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.
We read in Matthew chapter 10,
“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 men.
We read in Revelation chapter 19 of Jesus the Just and Righteous Warrior King, who He is 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?
Well, God’s word has the answer.
Once the judgement is meted out then there will be a transformation work (read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58), and God’s people in truth will be transported in eternal life, and God’s enemies into eternal death (Matthew 26, Sheep and the Goats).
And that point, we read in Revelation chapter 21,
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,”
The answer for us is our glorious hope, our treasure, our inheritance – Eternal life in the _not yet_, life with our God, Him dwelling with us!
This is when the sword of the Lord will rest and be still.
Until then, what for us?
People need to know about the good news of Jesus – We must cry out to and pray for the lost, Repent! Repent and believe!
This must be our cry in the _now_.
* Gracious Lord God,
Praise You for Your mercy to us, that though we were sinners, Christ died for us!
Thank You for our great hope, life eternal, to the full, with You dwelling with us, us with You!
Hallelujah!
Amen.