Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Jeremiah 49

August 28

Jeremiah 49

Judgment is a reality. We don’t like to think about it but judgment comes with righteousness. God cannot be righteous without condemning the unrighteous. God brought destruction on Israel, but the other nations were not innocent either. God declares judgment on the nations He used to correct Israel. But just as He did with Israel, He brings judgment, then restoration.

There is a day to come when Jesus will return. "The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?" (Joel 2:11, NIV)  Malachi also calls it a “great and dreadful day.” The Day of the Lord will be a great day for those who know Jesus as Lord, but it will be a dreadful day for those who reject Him in this life. There will be judgment even for those who know him, but there will also be restoration because of the price Jesus paid for our redemption.

Paul wrote; "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV) There are consequences for our sin. Those consequences were dealt upon the nations around Israel and upon Israel herself. We are arrogant if we do not think we will face judgment for our actions. The Good News is that Jesus the Judge is also our intercessor who sits at the right hand of the Father in our defense. It will surely be a great and dreadful day.

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