Honest Reflections on Jeremiah 25 For twenty-three years, from the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, to this day, the word of the LORD has come to me [Jeremiah] , and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened. (vs. 3) Most of the time when the concept of Gods wrath comes up, we begin thinking, oh here we go again. Another preacher of Fire and Brimstone. Get ready to be beat on the head with a Bible once again. There is this negative reception to Gods wrath, for it leaves some with the impression that God is always angry with us and does not love. But the truth be told, even as vs. 3 indicates, Gods love is still present, even if He pours out His wrath. He gave Judah 23 years of warning, and yet they did not take heed to His words of warning. Twenty three years! Indeed, the Psalmist was right when he praises God for His steadfast love and His slowness to anger. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made (Ps 86:8-9). God does not pour out His wrath, as if it was some knee jerk reaction. On the contrary, God is long suffering with us, patient with us, wishing none to perish, but for all to reach repentance. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Pt 3:9) Consequently, because Judah had not taken Gods Word seriously, acknowledge God will fulfill every word of it, both the blessings and curses depending on all our obedience or lack there of, the Lord tells Judah that there will be 70 years of exile for His people (vs. 12). Gods people wont be the only one He punishes, though. For He will even punish those that take His people captive, namely Babylon, after the end of 70 years. Indeed, the LORD tells Jeremiah that He will punish all the nations. Thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them (vs. 15 - 60). The LORDs wrath is even compared to a roaring lion that is entering into judgment with all the inhabitants of the earth (vs. 30). This imagery of God is even used to describe a later judgment, when the Son of Man, Jesus, will return, and judge all the nations with His iron rod and wipe all evil off the face of creation! Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev 19:11 - 16) What an awesome Day that will be. So, might we warn others of this coming Day, while at the same time upholding the mercy and forgivness that God offers to all through Jesus Christ. They Day of Wrath that is coming is nothing to fear for those who have repented and trusted in Jesus Christ as their only Savior. This is why even the Psalmist would advise us: Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son [an expression of homage] lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him (Ps 2:10-12). Questions. Have you taken refuge in the Son of God? Has your life changed, so that it is your delight and utmost desire to honor and revere the Son of God, Jesus Christ? Are you telling others to watch out and not take for granted this gift of salvation that God graciously offers us? Are you thankful for the cross and daily pointing others to the cross, where the love of God kissed the wrath of God, for us? How is your life proving that you are grateful for Gods steadfast love and slow to anger? Prayer. Father, You are worthy of all praise. Thank you for your kindness and patience, wishing none to perish but for all to reach repentance. Thank you for Your Son, Jesus, who took the wrath that I deserved and exchanged that with forgiveness and new life. Please use my life to tell others the great news of Your salvation and to warn them if they dont embrace Christ for it. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:18:01 +0000
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