How can we trust God's justice today, as seen in Jeremiah 51:35? Setting the Stage: Jeremiah 51:35 in Context - “May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,” says the inhabitant of Zion. “May my blood be on the inhabitants of Chaldea,” says Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 51:35) - Israel has suffered brutal oppression; the prophet voices the nation’s plea that the wrong be set right. - God immediately answers through the rest of the chapter, pledging Babylon’s fall (vv. 36-58). The Cry for Justice - The verse is not an act of personal revenge but an appeal to God’s covenant promise to judge evil (cf. Deuteronomy 32:35). - It rests on the conviction that the Lord, not human power, must balance the scales. God’s Answer: Justice Promised and Delivered - Within decades, Babylon is conquered by the Medo-Persian empire (Daniel 5:30-31), literally fulfilling the prophecy and proving God’s reliability. - Scripture records a consistent pattern: • Egypt’s oppression judged (Exodus 12:29-32) • Assyria humbled (2 Kings 19:35-37) • Babylon overthrown (Jeremiah 51) - Each event underscores Psalm 9:7-8: “The LORD… will judge the world in righteousness.” Why We Can Trust God’s Justice Today - His character is unchanging. • “He is the Rock; His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) - His justice is patient but certain. • “The LORD is slow to anger… He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:2-3) - The cross confirms both mercy and judgment. • Sin was punished in Christ (Isaiah 53:5); those who reject Him will face final judgment (John 3:36). - He reserves vengeance for Himself, freeing believers from retaliation. • “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) - Final justice is guaranteed. • “His judgments are true and just… He has avenged the blood of His servants.” (Revelation 19:1-2) Living Out That Trust - Rest in God’s sovereignty: refuse personal revenge, pray for enemies, pursue peace. - Seek righteousness now, confident every hidden wrong will be exposed (Ecclesiastes 12:14). - Proclaim the gospel, offering the world God’s way of escape from judgment (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). - Encourage the afflicted: God hears every cry, just as He heard Jerusalem’s (Jeremiah 51:35). - Worship with assurance: “For I, the LORD, love justice.” (Isaiah 61:8) |
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