July 23, 2025 - Jeremiah 43-46

“The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations” (46:1).  Egypt, the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam, and Babylon . . . they will all face the judgment of Israel’s God.  And though (ch. 52) Jerusalem herself will be burned and the people taken into exile, the Lord's ultimate word to them is:  “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity” (46:27).

In the midst of so much trouble, the one who trusts in God finds in him a safe resting place.   School shootings, wars, civil unrest, rising crime rates . . . we live in troubled times.  All around us, people grope for answers.  We know, however, that we are called upon to pray for victims and for the nations and to present Jesus as the only answer in a world filled with evil.  We will  grieve with those who grieve.  We will encourage those who have no hope.  In doing this, we will always point to the cross.  The cross!  We find our hope in the cross!

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.   --John H. Sammis (1887)