Thoughts On Jeremiah 47
God’s Love And Sovereignty
Main Text
Jeremiah 47:6-7
“Alas, sword of the Lord, how long till you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still.’ But how can it rest when the LORD has commanded it, when it has ordered it to attack Ashkelon and the coast?
Supporting text
Micah 7: 8 – 10
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against HIM, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until HE pleads my case and upholds my cause. HE will bring me out into the light; I will see HIS righteousness.
Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame, she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your GOD?” My eyes will see her downfall; even now she will be trampled underfoot like mire in the streets.
This Chapter, tells of GOD’s amazing and inexplicable love for HIS people and HIS sovereignty..
Despite the stubbornness and rebellion of the children of Israel towards GOD; Notwithstanding, they still remain GOD’s own people.
Because HE is a righteous GOD who does not condone sin, HE will definitely punish them for their sin. How? More often, HE allows their enemies to defeat them and take them into captivity.
These are idolatrous nations that the children of Israel covet their lifestyles, ways and culture and even intermarry with them
GOD never intended the captivity of his people to be their doom. Their captivity was to correct them, not destroy them. HE used this captivity to correct them and make them realize their fault and return to HIM.
Nevertheless, with the repentance of HIS people, this same GOD will severely punish and destroy their enemies. These nations severely maltreated the children of Israel and gloated over their victory as if by their power they defeated the children of Israel.
And GOD gave HIS judgement on them. No turning back.
The Philistines were of the giant race of Goliath, a warrior race. They were strong, prosperous, had great chariots for war and were experts in war. They towered as undefeatable champions. Who can dare them? That was their boast.
In this chapter, we see the sovereignty of the ALMIGHTY GOD. No power in creation can contend with HIM. Even as secure and strong as the Philistines appeared to be, they were helpless before the Almighty GOD.
GOD was not just punishing the Philistines because they overran HIS people. No. HE is a righteous GOD.
HIS people sinned, so they deserved to be punished. The Philistines too were living in total disregard of HIS will, commandment and justice.
And HE gave HIS judgment, reducing them to total desolation, which was irreversible
Take Away
Two things to take away from this chapter
1. That the consequence of sin is serious. No one can escape it. The Phillistines’ strength, might and power could not save them from GOD’s judgement.
2. Nobody or power can defeat GOD’s people, except GOD allows it for a purpose or as punishment for their sin.
Ultimately, when there is true repentance, the LORD will turn around and set his children free and make a public disgrace of anybody or power that had dared to hurt HIS own.
3. No matter how mighty the enemy might appear to be, let us never fear or doubt GOD’s ability to fight for us and give us victory.
Prayer Point
Help us oh LORD not to fall into the temptation of serving other gods besides you in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen
