta Ward's Saying of the Desert Fathers. However, these go unknown or unread by many.
What relevance do these disciples in the desert have for Christians today? Let me make just one point: we live in an increasing urbanised world.
PHOTO: They developed a collective wisdom addressing the spiritual life an eternity, largely unappreciated in this busy modern age. Yes, there are collections of their sayings, such as the British theologian Benedicta Ward's Saying of the Desert Fathers. However, these go unknown or unread by many.
Picture posted by ebay - Desert Christian : Sayings of the Desert Fathers
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https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EXMAAOSwm1JmUmXA/s-l1600.jpg
https://www.ebay.com/p/2500987
In 1900, the world's population stood at around 1.6 billion, and 213 million people lived in urban areas. In 2000, there were 6.1 billion people, of which 2.9 billion were urban dwellers. [1a] It is estimated that in 2025, 56% of a total global population of 8.2 billion will live in urban areas. [2] The trend is obvious: mass migration from the rural to the urban. Cities are developing into sprawling jungles of concrete, road networks, and crowded neighbourhoods, fighting with one another for space. The number of cities with a population of more than a million has massively grown over the past century. According to a recent United Nations estimate, 43 megacities (with population of over 10 million) may exist in the year 2030. [3]
The largest city in the world is Tokyo with a population of 37.8 million. Asian cities such as Jakarta, Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai, are not far off. [4] These cities are characterised by tightly built structures and densely situated dwellings, as well as severe noise and environment pollution.
PHOTO: The largest city in the world is Tokyo with a population of 37.8 million. Asian cities such as Jakarta, Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai, are not far off. [4] These cities are characterised by tightly built structures and densely situated dwellings, as well as severe noise and environment pollution.
Picture posted by Get Your Guide - Tokyo Tour
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https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/64ad53465a70f.jpeg/145.jpg
https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/tokyo-l193/tokyo-family-walking-tour-t396610/
It is estimated that 1.2 billion Christians live in such urban centres. Many of us, in fact, prefer living in the city, with all its convenience and glitter. However, we must be careful not to uncritically imbibe (absorb) the underlying theological message that highly urbanised environments convey.
The urban world is largely man-made. God is soon forgotten in such a world. Human achievement is worshipped, and our utter dependence on God is forgotten. Contrast this with the message of the desert. There, one would be hard-pressed to find a man-made object. Everything in the desert points to a God who makes things and sustains them.
PHOTO: The urban world is largely man-made. God is soon forgotten in such a world. Human achievement is worshipped, and our utter dependence on God is forgotten. Contrast this with the message of the desert. There, one would be hard-pressed to find a man-made object. Everything in the desert points to a God who makes things and sustains them.
Picture posted by Get Your Guide - Tokyo: Digital Art Museum
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https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/tokyo-l193/tokyo-teamlab-planets-digital-art-museum-entrance-ticket-t260407/
The ancient Israelites were slaves in urban Egypt, forced to toil on massive construction projects. When God delivered them from captivity, He displayed His awesome power by parting the Red Sea and speaking on the mountain. They passed by majestic mountains by day and crossed the desert's dunes by night. The star-filled sky would have declared God's glory to them. Yet, their faith failed. They longed for the urban delights of Egypt - meat, garlic, and Onions, among other foodstuffs - even though God provided simple manna from heaven (Numbers 11:4-6). They missed the point of the desert, which was meant to take the world out of them.
PHOTO: The ancient Israelites were slaves in urban Egypt, forced to toil on massive construction projects. When God delivered them from captivity, He displayed His awesome power by parting the Red Sea and speaking on the mountain. They passed by majestic mountains by day and crossed the desert's dunes by night. The star-filled sky would have declared God's glory to them. Yet, their faith failed. They longed for the urban delights of Egypt - meat, garlic, and Onions, among other foodstuffs - even though God provided simple manna from heaven (Numbers 11:4-6). They missed the point of the desert, which was meant to take the world out of them.
Picture posted by yaxirabbaxx, Freepix
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Jesus went into the desert too. The desert brought Him face to face with the deep realities of life, often obscured (hidden) by urban artificiality (deception). This is why He often chose, in the course of HIs busy ministry, to go to desert places for prayer and fellowship with the Father. He must have witnessed countless times, alone, the beautiful sight of the rising sun on cold desert dunes (hills of sand piled up by the wind).
PHOTO: Jesus went into the desert too. The desert brought Him face to face with the deep realities of life, often obscured (hidden) by urban artificiality (deception). This is why He often chose, in the course of HIs busy ministry, to go to desert places for prayer and fellowship with the Father. He must have witnessed countless times, alone, the beautiful sight of the rising sun on cold desert dunes (hills of sand piled up by the wind).
Picture posted by Clemersondesales, Stock Adobe - Jesus in the desert
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https://as1.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/07/14/92/06/1000_F_714920633_YwJqyL9lVTj8oIx6fFBZbnhpvbopXBF4.jpg
https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=lent+catholic&asset_id=714920605
What about us in the city? We may not have deserts to go to for quiet time. The urban landscape surrounds us, but we must not let it inhabit us and feed us with the lie that we are the masters of our destinies, that we built this world.
Remember King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who looked at his grand urban creation and said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). He was intoxicated with pride and went mad in his hubris (excessive pride). He lived like an animal, roaming the wilderness. That did his soul a lot of good. One day, he looked up at the heavens - at the work of God's hands, and in his humility, his sanity was restored.
PHOTO: Remember King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who looked at his grand urban creation and said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30).
Picture posted by CS Lewis Aura on 17 August 2024 - See How God Turned King Nebuchadnezzar into a Beast (Bible Stories)
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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4MPdYNpLqtU/sddefault.jpg - (sddefault_1.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MPdYNpLqtU
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
PHOTO: He was intoxicated with pride and went mad in his hubris (excessive pride). He lived like an animal, roaming the wilderness. That did his soul a lot of good. One day, he looked up at the heavens - at the work of God's hands, and in his humility, his sanity was restored.
Picture posted by Bible Stories on 03 April 2024 - Why did God turn King Nebuchadnezzar into an animal?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytKS0uK4m_S38PLO0dgt1Oy6ruYJ59lK8iXnvIJ5qULwNeU98aqnytEgmQOWVZNuP0KsKROm5IhjE-7tL9LcNehAauUtUkFV-t0w-e52lo3Wx5gNAfizl3L0oVLrB9dCUkSu14QOqcW6xTxVM3UkKAlaJfuLLiWordAYQxBHpTDbMBSgowtpOfjFV9TE/s640/sddefault.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KJ0yaP9AcDI/sddefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ0yaP9AcDI
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
All this does not mean that Christians should not live in urban settings. We can enjoy what the city offers and serve God in its streets. But we must not allow the city's illusions to entice and poison our souls. Ever so often, we must remind ourselves that God made the world and we are accountable to Him. In our situation, we could visit parks or walk by the seaside. Or, we could simply observe the night sky and marvel at the huge and inscrutable (mysterious) universe He made. This would remedy our pride and dispel the illusion of a man-made world, freeing us to love God and neighbour in our urban environment without being trapped in its snares.
PHOTO: In our situation, we could visit parks or walk by the seaside. Or, we could simply observe the night sky and marvel at the huge and inscrutable (mysterious) universe He made. This would remedy our pride and dispel the illusion of a man-made world, freeing us to love God and neighbour in our urban environment without being trapped in its snares.
Picture posted by Designs Vanguard: Nature Of Earth
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgHvBTMzQL1aH0-TZm_1uKqSrnAgDndKQtArNtNcBYKLOrngHdrSyvzrTO-WVFVWLCc4DSq-TYH1QckDZgFvDm_OmMpE-uKenbLRAxRiNpu7FHnzmwNSoZar-_IFcPGhipNi1jcmo697mfw1WRaxPYCMSntXTCyozY20dwnSHrg-75lI35EJzV2g0uMA/s1200/38faeed62cb55f909352e407968f7d20.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/enabled_lo_mid/1200x/38/fa/ee/38faeed62cb55f909352e407968f7d20.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/20618110788392099/
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that the urban landscape that surrounds us did not inhabit us and feed us with the lie that we are the masters of our destinies, that we built this world. May we enjoy what the city offers and serve God in its streets.
May we not allow the city's illusions to entice and poison our souls. But remind ourselves that God made the world and we are accountable to Him.
May we observe the night sky and marvel at the huge and inscrutable universe He made. May this remedy our pride and dispel the illusion of a man-made world, freeing us to love God and neighbour in our urban environment without being trapped in its snares.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture generated by Magic Hour AI Generator at https://magichour.ai/dashboard/images/cm3ssl44w05b83yw40pykdcfp - Jesus, a Middle-Eastern male with long brown hair and a robe, stands in a vibrant flowering garden filled with colorful blossoms, set against a backdrop of towering mountains and a bright blue sky. There are many flying birds in flight. The scene includes diverse people, Caucasian women and men, looking at Jesus. Many trees with lush green leaves provided ample shade, creating a cool, serene atmosphere for all. Many varieties of colourful flowers surrounding them, sides, hanging on top and at the bottom. The sun is not too bright.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMSLWRWa4pTd_LMsaCfOpPPnGk727U_rnX0ztJH3xIrKDJcMiMyucebE6p7WYblXb3Hjv0vccoKRNt8niM1knVkeo75hqt-gtPOvMSt2LAzwB66VsFNwf7wvQP49kLtW5Rx_JV1y-p6a4-GJA3EnVKMZcEYeGEONLH3Et7TWwh2kO_e2X4ENHL0rNyT0/s1344/Jesus-11_1.png
Jesus-11_1.png
https://magichour.ai/dashboard/images/cm3ssl44w05b83yw40pykdcfp
Reflection - In The World - A Lesson From Nebuchadnezzar
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 40, "A Lesson From Nebuchadnezzar", Page 210.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 40, "A Lesson From Nebuchadnezzar", Page 210.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.htmlReference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 40, "A Lesson From Nebuchadnezzar", Page 210.
[1a] "World Population by Year," Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/world-population-by-year/.
[2] "Urban and Rural Areas 2009." United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/urbanization-wallchart2009.pdf.
[3] "Around 2.5 Billion More people Will be Living in Cities boy 2050. Projects New UN Report." United Nations: https//www.un.org/en/desa/around-25-billion-more-people-will-be-living-cities-2050-projects-new-un-report.
[4] "Largest Cities in the World (2015)," Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/population/largest-cities-in-the-world/.
[1a] "World Population by Year," Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/world-population-by-year/.
[2] "Urban and Rural Areas 2009." United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/urbanization-wallchart2009.pdf.
[3] "Around 2.5 Billion More people Will be Living in Cities boy 2050. Projects New UN Report." United Nations: https//www.un.org/en/desa/around-25-billion-more-people-will-be-living-cities-2050-projects-new-un-report.
[4] "Largest Cities in the World (2015)," Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/population/largest-cities-in-the-world/.
Links
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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