Part 3: Hope
Day 20: Let Us End on a High Note
Jeremiah 52:31-34
I have been to a couple parties where I assumed I was a close friend of the host, only to be somewhat ignored by them all night. I understand that hosting can be complex socially, so I never take it too personally. I have also been in the opposite situation where I was surprised to be invited at all and then to have the host take significant time to catch up with me. And to think the God who makes the universe, against whom I once lived in rebellion, brings me to sit at his table at the end of all things in Heaven.
In today’s account we see that the King of Babylon brings the King of Israel, whom he defeated and whose eyes he plucked out, to sit with him and eat with him at the royal table. What a great honor for a king to bestow on a much weaker rival king. And if we believe that God ordains all things what a mercy from God. The King of Israel and all his people are in Babylon as a punishment for ignoring God. Yet even in this captivity they are given this ray of hope, that the King of Babylon shows special favor to the King of Israel.
The Book of Jeremiah has been filled with oracles of God’s judgement. The people are experiencing God’s wrath, but there also many oracles of God’s favor because of God’s grace. Let us also remember that we deserve God’s wrath and yet, get his grace. We too may find ourselves captive in Babylon but let’s be mindful of those times we also sit at the tables of kings, finding the favor of those kings. And let us all cling to the true king from whom all blessings, mercy and grace comes.
A prayer for a Person under Affliction: O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast taught us, in thy holy Word, that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with pity, we beseech thee, upon the sorrows of thy servant, for whom our prayers are desired. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy; sanctify thy fatherly correction to him; endue his soul with patience under his affliction, and with resignation to thy blessed will; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon him and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In today’s account we see that the King of Babylon brings the King of Israel, whom he defeated and whose eyes he plucked out, to sit with him and eat with him at the royal table. What a great honor for a king to bestow on a much weaker rival king. And if we believe that God ordains all things what a mercy from God. The King of Israel and all his people are in Babylon as a punishment for ignoring God. Yet even in this captivity they are given this ray of hope, that the King of Babylon shows special favor to the King of Israel.
The Book of Jeremiah has been filled with oracles of God’s judgement. The people are experiencing God’s wrath, but there also many oracles of God’s favor because of God’s grace. Let us also remember that we deserve God’s wrath and yet, get his grace. We too may find ourselves captive in Babylon but let’s be mindful of those times we also sit at the tables of kings, finding the favor of those kings. And let us all cling to the true king from whom all blessings, mercy and grace comes.
- Can you think of a time you should have had more severe punishment and were granted something less?
- Would you describe yourself as someone who is merciful to those who are mean to you?
- Can you find a sense of God’s mercy even in your trials?
- What are your current trials, and will you spend a few minutes today reflecting on God’s mercy in the midst of it?
A prayer for a Person under Affliction: O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast taught us, in thy holy Word, that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with pity, we beseech thee, upon the sorrows of thy servant, for whom our prayers are desired. Remember him, O Lord, in mercy; sanctify thy fatherly correction to him; endue his soul with patience under his affliction, and with resignation to thy blessed will; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon him and give him peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.