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Devotional thoughts (Monday through Thursday mornings) from the pastor of Exeter Presbyterian Church in Exeter, NH // Sunday Worship 10:30am // 73 Winter Street

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Jeremiah 50

For a period of less than 100 years, in between the Assyrian Empire and the Medes and the Persians, the Babylonians were the regional superpower in the area of Bible focus. They were raised up by God, in part to discipline Judah. Like the Assyrians before them who conquered Samaria, Israel, and large sections of Judah, the Babylonians had a special role in taking over Jerusalem, and whatever other cities and pasturelands which had not already fallen to some other power. As we have seen throughout Jeremiah, during these years, the Babylonians were the power to be reckoned with. It was right for the kings of Judah to surrender to them, for this was the Lord’s instruction through his prophet.

During these years, many imagined that Jeremiah was a secret sympathizer of the Babylonians. He was actually just doing what God called Him to do – faithfully proclaiming the Word of the Lord. Now as we move toward the end of this book we read of the coming fate of the Babylonians. This Word comes from the same man who spoke of the victory of the Babylonians over many lands. Now the time has come to speak of their troubles.

It is not easy to be a graceful fading superpower. People within any history tend to like to speak of their own country in a very favorable way. In the case of a superpower, there easily seems some justification for such happy reports. It may be that much harder then for the people in such a society to entertain the thought that a day is swiftly approaching, when Babylonian gods, generals, and soldiers will be out of what seemed to be supreme authority. This is the message that Jeremiah brings.

There is some divine justice in this. Though God determined to use Babylon for the chastisement of Judah, they were never supposed to rejoice over the weak. They never replaced God’s love for his people. They would have to face a day of judgment for their own sins, even though these were a part of the sovereign and wonderful purpose of God. God announces a better day coming for His Zion, and He speaks as well about the trouble that will come to great Babylon.

Though her period of great rule was comparatively short, the name of Babylon continued to be used throughout the Scriptures as the example of an ungodly power that would one day face destruction. In the New Testament the name refers to Rome, and it also refers more generally to the world that will face the wrath of Christ when He returns. No excuse will work for Babylon when the Lord comes to judge. She cannot say that it was God who sent her against His people, and therefore that she is without guilt. When an everlasting covenant is celebrated by the people of God, this symbolic “Babylon” is surely on the outside, with no hope or safety. She is a vessel that was raised up for destruction, though she was useful for the Lord’s purposes for a time. Who can argue with the Lord, concerning His perfect judgments?

As Babylon has plundered the heritage of God, she will be plundered. The Lord’s mighty vengeance is coming against her. She has become a horror of the nations, for He will have vengeance for his temple. The only wise pathway for a superpower is unusual humility. Mourn for those who face your swords, since surely you deserve the wrath of God as much or more than they do. Never turn with malicious hatred against the Lord’s Anointed and His church. Never defy the Lord, for He is the Holy One of His Israel, and He will defend His elect from every tribe and tongue and nation.

The Lord has a fire that He can bring against any foe. God has a sword that will bring death to any land as He chooses. Beyond his righteous judgment, He is a powerful Redeemer over the people He determines to save. It is very dangerous to turn against the objects of His mercy with malice, because He will defend them, and will destroy the nation who destroys His beloved people. When that happens, the mighty will be helpless. The strong man will fall, and the Lord will replace one leader with another, according to His wise judgment.

There is one kingdom which will never end. There is One King who will reign forever. Jesus is that King, and the perfected church is that everlasting kingdom. Babylon was just one of a series of great powers that would face the destiny of the world. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, has a way of saving His elect out of even the likes of a proud Babylon. Through the great King Jesus, who led the way for us in his atoning death on the cross, a true everlasting superpower has been firmly established. Let the wise man humble Himself before this great King. Let the strong man recognize and profess his weakness before Almighty God, and rest in the great King of Kings.

posted by Pastor Magee @ 7:00 AM

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