Jeremiah 5:29 “Shall I not punish them for these things? Declares the LORD, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?”

I don’t wish to be an alarmist or a doomsday prophet but these two questions are sobering in nature. What are the things? What is a nation such as this? Is this concept God is bringing forth just for Judah or is it universal in application? What if our nation is guilty of the same things? What if our nation is such as that one? Should we be concerned or should we shrug it off as not being applicable to us?

I will list a few things that Jeremiah brings up. This nation was stubborn and rebellious in their hearts. They turned away from God. They ignored who was in charge of the earth. They continued in sin and iniquity and sin. They have grown fat and sleek on the backs of others. They have no restraint in the evil they will do. They have thrown justice away, especially in regard to the orphan and needy. The prophets lied and the religious leaders did their own thing. What is worse, God says, “…but what will you do when the end comes?”

Do you find any similarities in the present age? Can you name a nation or nations that have adopted this plan as a way of life? Do you know the ‘rest of the story’? It’s heartbreaking isn’t it? It could have been avoided but no one would hear the voice of the prophet who was the voice of God. Today we have the Word of God and are the nations giving it any attention. Is it being taught to children, is it being written on anyone’s heart?

Task for Today:  Make no mistake, God will not bless rebellion. Where do you stand in light of this prophecy? With God or with the world? Are you prepared for the end? It is surely coming and it will come with punishment. You can go the way of the world or you can speak out for truth and justice. It may mean persecution, it may even mean death but there is a worse ending.