Babylon's Burden

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept… How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:1,4).  “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.  For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:17-26).  “The burden of Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see… I have commanded My sanctified ones… even them that rejoice in My highness” (Isaiah 13:1-3).  “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage… Let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory” (Galatians 5:1-26). 

Though Babylon’s burden is often ignored

Beneath all her laughter, vainglory, and song,

We’re called, nonetheless, by the grace of our Lord

To be in the fear of the Lord all day long.  

We shouldn’t be longing for Babylon’s joys;

Her temporal pleasures shall soon pass away!

Her songs are so empty, amounting to noise

To amplify voices with nothing to say. 

So how shall we sing the Lord’s song in her land?

Now shouldn’t we rather ask:  “How shall we not?”

Our God sanctifies us, and by His command,

We’re called to exalt Him in word, deed, and thought!

Rejoice in His highness and in His salvation!

Let Babylon hear us exalt Him all day!

Now sing of His mercy with great jubilation,

Declaring how Christ took our burden away!

Stand fast in the freedom of His Holy Spirit:

Do not be entangled in Babylon’s shame!

Cast off her temptation; do not venture near it. 

Now walk with the Savior, exalting His name. 

God shows us the future:  the chapter is written

When all of the nations against Him shall fall. 

The Lamb shall return, who before had been smitten,

To reign on this earth and be worshiped by all.

O Lord, we can see that there’s surely an end,

And Babylon then with her burden shall perish.

Until that day comes, Lord, wherever You send,

Our song is the Gospel You gave us to cherish.