Jeremiah 12:17 “But if any nation does not listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it,” declares the Lord.

Verse five of this chapter is justly famous as the Lord’s caution to Jeremiah about his being upset about what was happening or not happening to the unfaithful people around him, and I almost wrote on it. However, this verse struck me just now as being applicable to all the non-Jewish nations of the world today. The deciding point is whether any nation will listen to what God has said to mankind and choose to be obedient to Him. Jeremiah was upset about individuals around him who seemed to be prospering in their hypocrisy, and God is pointing out that not just individuals but whole nations are accountable for how they respond to Him. Like Jeremiah, we can be tempted to think that evil people and evil nations have it easier than we do, but God is pointing out that it’s all a matter of perspective. As Jesus pointed out, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) It’s not that things in this life are insignificant, but they certainly pale in comparison to eternity, on any scale. We are to seek for God’s rule and reign to be established in the here and now, (Matthew 6:33) but we must remember that our lifespan is essentially a blink on the scale of eternity. As I quote frequently, Paul had it right: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Envy has never been very big for me, and I’m grateful. I am indeed disturbed when people seem to get away with horrible stuff, and I desire that justice be done, but I think I am always aware that no one ultimately gets away with anything, because God is aware of it all, and He is perfectly holy and just. I remember the story of the horrible murderer who ran away after the crime into the Arizona desert. When his body was found days later, having died of thirst and exposure, the sheriff wrote on the legal record, “Remanded to a higher court.” I know, with great peace and joy, that those who have trusted in Christ as their righteousness have their slates wiped clean by His blood, but that is never to be an excuse for me to copy the unrighteous people around me. I desire above all to be found faithful, for the glory of my Lord.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for getting us back home safely last night, and for all You have said and done in these days. Help me be a good steward of all that You have allowed me to experience, so that I will keep growing as Your servant and Your child, for the blessing of those around me and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!