THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 47-49
“And what shepherd can stand against me?” (Jeremiah 49:19)
Jeremiah is a prophet within Israel, yet he has something to say to everyone.
The nations mentioned here were at that time sinful, violent oppressors.
Even though God warned His people about sin, He wasn’t forgetting the others.
All people, nations and leaders are visible to God, and He judges their hearts too.
Who are today’s ‘shepherds’: Merkel, Duterte, Trudeau, Trump, Kim Jong-un, Putin?
Each one of them will also stand before God one day, to give an account.
The nations then, and the nations today, need to seriously consider their ways.
We cannot defy God or justice or goodness or morality, and expect to get away with it.
We will all stand before God one day, and no one will be able to stand against Him!
Paul urges us to pray for the rulers of our world (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
They have important positions, and their decisions affect the lives of millions.
As Jesus followers, our job is not to criticize the government.
Our job is to show them the Jesus Way, and urge them to join us in it.
Our lives of justice, goodness and morality will speak prophetically to the nations.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, how can I criticize leaders when I cannot get my own life in order. Help me to demonstrate Your will, not just demand it from others!