Promises

Jeremiah – his compass in difficult times

Through Jeremiah the prophet, God promised to restore Israel as a nation e.g. Jeremiah 33.26. It was not that they were worthy of restoration, rather it was because of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David . Ezekiel points out that God’s judgements and restorations are ‘for His own name sake’ Ezekiel 20.44

Jeremiah had an unusual message for the people of Jerusalem – “give in to the king of Babylon”. When the siege of Jerusalem was almost complete, God sent through His prophet a message of hope and restoration. In the long range view, God does not give up.

There were good reasons why Nebuchadnezzar was given the victory – one being the persistence of the Israelites, the Jews to practice idolatry. God had said:

“I must discipline you, I cannot let you go unpunished” Jeremiah 33.11.

The promise of Jehovah to destroy and restore Judah and Jerusalem was fulfilled. The temple was rebuilt along with the walls of the city.

Just as God kept His promises of judgement and His promises of restoration, so today His promises are trustworthy.

About 2000 years ago, Jesus looked at the city of Jerusalem and promised that the city and its temple would be destroyed. And it was destroyed in AD70 by Titus the Roman. The Lord Jesus also at that time made promises of hope. He promised that He would return  in power and great glory. As the former promises have been fulfilled , so will this one.

Many would say ‘Where is the promise of his coming? all things continue....’

This very attitude is an evidence that He is coming soon!

The old chorus put it very well:

‘Who is on the Lord’s side?

I trust that all my readers are ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1 has a very searching comment:

“The Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire inflicting vengeance on them that do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus...........................................

When He comes to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe....”

John McKee