Read Jeremiah 51 – 52
Highlights:
Let's sum it up! You're able to read God's condemnation of Babylon because Jeremiah wrote it all down (51:60). Pay back to Babylon for what they did to God's people (51:24). Note: Babylon is modern day Iraq! History Review: The Temple is destroyed (52:12); God uses who He will to protect royal lineage (52:31-34).
Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers (Jer. 51:20-23).
In these particular verses, most Bible commentators agree that the Lord is speaking of Cyrus. Cyrus was a ruler over the Medo-Persians, and it would be Medo-Persia that would conquer Babylon. The Lord is saying that Cyrus will be the weapon that He will use to defeat the Babylonians.
Just as Cyrus is used in these verses as a weapon of God's warfare, we can be used in that way also. Some might think they are not strong enough for the battle, but if God can use a heathen ruler to accomplish His will, then He can surely use a true believer in Christ to do the same or more.
We must always remember that the battle we are in now is not a physical battle, but instead a spiritual one. The weapons that are being fought with are not physical weapons; they are spiritual weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Cor. 10:4).
We are called into the service of spiritual warfare by God. We belong to Him, and therefore we are in the army of the Lord. Our enemy is the devil. He has great power and will do everything in his power to see us defeated.
The entirety of this world is a spiritual battlefield. Even so, we may never actually see the war being waged. If the truth is told, the war itself is already over. Christ won the ultimate victory at Calvary. Yet there are battles still being fought. What are the spoils of these battles? They are, to God, of the greatest value. The souls of those who stand in the valley of decision are won and lost everyday.
As believers, we are also called to be soul-winners. Every spiritual battle fought is fought so unbelievers can come to Christ. That is the goal of any soldier in the Lord's army.
Every soldier goes to battle with equipment that is trusted, effective and reliable. No soldier would ever go to battle without their equipment. What is the spiritual equipment that the Lord provides to the believer in His service? We put on Jesus Christ. Notice that each piece of the armor of God is a synonym for Jesus.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:13-17).
Thought for Today:
The blessing of God comes to those who stand with His chosen people, Israel.
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator of the universe (Jer. 51:15). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).
Word Studies:
51:2 fanners, strangers, destroyers; fan, scatter, disperse; 51:11 device, plan, purpose; 51:17 brutish, foolish; founder, metal caster; graven image, idol he has made; 51:25 mountain, power; 51:31 at one end, from end to end; 51:42 The sea, The flood waters of the Euphrates; 52:31 lifted up the head of, showed favor to.
Prayer Suggestion: What a comfort to know that we depend upon His strength (Ps. 71:16).
Optional Reading: Revelation 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:12