Reading
SAA Notes
Three messages – and only one with comfort and hope. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:2 regarding the poor in spirit reveal why it is Jeremiah’s friend Baruch the scribe who receives comfort in the midst of disaster. It is faith, and not worldly power, that counts with God.
SJA Notes
* Mighty Loving God, please teach us today more of Your word, so that we would know You better.
“Ah, sword of the LORD! How long till you are quiet? Put yourself into your scabbard; rest and be still!”
In this long passage the Lord has a hard word for all people, but particularly for those who are His enemies – Those who are _not_ His people.
Jesus, God in the Person of the Son, brought this message.
In Matthew 10 we read,
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
This was Jesus as He was on earth, the Servant King who let Himself be led to the cross at the hands of sinful man.
We read in Revelation 19 of Jesus, the conquering King, when He returns on that final day,
“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.”
Jeremiah’s question resonates – How long till the sword of the Lord is quiet?
God’s word has the answer.
Once judgement is meted out then there will be a transformation work (1 Corinthians 15). God’s people will be transported into eternal life, and God’s enemies into eternal death (Matthew 26).
In Revelation 21 we read,
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,”
The answer for when the sword of the Lord will rest and be still is for us that of our glorious hope, our treasure, our inheritance – Eternal life in the not yet, God dwelling with us.
Until then, what for us?
People need Jesus! To know the good news!
We must cry out to and pray for the lost, Repent! Repent and believe!
* Gracious Lord God,
Thank You for saving us by Your grace.
Thank You for the inheritance You have for us.
Please save those around us!
Amen.