July 18, 2023 - Jeremiah 46-52

Egypt, the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus (Syria), Kedar and Hazor, Elam, and Babylon . . . as with other prophets, Jeremiah has a word from the Lord concerning not only Israel but the other nations as well. All people, all nations must answer to the one true God. We also read, “. . . the people of Israel and the people of Judah shall come together, weeping as they come, and they shall seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, saying, ‘Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten’” (50:4,5) & “. . . declares the Lord, iniquity shall be sought in Israel, and there shall be none, and sin in Judah, and none shall be found, for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant” (50:20).

In the midst of the judgment passages against Israel and Judah and all the nations are these encouraging texts. Here is yet another reminder that, when we sin, if we will turn our faces to the Lord and seek his forgiveness, we will have it. We must never, never, never stay away from the Lord because of our sin. Rather, when we sin, let us run quickly and straight to the Lord! He will be gracious, and he will pardon!

Pilgrim, burdened with thy sin,

Come the way to Zion’s gate;

There, till mercy speaks within,

Knock, and weep, and watch, and wait:

Knock--he knows the sinner’s cry;

Weep--he loves the mourner’s tears;

Watch, for saving grace is nigh;

Wait, till the heavenly grace appears. --George Crabbe (1824)