God Will Not Forsake His People
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 51 and Psalm 53 (NIV)
(Yulia Jomono, Chairperson, Field Development Team (FDT), Missions)
READ:
Jeremiah 51:1-64 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Jeremiah 51 pronounced an impending sentence against Babylon. Although God allowed the Babylonians to be used as an instrument for bringing judgement against Judah and Israel, His anger lasted only for a period of time. He remembered His people who were oppressed by the Babylonians, and intervened by raising up an army from the nations (Medes and other countries) to destroy them (v27-28). The enemies’ troops would fill the land like swarms of locusts and waves of great water (v14, 55), that the Babylonians could not escape. God’s declarations of judgement were repeated several times in Jeremiah 50-51, signifying the finality of his decree. God urged His people to flee from Babylon and avoid being destroyed together with them.
God had not forsaken His people in their time of distress. He was their defender and avenger. The people witnessed the destruction of Babylon, and understood the faithfulness of God. God proclaimed that His purposes would be accomplished through His people (v20-23). His faithfulness and trustworthiness were evident through this passage.
APPLY:
- God had not forsaken His people
Although the Israelites went through a period of judgment due to their disobedience, God had not forsaken His people. At the appointed time, He punished their oppressor and defended His people. When we go through times of adversity, we are to remind ourselves that God has not forsaken us. He is the God who “sees” us, “El Roi” (Genesis 16:13), and will be there for us as our deliverer.
- God was faithful to His promises
Although the people had forsaken and rebelled against him, He remembered His covenant to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He oppressed their oppressors and destroyed their enemies. He continued to be their God, as He is a faithful and a promise-keeping God.
- God restored the identity of His people
God forgave and restored the identity of the Israelites as His chosen people. God mentioned that they were His war club and weapon for battle to shatter nations and destroy kingdoms (v20-23). We are to be assured that He has greater plans for our lives to accomplish His purposes.
DO:
- God will not forsake us
When faced with challenging and discouraging circumstances, I will remind myself that God has not and will not forsake me. I will continue to put my trust in God as my defender and deliverer.
- God is faithful to His promises
While man and circumstances may disappoint, God is faithful and trustworthy. I will learn to trust Him more daily, as He is a promise-keeping God.
- God has greater plans and purposes
God has plans and purposes that he would accomplish through me. I would grow in understanding His purposes and choose to wait for His perfect timing.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder that you have not and will not forsake your people. While we may be faced with challenging circumstances in our daily lives, we choose to trust you and rest on your promises. Thank you for being our defender and deliverer. You will bring to completion the plans and purposes that you have started in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
