Todays readings.. 1 Samuel 26&27, Jeremiah 3, Matthew 14

“AND ALL NATIONS SHALL GATHER TO IT” 

Jeremiah records some heart stirring prophecies that are for the latter days, but we have to seek these out from among the warnings the LORD gave him about the godlessness that surrounded him: and these also cause us to see parallels with life today.  Both are a vision of what God sees as he looks into the future – from the days of Jeremiah. They are lessons, warnings and an inspiration for us.

They inspire us to think positively , indeed, to think and see beyond the trials of the present!  How appropriate are the words James wrote, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” [ch. 1 v.12]

Back in Jeremiah we see how he is caused to appeal to his people: he senses they will soon be taken into captivity!.  We read today how he asks them to, ch. 3,  “acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD” [v.13] “Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” [v. 14]

We can see parallels today – of “faithless children” – in the collapse of any real vision of the future among many of those who have claimed to be followers of Christ.   Jeremiah becomes more despondent, in ch. 8 v.5 we will read, “Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return.”

But today, Israel has come close to Zion, but the Moslems control the mount itself! But Jeremiah is caused to ‘see‘ the time (about to happen?) “… when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall no more say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.”[v.16]

How wonderful, thrilling and inspiring for our faith are the next words, “At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the LORD, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart.” [v.17]

Finally, v.22 has the LORD’s appeal, which is just as relevant today. “Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.”  And the answer! “”Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God.” 

May that be our answer too!  If it is, we will see “all nations shall gather to” Jerusalem – because we will, by God’s grace, be there.