December 4th, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

The Strong Redeemer

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Opening Prayer

Loving Lord, draw me to You as I read Your Word. May I be drawn closer toward You today.

Read Jeremiah 50:29-46

[29] “Summon archers against Babylon, all those who draw the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her for her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. [30] Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD. [31] “See, I am against you, you arrogant one,” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty, “for your day has come, the time for you to be punished. [32] The arrogant one will stumble and fall and no one will help her up; I will kindle a fire in her towns that will consume all who are around her.” [33] This is what the LORD Almighty says: “The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. [34] Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon. [35] “A sword against the Babylonians!” declares the LORD- “against those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men! [36] A sword against her false prophets! They will become fools. A sword against her warriors! They will be filled with terror. [37] A sword against her horses and chariots and all the foreigners in her ranks! They will become weaklings. A sword against her treasures! They will be plundered. [38] A drought on her waters! They will dry up. For it is a land of idols, idols that will go mad with terror. [39] “So desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and there the owl will dwell. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. [40] As I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighboring towns,” declares the LORD, “so no one will live there; no people will dwell in it. [41] “Look! An army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are being stirred up from the ends of the earth. [42] They are armed with bows and spears; they are cruel and without mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Babylon. [43] The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. [44] Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? And what shepherd can stand against me?” [45] Therefore, hear what the LORD has planned against Babylon, what he has purposed against the land of the Babylonians: The young of the flock will be dragged away; their pasture will be appalled at their fate. [46] At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will tremble; its cry will resound among the nations.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“Don’t expect the worst–expect God” (Lloyd John Ogilvie).

Think Further

Jeremiah warned his hearers that Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Babylonians. However, in due time the Babylonians themselves would experience the same anguish that they had inflicted on others (29). Jeremiah also knew that the outlook for Israel’s immediate future was dismal and bleak with many of its citizens held captive by foreign powers (33). It was difficult to see any reason for comfort or hope in this situation.

Jeremiah pointed out that, although the nation had no earthly ally to help in this desperate situation, Israel had a strong Redeemer (34). In ancient times, people who were facing the loss of family and possessions could survive if they had a close relative with the resources to help them. This person was the kinsman redeemer who could pay the price to ransom the family and their possessions. The Lord was Israel’s Redeemer and he was vigorously defending their cause. Israel looked weak and defeated but her future depended not on her own resources but on her mighty Redeemer, “the Lord Almighty.” This title, which may also be translated “Lord of Hosts” or “Lord of Armies,” occurs three times in this passage (31,33,34) and highlights the truth that although the nation of Israel had no army at that time and few resources, their God had unlimited resources and offered complete protection to those who trusted him.

Jeremiah encouraged Israel to focus not on their problems but on the strong Redeemer who was actively supporting them. In a world suffering from economic recession, natural disasters and political unrest, we should take heart from the knowledge that our Redeemer is strong and active and is working out his purposes amidst the uncertainties of our world.

Apply

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Bring any worries or fears to the Lord now and trust your mighty Redeemer.

Closing prayer

Lord, so often I am amazed at what You do for me. I thank You that I always have a majority because You are on my side.

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