What other Bible passages emphasize God's use of nations for His purposes? Jeremiah’s Wake-Up Call Jeremiah 5:15: “Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an enduring nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.” God is clear: He will summon a foreign power to discipline His people. This sets the pattern Scripture repeats—nations rise and fall at His command. Assyria—The Rod of His Anger Isaiah 10:5-7: “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger… I will send him against a godless nation… yet it is in his heart to destroy.” • Assyria thinks it conquers for its own glory, but God calls it His “rod.” • Even pagan motives are bent to accomplish divine correction of Israel. Babylon—My Servant for Judgment Jeremiah 25:9: “Behold, I will send for… My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon… and I will bring them against this land.” Habakkuk 1:6: “For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans…” • God labels a ruthless emperor “My servant.” • Habakkuk struggles, yet God affirms He Himself has “raised up” Babylon. Cyrus—The Unexpected Shepherd Isaiah 44:28 – 45:4: “Who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd…’” • Long before Cyrus’s birth, God names him. • A Gentile king funds Jerusalem’s restoration, proving God controls friend and foe alike. Daniel—He Removes and Establishes Kings Daniel 2:21: “He removes kings and establishes them.” Daniel 4:17: “…that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes…” • Nebuchadnezzar’s pride is flattened so all might see God alone installs rulers. • Vision after vision in Daniel underscores kingdoms as chess pieces on God’s board. New Testament Echoes—Empires Still in His Hand Acts 17:26-27: “From one man He made every nation… and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands…” Romans 13:1: “There is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” Luke 2:1: “A decree went out from Caesar Augustus…”—the census that moved Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah’s prophecy. Revelation 17:17: “God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by agreeing to hand over their royal authority…” • From Caesar’s census to end-time coalitions, world events unfold on God’s timetable. • Submission to governing authorities is ultimately submission to the God who set them in place. Additional Snapshots • Psalm 33:10-11—The LORD thwarts and establishes national plans. • Amos 6:14—God “raises up a nation” against complacent Israel. • Zechariah 1:15—The LORD is angry with nations that exceed His intended discipline, showing both sovereignty and justice. Key Takeaways to Hold Onto • Nations are instruments, not independent forces; the LORD directs their rise, reach, and fall. • God’s use of even hostile powers never compromises His holiness; He overrules evil intentions for righteous ends. • Believers can rest—history is not random. Every headline fits within the unshakeable plan of the King of kings. |
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