Comeuppance

 "Summon archers against Babylon, all those who bend the bow. Encamp around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her according to all that she has done. For she has proudly defied the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.
Jeremiah 50:29 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jer.50.29.ESV

Jeremiah's prophecies in this chapter have largely been fulfilled. Babylon today is ruins in the Iraqi desert, her treasures consigned to museums, her glory is history. Yet the spirit of Babylon seemingly reigns supreme in the world today.

No wonder the apostle John saw the world in opposition to God as, metaphorically, Babylon the great. In the world, it seems that it's the survival of the fittest, that might is right. No wonder we're tempted to despair as we question why the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain.

This verse can give some confidence to God's despairing people, as mighty oppressors seem to run rampant through the world. Those who proudly defy the Lord God of Israel will ultimately be cast down and destroyed by Him. We can be encouraged, not in a vindictive way, but just that we will be vindicated in the end.

If we live for this world, we're backing the wrong horse. In fact, we shouldn't be gambling upon avoiding the four horsemen of the apocalypse at all. Instead we should cast ourselves upon the mercy of God.

'Merciful God, we're grateful that there's hope for us in the midst of the evils of this age. We long for Christ's return but pray that many more will be saved before He returns, in His name we pray,
amen'

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