God Redeems
By Tosin Lawal
Devotional Reading: Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon. Jeremiah 50:34 NIV
The record of events of God’s judgment on nations shows that He is a righteous judge. A thorough reading of the Bible reveals that God not only judged the nations outside of Israel but also judged Israel, His chosen people, whenever they erred. However, the prophecies in Jeremiah 50-52 reveal more about God as our father.
In Deuteronomy 28-30, God spoke through Moses to the Israelites about the terms of His covenant with them and the consequences of not keeping it. He warned that abandoning the covenant would make them vulnerable to attacks from other nations and many other calamities. But He also promised to restore and punish the nations oppressing them if they humbled themselves and returned to keeping the covenant.
The prophecy of Jeremiah in chapter 50 teaches two major lessons. First, God is a mighty redeemer who redeems completely. Verses 33-35 state: “The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is His name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that He may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon. ‘A sword against the Babylonians!’ declares the Lord— ‘against those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men!'”
God is a redeemer who restores and delivers. The redemption of Israel in this prophecy foreshadows the redemption of humanity from sin and Satan, which has been accomplished through the death of Jesus Christ. The lesson is that God is a redeemer who redeems completely. If you turn to Him, He will restore you fully.
Remind yourself that God is your father and your redeemer, the one and only. Your sinful acts and ungodly way of life make you vulnerable to attacks from the kingdom of darkness, making you prey to the enemy. However, if you turn to the Lord, He will restore you completely.
Prayer and Confession
God is my father and redeemer. I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. He restores and redeems.
Further Readings: Jeremiah 50:1-46, 1 Peter 1:18-21
