Jeremiah 49 -- False Security

In the midst of the judgments on the nations, I was caught by a particular verse.

Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, that dwells securely, declares the
LORD, that has no gates or bars, that dwells alone. Jeremiah
49:31 ESV

It reminded me of my family growing up. We locked the door of our house only if we were going on vacation....for more than five days. Remarkably, we were never robbed. (Likely because once inside our home, a thief would have been more likely to feel sorry for us than to rob us.) But regardless, it was an incredibly vulnerable way to live. Danger was so close, despite the fact we ignored it.

The people of Jeremiah 49:31 feel safe and at ease. No gates, no bars, no worries. But the judgment of God is coming. I can think of few better descriptions of so much of our world today. The world continually whispers in their ears that they are safe and secure. "You are doing just fine, we all are in fact. Don't worry."

Yet a very real judgment awaits.

It reminds me of the old definition of preaching -- to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. May God use me to do both this week.

Jeremiah 49 -- A Question Answered

I must confess, I find the judgement on the nations in the later chapters of Jeremiah a bit difficult to read. I miss the vivid narrative anchors of the story of the earlier chapters. I search in vain for easily relatable characters.

But obviously, the chapters matter. They address the inevitable question of the survivors of God's judgment on Jerusalem.

What about them?

On the surface, Israel and Judah's behavior seems no worse than any of their surrounding neighbors. Yet they alone have faced severe judgment.

Now, the first truth is that the neighbors had not rejected their covenant relationship with God. Because Israel had more, they were held more accountable. But secondly, these chapters reveal that all the other nations will be held accountable as well. Their rebellion, their false worship, their antagonism against God's people would not be forgotten.

These chapters also remind us that God is LORD of all. Not just Israel, not just Judah. But all the nations stand before God. They are lifted by His hand. They will be brought down by His hand.

Yes, He is LORD of all. Thanks for asking.