November 29, 2021 – Click here to listen
I’m sure that like me, most, if not all of you, are sick of the disheartening news being vomited upon us by the click-happy media hour by hour. Just when you think it cannot get worse and perhaps there is a glimmer of hope shining through, we read of another tragic situation like the slaughter at the Christmas parade.
I’m studying Jeremiah and like Isaiah Jeremiah tries to warn the people of Judah to return to worshipping the Lord before it’s too late. But they would have no part of it and continued their immoral lifestyles and the Word of God was forgotten by all but a tiny few.
In Jeremiah 6:11 it is obvious the Lord has had enough, and His patience has run out and He has told His prophets to let the people know exactly what their sin has caused. I wrote my Bible study partner the following this morning: “Today we hear more of the impending disaster that is to befall Jerusalem as the invading Babylonian army is marching towards Judah from the north. Apparently, no one would listen or heed warnings thus sealing their fate.
Interesting that the Lord states He is “full of fury and is weary of holding it in”. He refrained from allowing this to occur as long as he could; but after being highly provoked with the sins of the people, and particularly with their contempt of the word of God, sexual immorality, and idol worship, He has finally had enough. His fury will be meted to the young, middle-aged, husbands and wives, and those like me who are “full of days”.
As I have said many times, I admire the patience of God in holding it in especially in light of all of the wickedness and sin going on in this world, heck it makes me sick and angry, and I only see a smidgeon of what God sees every minute of every hour somewhere in the world. I wouldn’t begin to know how to show patience like the Lord, but the day is drawing nigh when He will no longer contain it, and this is a mini-preview for the wrath He will pour out upon them.”
There is a psalm (2:1) that asks the question, “Why do the nations rage in vain?” Are you as astonished at the state of our world and the indifference that most folks have towards what is going on around them? It is a state of demonic insanity and confusion. It’s ridiculous to think that one can escape the will of God. The psalmist is amazed that so many people, cultures, and even entire nations are united in evil intent. Psalm 2, written by King David, begins by questioning the nations’ frenzied attempt to overthrow the Lord and His anointed King Jesus. Godless cultures like our own plot to rid themselves of divine authority. But trying to escape God’s will is fruitless and soon God will get tired of holding His fury in.
The Bible addresses Jesus Christ as God’s Son, as His only begotten. The Bible predicts the anointed King – the Messiah – Jesus Christ will smash the rebellious nations to pieces with an iron rod. David urges the kings and rulers of the earth to submit to the Son’s rule and come to friendly terms with Him. I cannot envision even one nation’s leader in the entire world taking King David’s advice. So sad . . .
The psalm closes with the declaration that all who take refuge in Jesus Christ are blessed. As for those who do not, the full fury and wrath of God will engulf them. Jesus gives us all two choices. The bottom line is there are only saints and aint’s in this old world. Those who haven’t made a decision really have made a decision to reject Christ for those on the fence must understand that the fence along with all unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). Today, while you still can choose, choose to hear His voice because today might be your last day of choosing Christ for eternal life.
Revelation 14:10
“He also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”