Page 20 - The Road from Babylon to Zion

number who journeyed at this time was 42,360, along with 7,337 servants. When they
arrived in Jerusalem they began to rebuild the temple and they made such progress
as to get the foundation laid. However, due to the obstruction of the enemies of God,
the people ceased building the temple and for fourteen years no work was done. After
fourteen years Yahweh sent prophets to encourage the people to finish the building
of the temple, and it was at that time completed.

After this, Ezra the priest made a pilgrimage to Zion and he took many people with
him, and he brought the rest of the Temple furnishings that had been carried off into
Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. Symbolically, the removal of all the Temple
utensils and implements from Babylon represents the cessation of Yahweh’s working
among the people of Babylon. No longer would Yahweh bless Babylon because of
Zion dwelling among her, for Zion was being removed and so were the blessings of
God. Hereafter Babylon would know the plagues and judgments of God.

So it is with Mystery Babylon today. Zion is being called out of her midst, and as Zion
leaves, so leave the blessings of God. Judgments are soon to come upon Babylon and
it would be tragic to still be found in her midst. Yet, the door is still open for those
who are desirous to leave Babylon, and Zion should not act with disdain toward those
who will flee, even should they flee at the last moment as from a burning house.

Yahweh has many ways of getting Zion’s attention and bringing her to this journey
out of Babylon. Some are like Daniel who was reading in the scriptures when the
Spirit opened his eyes to understand that the time had come for the captivity of
Babylon to be ended. In this hour many are having their eyes opened and they are
hearing the call to come out of Babylon, and they are responding in faith and
obedience.

Others are like unto Lot whom the angels took by the hand and led out of Sodom
along with his family. Some are being literally thrust out of Babylon by the mercy of
Yahweh. Some have become so attached to this place of familiarity that they would
not willingly leave. They are torn in their emotions; their understanding of what God
is doing is still very cloudy, and their will is not strong enough to bring them to come
out, so Yahweh is bringing them out under strong coercion. Indeed, the citizens of
Babylon are the instrument of Yahweh in many such instances as they speak to the
citizens of Zion and tell them that they are no longer welcome in their midst. Many
are being thrust outside the camp of Babylon, and it is in this way that they begin
their pilgrimage.

Whatever the means used, Yahweh is calling His people out. The parting can be most
grievous as family and friends and all that is familiar is left behind. Ahead is much
uncertainty and many trials and dangers, but Yahweh goes with Zion to bring her in
to the place He has prepared for her.