The True King
8/10/26 Bible Thought (Jeremiah 49-50)
Main Idea: God is sovereign over even the greatest of earthly kingdoms.
A Look at the Text:
In today’s text, the theme of judgment upon various nations continues. Moving from Moab to Ammon, to Edom, to Syria, to the kingdoms of Kedar and Hazor, to Elam, to Babylon itself.
Again, we see that the gods of the nations couldn’t handle Yahweh, the living God (Jer. 49:1, 3). The Lord God of Hosts, the all-powerful One, would be bringing terror upon the Ammonites (Jer. 49:5). Nebuchadnezzar would destroy the peoples of Kedar and Hazor (Jer. 49:30). God would establish His throne in Elam (Jer. 49:38).
But then, Jeremiah prophesied against Babylon. The decree was pronounced that Babylon is taken (Jer. 50:2). In the eyes of an all-knowing God, it was a done deal. Again, their idols couldn’t help them. Babylon would soon be conquered and become a desolation (Jer. 50:13). For their pride, they would be brought down (Jer. 50:31-32).
Bringing it Home:
Jeremiah’s decrees against the nations remind us of the true King who is reigning upon His heavenly throne. The idols of the nations couldn’t revoke His work, nor could the earthly kings of even the greatest kingdoms stand against His purposes.
The Lord’s sentence against Babylon came, shockingly, at the height of their power. Babylon was a superpower like the world had never known. Yet their glory had an expiration date assigned from the Most High, the One who was moving entire kingdoms around like chess pieces to prepare the way for the Kingdom that would last forever.
It can be easy for modern believers to be a bit paranoid when we see national crises across the world. Whether it be war, economic failure, or moral decline, a horizontal view of the current state of things is disheartening to say the least.
When we are doubtful of the security of our earthly homeland, let us rest assured that our heavenly one is more secure than the breath we are presently breathing.
The same God who raised up and put down nations over two thousand years ago is still enthroned on high. He is still moving entire kingdoms according to His sovereign purpose. They may rise and fall, but we are part of a Kingdom that will last forever.
Challenge:
Do I struggle to trust God’s sovereign hand when it seems like things are falling apart, not seeing that they may simply be falling into place?