“My servant Jacob.”

Jeremiah 30:4-11

As we look into this Scripture, we understand that Jeremiah is looking past the near future, even the 70 years it would seem.  But let’s begin with verse 4-6,“These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: “Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace.  Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child?  Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor?  Why has every face turned pale?”  As we keep reading, we will see that God calls Judah and Israel “My servant Jacob.”  One might come to believe the men of Judah had lost their manhood in that they were living in fear.  When a man puts all his faith in man and his world begins to crumble, and he places confidence in himself, he will live in fear. 

In verses seven and eight we find God saying: “Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.”  “That day is so great there is none like it.  “And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him.” What comes to your mind?  Is it referring to “The Day of the Lord,” for on that day it will be different from all days?  A day of judgment of the nations and men will not be strong on that day, a day when they stand before Holy God.

In verse 9, we see God raising up a new King, one like David, but this King will be the Messiah they have longed for, the King they rejected as Mary’s baby boy, who came as a servant, not a warrior.  His title will be; “Messiah, son of David.”

Do you recall that God is calling both Israel and Judah “My servant Jacob,” as we explore verse ten it begins to take on new meaning?  “As for you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—and do not be dismayed, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away, your descendants, from the land of their captivity!  Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.”  When we see God using the term servant, we must remember He also refers to Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus as His servants. (HCSB)

But what peace it brings to me as age and gravity come into play in my life, that the LORD has declared this to each of His children; I will never leave you or forsake you.  This promise to Jacob must have brought new hope to the people who had lived so long without understanding the price of breaking a covenant with God.  This was the promise: “do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—and do not be dismayed, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away, your descendants, from the land of their captivity!  Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.”

Verse eleven tells us it is not a wise nation that oppresses Israel they will fall into the hands of an angry God, and be destroyed.  And Israel will also be disciplined, but will not have more destruction.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice