nations and you

As I read the first several chapters of the prophet Jeremiah this morning I was struck with the thought that God was disappointed with Israel and Judah, as nations, because, as individuals they had turned away from following Him and turned toward false gods...and this despite God's faithful deliverance and provision through many trials and across deserts.  He looked for even one individual in Israel who had not turned their back on Him, but without success.  As a consequence He was preparing the people for His judgment.  He had decided to move a fierce nation from the North down to destroy Jerusalem and to take the people prisoner.  He told them that if they wanted to worship the false gods of strangers He would give them the chance to become full-time servants of the ones who originated those gods.  It occurs to me that God is willing to move whole nations to ultimately move the hearts of individuals to return to Him.  He is the God of nations because He is the God who desires each of us, as individuals, to know Him...to love Him...to follow Him (the one true God).

 

Jeremiah 4:¹ "If you will return, O Israel,
       return to me,"
       declares the LORD.
       "If you put your detestable idols out of my sight
       and no longer go astray,

 ² and if in a truthful, just and righteous way
       you swear, 'As surely as the LORD lives,'
       then the nations will be blessed by him
       and in him they will glory."

 

blessings,

Rob Smith