The Beverly Hillbillies. Who doesn't know and watched that show? Did you ever think about the effect Babylon (Beverly Hills) and its' people and culture had upon those innocent hillbillies? They'd never seen the decadence and luxuries of the Beverly Hills Babylon.
I remember watching those first shows and laughing with everyone else at the innocence and ignorance of Jed, Granny, Ellie Mae and Jethro. How silly they seemed and how dumb. We laughed at their lack of sophistication and their ignorance of social graces. Never did I realize the real story behind the laughter. Until today.
I am smack dab in the middle of the Beth Moore study, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. WOW! Is about all I can say. It is a wonderful study and we are all enjoying it so very much. Bridgette, our fearless leader, is so graciously allowing us to meet in her home and lead our group. It is a wonderful time of sisterhood fellowship. We are learning so very much about Daniel, The Lord and ourselves. One of the things Beth says in the beginning of the study is, this isn't a study about US! Well, not in the "it's all about me and how to make me better sence, no it isn't. We are learning how to realize that Babylon is affecting us today, our families and friends are affected by it too.
One of the questions in my homework got me to thinking. How is today's society like the Babylon of Daniels time? It is no different all at. There is, decadence, gluttony, liars, thieves, murders, and it is the same as in ancient Babylon.
Back to the Hillbillies......the comparison? Well, think about it. The hillbillies came from a cabin in the hills, no running water, electricity, tv, radio. The nearest town was miles away. They fed themselves from the land. They worked hard, rested on Sunday, worshipped God and loved each other.
They moved to Beverly Hills........talk about culture shock! There they find, liars, thieves, murder, excess of every kind. We watch as Ellie Mae is used as a object of desire for a parade of men, and made fun of for her innocence. We see Jethro go from a sweet hick, liking girls as he should but quickly turning in to that "international playboy" of the later episodes.
Hollywood Babylon was a book that came out in the 80's. I never read it and don't plan to, I don't care for that type of book. But, then again, I don't need to read it.....I know that Hollywood is the capitol of Babylon of this time. Babylon today has no boundaries other than those that God's people impose.
