What does "proclaim it in distant coastlands" teach about sharing God's message? Context of Jeremiah 31:10 “‘Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and watch over him as a shepherd watches his flock.”’” Why God Says “Proclaim It” • “Proclaim” is an imperative—God isn’t merely suggesting but commanding the message be announced. • The subject of the proclamation is God’s redemptive act: He will regather His people and shepherd them. • Because God’s promise is certain, the announcement must be made with confidence and urgency. What “Distant Coastlands” Tells Us • The Hebrew term pictures the farthest maritime borders known in Jeremiah’s day—places beyond Israel’s horizon. • God’s heart for the nations is on display long before the Great Commission; His rescue plan is never parochial. • Physical distance is no barrier to divine concern, so it must not be a barrier to our witness. Lessons for Our Own Witness • Global scope: Every culture and geography lies within God’s saving intention (Isaiah 49:1; Matthew 28:19). • Message content: Center on what God has done—not personal opinions but revealed truth (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Confidence in fulfillment: If God will regather Israel exactly as stated, He will also accomplish every gospel promise; therefore we share without doubt (Romans 1:16). • Public proclamation: The verb calls for open declaration, not private whispering (Acts 4:20). • Advance before fulfillment: Jeremiah proclaimed gathering while scattering was still happening; likewise we preach Christ’s return before we see it (2 Peter 3:9-10). Practical Applications Today • Invest in ministries that translate and broadcast Scripture to unreached language groups—the modern “coastlands.” • Support missionaries sent to regions where Christ is least known (Acts 13:47). • Use digital platforms to carry the message across oceans instantly; distance is now measured in clicks. • Anchor evangelism in God’s unchanging promises to build confidence when culture resists. Reinforcing Scriptures • Isaiah 42:12—“Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim His praise in the coastlands.” • Acts 1:8—“You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” • Romans 10:14-15—“How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” • Revelation 7:9—every nation before the throne, proving the coastlands will indeed hear and respond. God once told Judah to shout His faithfulness to the farthest shores. As literal heirs of that same commission, we carry the unchanging Word to every border until every distant coast resounds with His glory. |
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