Jeremiah 12
IN verses 1 to 4 Jeremiah appeals to God. He acknowledges that 'His acts are righteous, though he does not fully understand. Why, he asks, as has many another, why does the way of the wicked prosper? This is part of the complaint voiced in Psalm 73, which also gives the answer. Those whom Jeremiah referred to were empty religious professors; God was near in their mouth, but far from their reins (their inward thoughts). He asks that they be judged; the Christian is never taught of God to seek vengeance upon his enemies, but such desires will be right in the believing children of Israel when the day of reckoning for this world approaches. So many of the Psalms breathe language suited for that time, and Revelation 6:9-11 shows a company of martyrs of the future day calling for the judgment of their former oppressors.
In verse 5 and 6 God brings the state and coming judgment of Judah pointedly before His servant Jeremiah, Those who would serve Him well in the gospel must themselves realize in their own souls the prospect before the sinner going on heedlessly to eternal judgment.
In verse 7 Jeremiah is told that all is over with Judah; there remains only the actual emptying of the land, which would shortly be done by Nebuchadnezzar as God's instrument of judgment. Never since that day has God dwelt among His earthly people; never since have they been in the enjoyment of divine favor as a nation, nor will they be until there is a national repentance, not only of their sins of idolatry and rejection of the Word of God, but now also the sin of deeper dye—the rejection of their Messiah.
The land of Israel is unlike any other, as we have noticed before. Let us refer to Deuteronomy 32:7-43; Exodus 3:8; Isaiah 5:1-7; Ezekiel 33:24-20; Joel 2 and 3. From that land, first possessed by the sons of Jacob nearly 3,400 years ago (B.C. 1451) ten of the twelve tribes of Israel were removed because of their sins in little more than 700 years (B.C. 721); they have never returned, and only God knows where they are today.
The two tribes referred to as Judah, the Jews, as they have long been designated, were removed after 845 years (some remained 18 years longer) in the land, and though permitted to return to it by proclamation of the Persian king Cyrus 70 years later, though not all did so. Those who slid return were in large measure unsubdued in. heart, and the final test cane when Jehovah—Jesus in lowly grace came among them. Him they crucified, and since then their land has been desolated; they are a homeless people, and their country, God's heritage, awaits their return, and their full repentance,- as to which the Old Testament prophets have spoken.
That day, we believe, is near, Already the land is attracting thousands of Jews, and its resources are being developed, but the time has not come (nor will it, we are persuaded, short of the Lord’s return) when it will yield what God has in prospect for it.
The chapter closes with the promise of blessing for Judah, and, if their Gentile neighbors "diligently learn the ways" (not, of course, the old sinful ways, but the ways of a redeemed and born-again people) of His people, God will build them up in the midst of Israel. If they will not obey, they will be plucked up and destroyed. This fulfilment belongs to the Millennium which is yet future, but not, we believe, far distance.
Messages of God’s Love 9/16/1934