October 19
Jer 33:1-34:22 | PS 89:1-13 | Prov 25:23-24 | 1 Tim 4:1-16
We read in Jeremiah 33:24-26, "“Have you noticed what people are saying?—‘The Lord chose Judah and Israel and then abandoned them!’ They are sneering and saying that Israel is not worthy to be counted as a nation. But this is what the Lord says: I would no more reject my people than I would change my laws that govern night and day, earth and sky. I will never abandon the descendants of Jacob or David, my servant, or change the plan that David’s descendants will rule the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, I will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.”" God has made clear promises, has established covenants with the people of Judah and Israel. Unlike humans who often break their agreements, God will never go back on His word, or change His promise. Antisemitism is rampant. People will choose one "expert" after another, use one line of reasoning after another. But the verses above are simply a few of a tremendous number of verses throughout Scripture clearly stating the Jewish people's right to the land mass of Israel. Whether one disagrees with some of the politics, some of the leaders, etc. is really irrelevant, When you speak against Israel and the Jewish people, you might not realize, but as Gamiliel so clearly stated it when the religious leaders were persecuting some of Jesus' followers after Jesus resurrected, in Acts 5:39, "But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” For those who question the integrity of the genetics of the Jewish people, please realize that even in the lineage of Jesus as outlined both in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, we read of those, such as Ruth, Rahab, Tamar, and Bathsheeba, who were not of Israelite heritage, yet no one should ever question whether or not Jesus was indeed of Israelite descent.
It is so easy to focus too much on the plots of humans, from the standpoint of what we deem right and wrong, etc. The truth is none of us are that smart, and God's will is that which will always prevail. He is a just and fair God. He sees things above the way we see things (Isaiah 55:8-9). We read in Jeremiah 33:4-5, "For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy. You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness." The people had turned to idols and away from God and God had already decided judgment was coming for His people. No amount of preparation or defenses was going to stop this. But, immediately after, we are clearly told that God will never be finished with His people, as we read in 33:6-9, "Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them." Just as our children often rebel against us, we never stop loving them or being their parent, God even more so will perfectly discipline and perfectly restore His people, in His time, and in His way.
Though the Jewish people are back in the land, the ultimate fulfillment has not yet occurred, as we read in Jeremiah 33:14-16, "‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah: 'In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David A Branch of righteousness; He will execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, And Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS'". This title, also known as Jehovah Tsidkenu, will be the title of the Messiah. Jesus, their Messiah, and our Messiah has already come to free all of us from the bondage of sin, the sting of death, and has allowed all who will submit, repent and confess His name eternity in heaven. This same Jesus, will return, this time not as a Suffering Servant, but as a conquering King, as the Lion of Judah, who will dwell and bring to fulfillment all that is promised. Please do not get bogged down in a verse here or a verse there, Please never focus more on commentaries from supposed "experts". Allow God's Word, the entirety of His Word, to bring forth clarity, and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: