Reading
SAA Notes
The Babylonians released Jeremiah because he told Israel to submit to Nebuchadnezzar. Everyone on both sides thought that Jeremiah was pro-Babylonian. They were wrong – he was God’s prophet. Meditate on verse 19.
SJA Notes
Before politics, before ideologies, before social standing and wealth and power – Before anything else, we must be people of God (men, women and children).
“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.”
And more, “Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion;”
Once we have God set in His rightful place, as King and Lord of our lives – Then all other things will be framed correctly.
Politics shouldn’t consume us. Neither should man-made ideologies, nor wealth, power or fame.
Because these things will fail. We see here in this passage the great and mighty Babylon has fallen. The hosts of Assyria have come, and Babylon is no more (or will be).
Think of our politics today, and those who seethe with anger at what the powers of the world are doing (from any perspective, any party, any standing).
These will pass away. As Babylon, so they will be.
Instead,
“Not like these is he who is the portion of Jacob, for he is the one who formed all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; the LORD of hosts is his name.”
Let’s work out our faith with fear and trembling before GOD, with a true perspective of who He is, and who we are.
* Lord God of Hosts,
You made the earth – Praise Your Name!
You established the world by Your wisdom, and with Your understanding Your stretched out the heavens – All glory be to You!
Please Lord, keep us from idolatry of any kind – Convict and straighten us Lord, to continue to put You first, as Head of our lives, King and Lord and Saviour.
Thank You for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through whom we have that most excellent inheritance, eternal life!
Amen.