S) "29 'For behold, I am beginning to work calamity in this city which is called by My name, and shall you be completely free from punishment? You will not be free from punishment; for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth,' declares the LORD of hosts."
Jeremiah 25:29 (NASB)
O) Jeremiah was told to take a cup of wine from the hand of God, a cup of the LORD'S wrath, and give it to the leaders of all the surrounding nations. Naturally, they would refuse, but the message to them was that they would indeed be forced to drink. Then, this verse follows, and it shows a few things about God's character. For one thing, God is just, and no one will escape judgment. Second, it reveals again that the judgment starts with the house of God. Last, it shows that the discipline of the Father, to His own children, serves as a form of evangelism, actually revealing His glory, as His character is displayed.
A) In grace, I am counted as one of God's own children, because of the gospel. In that same way, I am not going to be judged on my own, but with the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ. In Christ, I will find mercy, because the judgment and wrath that my sins deserve, were poured out upon Jesus Christ at the cross. That judgment at the cross is still the single greatest point of evangelism. Even without a waiting wrath, there is still discipline from the LORD, my Father. That discipline can come in a variety of ways, and it primarily serves to bring about righteous character in my own life, but it also still serves as revelation of God's glory, if I am willing to humbly and transparently talk to others about the struggles I face. Every storm is an opportunity to advertise the refuge I have in Jesus Christ. Every attack I endure can highlight the strong tower that is the LORD my God.
P) Father, let Your glory be seen in the nations! Even as I face discipline, let me remember that it is for Yoyr glory and my good. Help me be bold with the gospel, to proclaim plainly, but lovingly, that Your judgment is real - but so is the mercy we can have in Christ Jesus. Let Your will be done in my life, and with my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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