2 Kings‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ (NIV) “On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the rest of the populace and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon.”

Jerusalem fell because God’s people traded the living God for false gods. They thought they could flirt with other religions, borrow from the culture, and still keep their land, their peace, and their future. Instead, God judged them, burned down their walls and temple, and sent them into exile.

Seventy years later, God in His mercy brought them back. But by then Israel had swung to the opposite extreme: no longer chasing idols, but turning their true religion into cold, rigid legalism—rules without relationship. And once again, men missed the heart of God.

Brothers, the lesson is urgent for us: God does not want empty religion. He wants right religion anchored in real relationship.

That’s why Jesus came. He is the fulfillment of the old promise and the beginning of the new—not another religion, but the only way to God. He is Lord, Savior, and King. He is the One we must love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But here’s the test: our relationship with Jesus shows up in how we treat people. Scripture makes it clear:

• Mercy over judgment.

• Generosity over greed.

• Forgiveness over grudges.

• Love—even for enemies—over hate.

No other religion calls men to such costly, sacrificial love. Islam doesn’t. Secularism doesn’t. Only Jesus Christ does.

Men, if we claim His name, our worship must go beyond Sunday songs and into Monday sacrifice. Real religion is revealed in how we treat our wives, our children, our coworkers, even those who oppose us. The world is hostile because the church has too often settled for silence, legalism, or compromise.

The call today is the same as it was in Jerusalem’s ruins: return to God. Worship Christ alone. Live out your faith in love and obedience. His commands aren’t burdens—they’re life. They bring peace, purpose, and joy that cannot be burned down by Babylon or broken down by the culture.

Run Today’s Play: Lead the way in true religion and real relationship with Christ.