I will bring you back
“And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you and deliver you,” says the LORD. “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.” (Jer. 15:20-21)
Hello Saints,
I say it all the time. Probably too much! But this world is crazy and unraveling at an alarming rate. Look around; pay attention; discern the times! I believe scripture is being fulfilled before our eyes. I don’t need to listen to doomsday prophets, I just need to read my Bible and notice the increase in lawlessness around the world; the disregard for life; and the complete contempt for God’s word and created order. Honestly, does anyone really pay attention to what is happening thousands of kilometers away? We only really take notice when it starts to affect us. Well…I am being affected. Have you heard of the plight of the Cuban people because of the actions of the USA against Venezuela. Cuba’s oil supply has been cut off and planes can’t refuel in Cuba. The island, whose tourism is a major economic boost to an already struggling economy, has been halted. Thousands are affected, and the nation is plunged into recession/depression while thousands of Canadians scramble to find their way home. I have a family member whose trip was cancelled because of the crisis Cuba is facing. Most recently, drug lords and cartels are clashing (warring is more like it) with the government military in popular Mexican resorts like Puerto Vallarta. I have two aunts and their spouses who are in “hold and secure” mode, forced to lock themselves in their rental unit, as rebellion and fighting occurs in the streets outside…literally! The pictures on the news are alarming as vehicles are set on fire and bullets ring through the air – it’s a war zone! In less then two weeks, I am scheduled to cruise to a popular Mexican destination as well, and to many other Caribbean destinations. We have gotten word that our ship may not dock at certain ports if it is unsafe to do so. This has happened to us twice before – in Spain and Istanbul – because of rioting in the streets. Escalating lawlessness; wars and rumors of wars; increase in corruption, diseases, drug use, sexual immorality – all signs we are approaching the end…the return of our Savior! In one way, I just want to say, “Yes! Come Lord Jesus!”; in another way, “Do I really have to suffer before you do?”. Then I realize how good I have it; and am reminded that some people live in this chaos and fear everyday of their lives – Think Iran or Ukraine. I know many Mexicans and Latin Americans whose families live with this type of chaos everyday – that’s why they moved to Canada.
I was led to the prophet Jeremiah who wears his heart on his sleeve. He is known as the weeping prophet, who laments the fact that he has to endure the consequences of being surrounded by a people who are under God’s judgment for their rebellion and disobedience. He is God’s messenger sent to call out the people’s sins to them and announce the impending doom coming upon the people unless they repent. The people don’t repent. Instead, they attack Jeremiah and try to silence him. By chapter 15 of Jeremiah, punishment upon the people is certain and Jeremiah feels like a failed and dejected prophet, “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me” (Jer. 15:10). The Lord answers Jeremiah’s wailing, not by sparing him from going into exile with the rest of the people, but by affirming, “All will be well with you, Jeremiah. Your enemies will ask you to plead on their behalf in times of trouble and distress.” (15:11). Jeremiah laments again, and makes his case why he should not go into exile (vs. 15-18):
- I am suffering for your sake.
- Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight,
- For I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.
- I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I burst with indignation at their sins.
Why do I have to endure this? I’m a righteous person; I’m your servant. Sound familiar? We all lament the supposed injustice we believe God is bringing upon us, as if we deserve better treatment. Here’s the deal…sometimes we get swept into situations like gang wars and cancelled travel plans, not because we’ve done anything wrong, but because the purposes of God and the consequences of man’s choices fall on the guilty and the righteous. Every situation, good or bad, is an opportunity to be a voice for God, calling people to turn/return to Him. Being invaded by an evil army, being carried off into exile, watching people die in the streets is a constant reminder that sin is rampant and its outcome is ugly, BUT GOD! Do you know what is so remarkable is that Jeremiah has been called to proclaim to the Israelites to “return” to the Lord. When God answers Jeremiah’s lament, His first words are “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!” (15:19 NLT). Wow! We can get so wrapped up in the chaos and our own whining and complaining that we don’t even see ourselves sliding away from God. When the world is unraveling around us, we need to be careful we don’t unravel with it. Keep our eyes on Jesus! God is merciful! God is faithful! His promises are “Yes and Amen”. And that is what He assures Jeremiah with…His promises:
- I will restore you
- I will make you as secure as a fortified wall
- I will protect and deliver you
- I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men
- I will rescue you from their cruel hands
God’s “will” trumps man’s will. Who you gonna believe? God or that lying voice inside you that wants you to feel sorry for yourself and hide in fear. “Even though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). The promise to Jeremiah in 15:19 is priceless: “If you return, then I will bring you back” (NKJ). You may have to endure for a while, but I am with you and I will bring you back: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). Let’s trust God, no matter what is going on around us. He has it all worked out! Thank God!!!
Peace
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
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