February 7, 2023
“Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim—do not conceal it—Say, ‘Babylon is taken . . .’” Jeremiah 50:2a
Jeremiah, through many decades and tears, steadfastly spoke the word of God as the standard by which the ongoing false teachings of Babylon could so easily be recognized! How Jeremiah’s heart was broken as he was shown vision after vision of continuing confusion (the very definition of Babylon) among God’s people.
While Yahweh roundly condemns the worldly systems of idolatry—not only statues that cannot see or hear, but manmade ideas and traditions placed above Biblical teachings—He lovingly communicates His welcome to anyone who chooses Him over the world’s popular ideologies.
Jesus said: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37
Daniel 2:44 and 7:27 emphatically state that God’s everlasting kingdom will follow the destruction of the fourth kingdom on the earth which began as pagan Rome, then continued as papal Rome. This kingdom will be broken without human means (8:25b). An additional detail given in 11:45 is that the final attempt to come between the God of Heaven and all people will come to an abrupt end: And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
Jeremiah was shown that it will come to pass in the latter days (Jeremiah 49:39) that those who are held captive will be given the opportunity to break free. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in God’s end-time call for His people to come out of Babylon: “Come out of her, my people…” Revelation 18:4 (an echo of Jeremiah 51:6)
“My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place. Jeremiah 50:6
God’s day of rest is a place in time, every week since creation. It is set apart by Him for man (Mark 2:27). The standard of God’s word would clear any confusion, but many sheep continue to listen to false shepherds. Jesus warned:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15