Babylonian Politics
"...'the nations that bring their necks under the yoke of the King of Babylon and serve him, I will let them remain in their own land.' Says the Lord, 'and they shall till it and dwell in it.'"
Jeremiah 27:11
I hate politics. By the sounds of it, the Israelites living in Babylon were not much different. They were forced into servanthood in Babylon and, being God's chosen people, were not happy about it. They deserved better than this...right?
I could use the words in the last paragraph to describe my political stance. I am one of God's elect. I call myself a "daughter of the King," and yet am subject to ridiculous laws and mandates that make me unhappy. I deserve better than this...right?
I started reading this passage at the beginning of chapter 27 in Jeremiah. I found it intriguing that God told Jeremiah in verses 5 and 6, "'I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by My great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed proper to Me. And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. My servant; and the beast of the field I have also given him to serve him.'"
God chose this pagan leader and handed over his chosen people to be servants. Not only did Jeremiah clarify this but in verse 7, Jeremiah tells the people that they will serve for three generations. Now, why God chose to do this is beyond me. (Then again, that's God...way beyond me!) It just seemed "proper" for Him to hand over His people. The tribes of Israel were not all in agreement that God knew what He was doing. Other prophets were hearing much different, more positive prophesies. In fact, one prophet told all the people that the Israelites would serve Nebuchadnezzar only two more years. (This prophet was killed shortly after his prediction...and his death was prophesied-28:16) Jeremiah's message was not popular, but was true. His message was from God who's ways are not always popular, but are always true and just.
This passage required a "political" response from me. Are my political preferences based on what sounds good to my ears? Even in the name of Christianity and doing right by God, the leadership skills of politicians pale in comparison to my god. I often times find myself getting worked up by national politics and fail to recognize that God is in control. Even when politics aren't going "my way," God's will is being carried out. That's what I always pray for in any election...God's will. It's high time I start believing that God has granted me exactly what I've prayed for.
I am certain that thanking God for His perfect plan in our nation's politics will only bring blessing. Knowing God is in control will grant me undescribable peace among chaos. I can take on Jeremiah's approach to politics...listening to the Lord. Like the leaders of Babylon, our leaders can feel in control and powerful. But I know better. The creator of "the earth, the man and the beast" is looking out for me and has my best in mind. Even if I have to wait three generations to see him glorified, I trust in Him that the wait will be a blessed time and will result in victory for Jesus Christ.
God, your ways are far above my own. I do not understand why leaders and governments in this world can operate with such corruption. You know everything. I trust in your ways. I long to see victory in the name of Jesus Christ, but only as you see fit. Give me peace and endurance that outlasts every politician. I know full well that You will be the final victor. I am willing to wait, because I know it will be worth it. But I want you to know that I'm looking forward to your reign with great anticipation! I'm holding on until the day that "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!"
Amen.
Jeremiah 27:11
I hate politics. By the sounds of it, the Israelites living in Babylon were not much different. They were forced into servanthood in Babylon and, being God's chosen people, were not happy about it. They deserved better than this...right?
I could use the words in the last paragraph to describe my political stance. I am one of God's elect. I call myself a "daughter of the King," and yet am subject to ridiculous laws and mandates that make me unhappy. I deserve better than this...right?
I started reading this passage at the beginning of chapter 27 in Jeremiah. I found it intriguing that God told Jeremiah in verses 5 and 6, "'I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by My great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed proper to Me. And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. My servant; and the beast of the field I have also given him to serve him.'"
God chose this pagan leader and handed over his chosen people to be servants. Not only did Jeremiah clarify this but in verse 7, Jeremiah tells the people that they will serve for three generations. Now, why God chose to do this is beyond me. (Then again, that's God...way beyond me!) It just seemed "proper" for Him to hand over His people. The tribes of Israel were not all in agreement that God knew what He was doing. Other prophets were hearing much different, more positive prophesies. In fact, one prophet told all the people that the Israelites would serve Nebuchadnezzar only two more years. (This prophet was killed shortly after his prediction...and his death was prophesied-28:16) Jeremiah's message was not popular, but was true. His message was from God who's ways are not always popular, but are always true and just.
This passage required a "political" response from me. Are my political preferences based on what sounds good to my ears? Even in the name of Christianity and doing right by God, the leadership skills of politicians pale in comparison to my god. I often times find myself getting worked up by national politics and fail to recognize that God is in control. Even when politics aren't going "my way," God's will is being carried out. That's what I always pray for in any election...God's will. It's high time I start believing that God has granted me exactly what I've prayed for.
I am certain that thanking God for His perfect plan in our nation's politics will only bring blessing. Knowing God is in control will grant me undescribable peace among chaos. I can take on Jeremiah's approach to politics...listening to the Lord. Like the leaders of Babylon, our leaders can feel in control and powerful. But I know better. The creator of "the earth, the man and the beast" is looking out for me and has my best in mind. Even if I have to wait three generations to see him glorified, I trust in Him that the wait will be a blessed time and will result in victory for Jesus Christ.
God, your ways are far above my own. I do not understand why leaders and governments in this world can operate with such corruption. You know everything. I trust in your ways. I long to see victory in the name of Jesus Christ, but only as you see fit. Give me peace and endurance that outlasts every politician. I know full well that You will be the final victor. I am willing to wait, because I know it will be worth it. But I want you to know that I'm looking forward to your reign with great anticipation! I'm holding on until the day that "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!"
Amen.
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