Scripture Nugget
6.2.2017
Scripture Read Jeremiah 47-52
Nugget Jeremiah 51:15-23
“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings for the rain, and he brings out the wind from his storehouses. Everyone is stupid and without knowledge; goldsmiths are all put to shame by their idols; for their images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. Not like these is the LORD, the portion of Jacob, for he is the one who formed all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; the LORD of hosts is his name. You are my club, my weapon of battle; with you I smash nations; with you I destroy kingdoms; with you I smash the horse and its rider; with you I smash the chariot and the charioteer; with youI smash man and woman; with you I smash the old man and the boy; with you I smash the young man and the girl; with you I smash shepherds and their flocks; with you I smash farmers and their reams; with you I smash governors and deputies.”
Devotional Thought: God is sovereign and all powerful. God created and ultimately controls the outcome. His will be done. Yet we have a choice to be obedient or not. Those who choose to create their own gods, cast idols out of gold (or any other product of God’s creation) are declared “stupid and without knowledge”. Those who create them are put to shame by their false, lifeless creations. Maybe nice artwork, but what a waste of time to worship them and expect deliverance from something one creates – while the Creator God continues his work. Part of that work is to use loyal followers and believers to destroy all that is against God. Yes we are to love God and others, but God makes it clear that those who fight against Him and His will are to be destroyed (smashed). They have a choice in how they will be destroyed – choose God and life abundant – redemption offered through Jesus or choose to disobey, create and worship idols and therefore be smashed because of disobedience. Ultimately, every knee will bow to God.