Where is your Hope?

Jeremiah 51:29 “The land trembles and writhes in pain, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.”

Rebellion, war, discord, hatred….these are just a few of the attributes of a world that is gripped by evil. The love of many has grown cold and the earth seems to be tottering like a top ready to fall.

Why do so many people wrestle and fight against God’s ordained plan?

The world has a long history of mayhem and rebellion, particularly against God. The people of ancient Mesopotamia can attest to the fruitless attempts at usurping God’s authority. With the pride of man on full display, the Lord quickly dispersed the people in their ignorance.

Genesis 11:8-9 “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.”

Nearly 3000 years later Jeremiah was found warning the people of Israel regarding God’s judgement. Not unlike the people of ancient Mesopotamia, Israel began to forsake the One True God and went after other gods. As a result of their rebellion God’s judgement on Israel was to be fulfilled by the people of Babylon that God proclaimed judgement against.

Jeremiah 9:7-9 “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Behold, I will refine them and try them;
For how shall I deal with the daughter of My people?
Their tongue is an arrow shot out;
It speaks deceit;
One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth,
But in his heart he lies in wait.
Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord.
“Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”

A common trait among the rebellious is deceit. Deceit comes from a heart that has turned against God. We can witness deceit in politicians and false teachers and we see it evidenced in a world that strives to attain things by any means possible.

As believers, we must come out of this world and be separate. We don’t need to partake in the same form of corruption to get ahead, we don’t need these tactics because we have something far better.

Our Advocate

When considering the work of Christ, the redemption Jesus provided His people continues despite all of our faults and failures.

Romans 8:34 “Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God–and He is interceding for us.”

As Jesus has brought His people from darkness into His light, He continues to lead His people through every accusation brought against them.

As God’s people navigate in this world, the importance of remembering our heading becomes ever more imperative.

Jeremiah 6:16 “Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’.

Knowing who truly is our enemy, gives insight into every form of attack that hides itself in deceit. The shield of faith by which God has equipped His people, protects against what is true and what is not.

Dark Schemes

God’s people must be wary of the world’s schemes.

The corruption of the world fights to leave a legacy that will not endure. We can’t allow ourselves to get caught up in the objectives of a world gone astray. Whether the draw is the fear of impending war, the fear of an agenda that seems devious, fear of a loss of rights or freedoms, or the continuous deception of those who fight to establish themselves in a world that is only temporary–the Church does not need these things to succeed…..the church is more than able to be victorious in Christ alone.

Matthew `6:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The very same principles that God demonstrated to Israel; His desires for those who heed His challenge, to walk faithfully in His statutes and commandments, honoring Him by obeying His law…these attributes of successful living lead to God’s blessing for all who follow Him.

The Lord does not change nor do the principles that are important to Him.

The schemes of this world are to acquire power and position by any means possible; like building a tower to the heavens in defiance of God’s sovereignty, governments today strive to establish dominance by their own form of wisdom.

All striving by man, apart from God, will be found fruitless.

What we Build

What constructs are you building in your life?

If your trust is in health, wealth, or any form of prosperity, you will be disappointed. These things never satisfy. We may think we can hedge ourselves against impending trouble by saving lots of money or focusing on our health, but like everyone who has ever lived, they all eventually corrupt.

Whatever form of defense we erect in our lives, they are only paper dreams when it comes to our security.

Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”

There seems to be no end to the number of people who encourage Americans to invest in gold. Other countries focus on land or crops, and the personal testimonies of those who look so happy who think their investments are “secure”, paints an image of how to gain peace of mind.

What about everyone who has invested in weapons? It doesn’t take great observation to see what happens during times of crisis, particularly for average citizens wielding weapons in the streets. In our society it’s becoming more dangerous for people trying to protect themselves than it is for criminals acting in their own dark interests.

Jeremiah 33:6 “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.”

If we truly want security in our health, finances, or homes…we have but one place to turn—in Christ alone.

• The Lord preserves His faithful ones.
• The Lord strengthens and protects.
• The Lord provides in the midst of calamity.

Where is your faith?

Is your faith is in yourself, or in world philosophy? Our feeble attempts to preserve our lives will only be a practice in futility. There is only One security that endures for eternity… it is upon the Rock of Christ Jesus!

Psalm 40:2 “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”

In a world that seems characteristically unstable, we have a sure foundation. Do not fear. Whatever is happening around us we are secure when we place our hope in Christ alone.