SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 51
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
He said to Seraiah, “When you get to Babylon, see that you read all these words aloud. Then say, ‘LORD, you have said you will destroy this place, so that neither people nor animals will live in it; it will be desolate forever.’ When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates. Then say, ‘So will Babylon sink to rise no more because of the disaster I will bring on her. And her people will fall.’” [Jeremiah 51:61-64]
Lucky Seraiah, called upon to speak bold words of judgment against the Babylonian leaders – not a nice job.
He is given the words to speak, the Word of the Lord through Jeremiah.
It is a message of good news for the poor, the oppressed, the weak, but a message of bad news for the proud, the oppressors, the strong.
It is the same message of good news/bad news for all nations – the proud/wicked will be uprooted, while the humble/righteous will be restored.
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. [Mark 13:9-11]
Here Jesus talks about the same message of good news/bad news for the nations (gospel means good news message, but includes the bad news for those who reject it).
Like Seraiah, Jesus’ followers will be summoned to share God’s message to the rulers of the world, and it will not always be easy or pleasant.
But the Spirit will give us the words to speak, we will be given the message.
And what is this message of good news, that includes bad news?
That all who repent and return to God through Jesus will be forgiven and restored, while all those who refuse God’s mercy will ultimately suffer and die in their rebellion.
Those who repent will be forgiven and set free; those who refuse will remain in their guilt and their bondage, and will perish in it.
Is this harsh, unfair?
Or is it the same message that we would give to a person who refused to stop committing crimes – stop, or you will be punished!
God does not want to put anyone in jail (what hell ultimately will be), but those who refuse to stop committing crimes against Him and humanity will have to eventually be stopped.
Hell is not God’s purpose, it is our choice – the natural consequence of refusing to accept God and His will for life.
All people are hell-bent, but the good news is that God has proivided a way for forgiveness and freedom – good news indeed.
Not always an easy message to share, but it is the message that God has given us, and will speak through us by His Spirit.
Where is God calling me to be His messenger of His good news/bad news to the nations?
PRAYER:
Lord, I admit that I am uncomfortable talking about the judgment of hell, I prefer just talk about the goodness of forgiveness and freedom. And yet there can be no good news without repentance and faith. Help me share Your full message!
Do this and live. That is what You told Your people time and time again. But many went their own way, following the desires of their heart. This we saw with Adam and Eve, and the children of Israel. Therefore the Fall and the wanderings in the desert land. But Your Word does always come to pass. I am the Lord Your God and you are My people. And God uses His people to speak His Word time and time again. Listen to my voice and live!
God has shown the people the Way. Turn about from your ways and live My way otherwise you too will be destroyed. God will purify the land to reclaim His own. Are we in or out? Do we rise to the occasion or fall? What is most important in our/my lives/life? What is my reason for living?
We have His Word. He has spoken. He has shown the Way. Choose this day whom you will serve – but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.