The Greeks consider their history to start back in 776 B.C. with the first Olympiad. The formation of a true empire began under Philip of Macedon in 359 B.C. Alexander the Great, Philip’s son, would rise to power in 336 B.C. and he is alluded to in many Old Testament books (Ezekiel 26:7-11, 14, 32; Daniel 7:6: 8:5, 6; 11:3-5). As a result of Alexander’s conquests, most of the world came to know Greek ideas and culture, Greek books and philosophy, and the Greek attitude toward life. These spread out into the known world and still play important roles in education and attitudes today. Credit is also given to Alexander and the Greek contribution to the spread of Christianity, as the New Testament was written in the Greek language. We also have the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew. His success was so extraordinary and his power so mighty that to many he must have seemed divinely inspired. Alexander’s influence did not gradually wane, as in the case of most political leaders; rather, he died of fever in Babylon at the age of 33, having conquered the world, but having been unable to conquer his own lusts. Alexander’s Empire would be divided to his four generals after his death to Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus, and Cassander.

Today, we have nations fighting other nations for control of their land, resources, and people. The drive of ruling the world that existed in Alexander still exists in people today. However, for the people of God we know who truly rules all things:

“This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.” Daniel 4:17

“For by Him (Jesus) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16

As much as mankind wants to rule the world, they are fighting over something that has no permanence, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:19

The rulers of this earth can have it, the people of God are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God!

By: Justin Odom