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King of King and Lord of Lord Jeremiah 46 to 48
King of King and Lord of Lord Jeremiah 46 to 48
As we come to the end of Jeremiah, we find a series of prophecies against various nations: Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Syria, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, Babylon. Then we will read of God's declared judgment upon Jerusalem (chapter 52). Some of these kingdoms are unknown to most of us (unless we have read Jeremiah before!). They were not unknown to the LORD!
The LORD is sovereign over all of His creation. He is the ruler of all the earth. Thus, as he so forcibly revealed to Nebuchadnezzar; "God rules in the kingdoms of men". As Mary would state: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble" (Luke 1:52).
From a 'world history' viewpoint, these look like the normal push and pull of kings. They arise only to be defeated. Overthrow after overthrow has continued since the beginning of kingdoms. Most such are not even cataloged in the writings of the Bible (Africa, India, Asia, China, Europe, etc.)
With hindsight, we often think we know when and why this or that kingdom was overthrown. With revelation, such as here in Jeremiah, we have God's word on why HE brought such about. Most of the time we generalize, hypothesize, and guess.
The challenge is living thru such times of overthrow and chaos without losing faith in God. Good people suffer when they live in a kingdom that is being judged. Bad people, like the Babylonians, have been used to punish other kingdoms. Bad kings often lived long lives and died in full power.
I don't know what God has in store for our nation, but I know that He rules. I also know that we are citizens of a greater and eternal kingdom that is built upon righteousness and holiness. This kingdom is made up of people from all worldly nations. The king of this kingdom promises blessings that transcend the temporal material life here on earth. Our king has all authority over heaven and earth. Our king is king of kings and lord of lords. Every person will someday bow their knee and confess that He is LORD. You and I will stand before Him in judgment to receive the things WE have done. To some, He will invite to live with Him forever. To others, He will banish them from His presence.
I don't have answers to all my questions about kingdoms, kings, and politics. I do know who Jesus is. Are you serving this king?
Hugh DeLong
Romans 14:17; Matt. 28:18-19; Rev. 17:14; Phil. 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25.
