The Work of God

Jeremiah 50:1-46 

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, woke him up but couldn’t remember. God graciously gave Daniel knowledge of dream and its interpretation. Would be succession of kingdoms, each more extensive and powerful than previous but more corrupt. Each kingdom striving to be the Superpower dominating rest of known world. What is described here portion of drama that would play out over several centuries. Assyrian dreams of grandeur had been stymied by Babylon but… Babylon’s turn was coming… soon. God intended there be no misunderstanding about who was really in charge, using these events to bring about his purpose.

Babylon’s history makes it very plain: is not safe to be mean to God’s people. God takes it personally when those he loves are mistreated whether by active means or more benign neglect. Not our place to put God on some kind of timetable but… he will not overlook forever suffering of those who love him. He will act on their behalf and in way that displays his superiority over his enemies and their false gods. He never overreacts, never goes beyond what represents justice, always with the purpose that he be glorified for who he is and in what he does.

This something we don’t mind reading about, God gloriously prevailing over his enemies. Not what we would volunteer to experience firsthand. Jews probably rejoicing at news their enemy, Babylon, would be overthrown. At same time, wondering if God would manage to do all he said and avoid causing harm to his people in process. By his words to Jeremiah God makes plain he knows what he is doing and promises good to those who trust him.

A. they will seek  v.4-7

hardship finally has results

after seeing how hard life gets for family/friends, often wonder how painful must it get before they smarten up and seek God

at least some come to understand truth about futility of trusting self and idols even though had been deceived then abandoned

in case of Jews, required serious suffering – “the return from exile was well-lubricated with tears”… for losses, for their sin

they embrace truth

this more than satisfying desire to return “home” to native land – Zion represented God’s home to those asking directions

were seeing it as return to YHWH in role as God of covenant – shows what kind of relationship they were seeking to have

stated intent covered their own and all future generations – intention to do their part so YHWH, covenant never forgotten again

the mighty fall

scene from another “camera” much different, focused on dramatic things happening to Babylon, til now thought to be invincible

would be an alliance of nations that defeat, overthrow, obliterate Babylon, leaving behind only desolation, uncovered for 2000 years

from beginning of God’s declaration, false gods shamed, broken in pieces, humiliated – iow, shown to be powerless, useless

B. “I will pardon”  v.19-20

he restores

remember, Jews are in exile… in Babylon… Assyria – if armies leave behind only barren wasteland, what about Jews?

God doesn’t forget, tells what he will do: yes, enemies punished But… he will restore his sheep, Israel and Judah to their home

way more happening than simple movement of nations / people pursuing political or practical or economic goals

he blesses

no surprise God restores his sheep to luxuriant pasture – wasteland for enemies, abundance intended for his friends

does involve material supply, but goes far beyond meeting need – God’s provision will fully satisfy, “eat until they are full”

since he doesn’t abandon his people, will supply good shepherds to feed, guide, guard flock, also the “great Shepherd”

he forgives

temporal blessings are nice, have greater value when accompanied by spiritual blessing – included as part of promise

should be received as good news by people of all time: God says “I will pardon those whom I preserve” – did not leave Adam / Eve in Garden after sin

God wouldn’t do the easy thing, deliver from persecutors, but not the hard thing. deliver from greatest persecutor… sin

C. their Redeemer is strong  v.33-34

the Almighty rescues

can easily believe God had more in mind than Babylonians/Assyrians as captors (33) who refused to release captives

returning Jews to Israel just an example of far greater deliverance God has been doing since Garden, deliverance from sin/Satan

Jesus declared was an integral part of his mission: “to proclaim liberty to the captives” – “today this scripture is fulfilled” Luk 4:18-21 

the Almighty takes their side

their strong Redeemer accomplishes it by pleading their case, taking their side, being their advocate in God’s courtroom

does so by literally putting himself in place of his people, then holding up his merit and sacrifice to satisfy demands of justice

given who he is, LORD Sabaoth is his name (v.2,656), he must prevail, outcome cannot be in question, his people delivered

the Almighty gives rest

he intends to bring peace and rest to whole earth, not just Israel – is right to keep looking for Messiah… to finish what he started and bring to full fruition

was seen in part at time of return under Cyrus/Ezra – did enjoy measure of peace for a time, only partial in scope and duration

we hope for day when LORD of hosts will return to eradicate sin from earth along with all nasty stuff that goes with it – then the land, the world will truly have rest

D. the work of the Lord God of hosts  v. 24-25

Babylon is clueless

Babylon content to look around, evaluate what they saw – should have looked up, recognized God over all on the move

walked into trap God had set – had given complete freedom to pursue own desires regardless of God’s position on their actions

like majority of Jews had placed full confidence in other-than-God, weren’t looking for him, didn’t recognize him

the unseen Commander

Babylonians far from alone, only small portion of humanity any different and recognize hand of God in world events, even now

God didn’t force any of world leaders to do anything they didn’t want – he simply used their desires to advance redemptive plan

can see in results God did not approve what evil people / leaders / nations were doing, true for own people as well

both just and merciful

God punished Babylon b/c he loved his people, hated sin, must satisfy demands of justice in this life and next

at very same time, b/c he loved his people, showed mercy to them… including those who had sinned same as Babylonians

God didn’t just get out an eraser, forget about their sin – sent strong Redeemer to deliver them from their sin so could no longer be found

This the wonderful truth we can confidently proclaim to all who will listen – Lord Jesus has paid penalty in full for all the sins of every believer. B/c he is God-Man whose sacrifice is guarantee, no possible way we can exhaust his supply of forgiveness. By no means are we to take advantage of his mercy. However, can tell friends and loved ones if they will but turn from their sin, throw themselves on Christ and his mercy, he will not turn them away. Will graciously forgive their sin, cleanse from unrighteousness, bring into God’s family as his child. Why would he do that? 1 John 4:10 “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

 

Effective Sharing

Philemon 1:4-7 

English a wonderful language – “Lexicographer Susie Dent has cited about 20,000 words as a typical active vocabulary size for an adult English speaker” from total count of half million or more. Yet even for all precision that many words allows in communication, is important feature missing in English but present in other languages, even earlier forms of English. In this letter, “you” “your” occur 34 times total yet have no way to distinguish between singular and plural. e.g. “Grace to you” (3) plural, “mention of you” (4) singular. Reverts to plural you in closing verse. Why important?

This much more than just private letter to friend with “oh by the way” acknowledgment of others close by. Yes, bulk of letter addresses situation between Philemon and Onesimus but the whole is wrapped in address to entire house church. Is in part b/c Onesimus’ circumstances affects them too; is valuable for everyone to learn from what Paul writes… and not only about the runaway. In fact, almost halfway through letter before gets to that subject.

Beginning in v.4 Paul draws attention to some important things with regard to Philemon, also his own attitude and actions toward them. Certainly intended to encourage Philemon, also more on his mind. By highlighting these things, Paul expressing desire for similar to be present and displayed by all in Christ’s church. Must not forget Paul’s example here, demonstrating for all who heard letter read how they can think about and encourage others.

A. prayers of others  v.4

frequent theme

early verses of most letters include some kind of prayer, blessing, reference to prayer, giving thanks for recipients

some have numerous references to prayer or doxology, e.g. Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

not saying only to be polite or only to encourage readers – would refresh their hearts, his desire went far beyond that

usually for others

occasionally prayed / asked prayer for himself, close of Ephesians, asked prayer for words and boldness in preaching Gospel

far more often “making mention” of those to whom he writes, thanking God for them, asking for things for them

like request for self, requests for others had Gospel / spiritual focus – too often our praying is limited, practical/physical needs… should not neglect spiritual needs

essential God-given means

easy to remember things in Lord’s Prayer – daily bread, forgiveness, God’s will… should pray… and thank for those things

remember these two things:

Matt. 7.7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

James 4.2  …you do not have because you do not ask.

applies just as much to spiritual things: growth in understanding / maturity / Christ-likeness, for fellow believers and selves

B. personal love and faith  v.5

the real deal

had heard report of what was happening in church there, perhaps from Epaphras – kind of things to warm pastor’s heart

Philemon’s faith not flash in the pan, burning quickly/brightly, then going out – was kind that endured and produced fruit

is the expected result of faith in Christ, especially when shared in common – evident as saints show love for one another

his reputation

faith not kept hidden, separate from other parts of life – faith in Christ, if essential to who we are, must be obvious in all of life

definitely not limited to time spent together in church – life not rightly segmented into church, family, public circles

kind of love that looks for opportunities to express broadly – first to those who already share faith, then ones who need to

sound evidence

most acquaintances would not see faith first, would see works first – brothers would see / experience works and praise God

generous expressions of love in tangible ways even without words speak volumes about belief and character of person

C. gifts from Christ  v.6

given to be shared

Paul had well defined outcome in mind when he prayed for them – that their sharing together in common faith would produce substantial results for all of them

that faith given to them would be shared liberally – as one grows, encourages others to grow stronger, bolder, more confident

from him to him

every good thing, every blessing has ultimate source in Christ – may be expressed through person but starts with Christ

experiencing blessing from Christ works to increase knowledge of him, understanding of how he works in lives of his people

all together fuels love for God and love for neighbor, adds to praise and glory given back to him for his goodness to us

some is good, more is better

these things already present in some measure in Philemon and rest of church – if not Paul wouldn’t have heard about it

desired outcome is more of what they had – greater more obvious likeness to Christ increasingly obvious to one another and watching world

D. encouragement for the saints  v.7

giving encourages giving

sharing / fellowship that begins with faith in Christ confirmed by indwelling Holy Spirit encourages heart, not only mind

when heart motivated by love, will find expression… cannot be hidden, will be displayed in generous actions/giving to others

example encourages questions

actions not hidden from ones present with church family who are not yet committed to following Christ in faith

also not hidden from friends and neighbors, taking notice of how we behave toward one another… and them

more Christ-like we become, more often will recognize opportunities to acknowledge good gifts Christ has bestowed on us

God is glorified

this really bottom line for Christian, that God be glorified starting with us, expanding outward and embracing people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation

is something we should encourage in one another and from everyone we meet in all walks of life

Doesn’t matter how many times we hear truth from God’s word, need to hear it again. Need to ask for God’s help to understand it, apply it properly, make more part of who we are. Requires prayer and meditation and encouragement. With God’s help, together we can encourage one another to grow more effective as God’s children, be even more ready to meet him when he calls us home.

 

Most High Over All the Earth

Jeremiah 49:1-39

 Hard to read story of Jewish people and not wonder about all troublemakers surrounding them on three sides. Hebrew children had their issues during 40 years between Moses and Joshua but… didn’t improve when they got to Canaan. Wouldn’t it have been better for them if weren’t so many temptations around, incentives to sin against God? Besides, enemies did some pretty mean/hurtful things to Israelites. How long would God tolerate those who were tormenting his people? How long would God tolerate those who were sinning so grievously against themselves? sinning so terribly against God?

Have answer to “how long” here. Probably not as soon as we would have acted, Israelites wanted him to act. Did act in his time and way, God took credit for actions of judgment against nations even though he used human agents to carry out his purpose. Don’t forget: God did not force those agents to act against their will. They all did just what they wanted, not always with results they wanted/expected. God purposely used their own freely expressed evil desires to accomplish his own ends with them often receiving dose of own medicine.

Considering who many of Israel’s enemies were descended from could reach conclusion they were genetically pre-programmed to act as they did. If so, should we think of it as disease of some kind and not hold accountable for actions, not criminally responsible? God didn’t think that way, we shouldn’t either. Sin nature or not, every person w/o exception morally responsible before God for choices and actions. At same time be thankful God is both just and merciful, would be survivors with opportunity to repent and follow him.

A. five enemies

Ammonites  v.1-6  (Jordan, NW)

Lot’s son/grandson, descendants in regular conflict along w/allies (sometimes cousins, Moabites) from time of judges on

took advantage of Israel’s misfortunes after Assyrian conquest in north, acted similarly and were allied w/ Nebuchadnezzar

symbols of power incl. Molech would be carried away as spoils of war, Israel eventually assume control of Ammonite territory

Edomites  v.7-22  (Jordan, S; Saudi Arabia, NW)

descended from Esau (plus others); made Hebrew children go around; even after severe judgment, poster child: Herod Antipas, ordered John’s death, complicit with Pilate later; son Herod Agrippa killed James, struck by God for presumption

by God’s plan would be reduced to insignificance, excessive confidence replaced by fear and uncertainty… would they survive

Arameans  v.23-27  (Damascus, Syria)

grandson of Nahor (Abraham’s brother), ruled Israel until conquered by Assyrians; supported with chariots and men by Ahab

included in their “people group” Amorites, Canaanites, Jebusites, Hivites – negative influence on Israel thru worship of Baal

Kedar  v.28-33  (Bedouin/Palestinian Arabs; NW Saudi Arabia)

second son of Ishmael – Ishmael foretold to be wild and hostile toward everyone else who would return the favor

seems descendants intended to carry on tradition – hostile actions would be turned against them, lose wealth and home

Elamites  v.34-39  (Persia/Iran/Susa)

capitol city of Elam was Susa / Shushan, hotbed of intrigue incl. serious plot intended to completely wipe out Jews

is vendetta pursued at times with great vigor by current government, Iran, and publicly stated determination to erase Israel

God would allow their enemies to prevail and destroy them… but not completely – some captured but God would restore

B. promised for destruction

because of their evil

each of nations had very long history of being active enemies of God and his people, subverting God’s laws at every opportunity

practiced evil against neighbors for selfish reasons, not just Jews – source doesn’t matter, it all displeases God

greatest evil their idol worship, substituting small ideas and gods for true God – unspeakable evil their practice of child sacrifice

at times they went beyond practicing evil to purposely inciting others, esp. Jews, to join in destructive practice

because of God’s justice

God is just, perfectly and completely, without any errors of judgment – requires, rightly, justice be satisfied in same way

are no stated parameters for how / when satisfaction occurs – may be some now / rest later -or- none now / all later

God acts in judgment in this life to show clearly not empty threats, means what he says – even if he seems late, justice will not fail and he never overreacts

because of God’s love

since God is love, must be factor somewhere, somehow in God’s actions toward enemies of him and his people

as hard as God’s judgment carried out in this life is, eternal judgment far worse – is loving to warn of future disaster

diminishing threat from enemies loving toward his people regardless of heritage, whether Jews or from neighboring nation

C. God’s grace for some

widows and orphans  v.11

often the unnumbered casualties of war and the most vulnerable incl. after hostilities end, have particular place on God’s radar

God has strong words for irresponsible man: 1 Tim. 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

have no one to protect from danger or provide for needs, few available options for meeting own needs, why God fills in (Ps 68.5)

hope for Ammon and Elam  v.6, 39

God commits to “bring back the captives” of both – would be severe destruction but would not be complete – will be survivors

more important, they won’t fall through the cracks out of sight – God will be involved in their restoring… in his time

strongly implied a reversal of ill fortune, restoring to some kind of well-being – not dependent on passing probation, simply God showing compassion for unfortunate casualties from conflict

and hope for us

regardless of what we see happening in world, know that God has not delegated responsibility to anyone else for governing world

God not oblivious to all that is wrong in our broken world – will correct or chastise according to his perfect plan

in bring judgment God doesn’t miss, never says “oops, sorry bout that” – no cause for us to be fearful, anxious, discouraged

“Kidner quotes an old saying: “One was saved, that none might despair yet only one, that none might presume.” God’s promise of grace for Elam teaches us not to despair. There is grace enough for God’s enemies At the same time, God’s judgment against Edom, Damascus, Kedar, and Hazor is a warning not to presume upon God’s grace. There is no hope for anyone who trusts anything except the mercy that God has shown in Jesus Christ.” Ryken

Everyone who seeks their satisfaction in God will be abundantly rewarded for their troubles. He cares perfectly for his own, provides perfect place of refuge from all that would cause harm. He can be trusted to do what is best and right for his people.