Thoughts for another day

Sept. 4, 2007

Today's verse: Jer. 50:25. The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

If you have read the prophetic books speaking of the vindication of God towards Israel, then this verse will surprise you because it speaks of His vengeance on Chaldea (Babylon). We know that because of the many sins of Israel particularly idolatry and moral decay, God ordained punishment for them. At the same time, He sent His people the prophets who repeatedly proclaimed that the punishment of God is imminent unless they repented. Yet, the Israelites went on sinning and God was forced to send calamity upon them through his vessel Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But now we read that God has brought forth the weapons of His anger into the land of Babylon.

Understand this if you may for it shows the greatness of God’s mercy toward His people. Reflect on what might have happened in the heart of God when He went about the destruction of first, the northern kingdom and then Judah. His countenance would have drooped and He would have brought the sword upon them with a heavy heart because He loved them so much. In fact, they were known as His inheritance (Dt. 9:29). But still God went through it because He had to.

There are times in life you undergo something unpleasant because it is necessary. Because, the result is greater than the process, of your suffering. Take Jesus’ example. He suffered miserably and died. That was the process. It needed to be done so that the whole world could be saved. In your family, maybe someone landed in the hospital for some time. That was because he needed chastening from his erratic ways so that he could be saved a whole lot of trouble later.

This brings us to today’s message, which is: when tribulation strikes us for whatever reason, let our gaze be on our Father. Remember, He does not like to see us bent under trouble. Trusting in Him will break the yoke that binds and the very thing that troubled will have to bear His anger which is awesome, particularly if you have been an obedient child of His. In such a situation, accept your tribulation, wait on His Word and know that your redemption is near.