Who is Controlling Your Little World?

O. T. #1825 "Who is Controlling Your Little World?"

Nov. 20, 2020

Jeremiah 49-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Regardless of your position, honors, degrees, or achievements, it is not our strength, knowledge, nor our abilities that got them. God is behind it all, supplying what we lack. What is important is that our God gives us good things that is important, right? Even though we may have a hardiness to endure adverse conditions, difficult situations, or survive trials, God supplies what we lack and need, agree? Although we may demonstrate a wonderful attitude or temperament, it is a result of God's doings. Our God is in control of individuals, kings, and nations. He is presides over all, even when He does not get the credit. Is He in control of your little world? do we want Him to be or do we want control?

With that said, shall we see what Jeremiah said the future held for Arabia and Elam?

What do we know about Kedar and Hazor?

• They were Arabian tribes located east of Palestine in the Syrian desert.
• They were Ishmaelites, mentioned in Genesis 25:13.
• These nomadic (wandering) and semi-nomadic tribes were known for their skilled in archery, trading, and carrying for flocks. (Isaiah 21, 42, 60)
• They lived at ease and in security, or so they thought, not bothering with doors or even a gate bar. (verse 31)
• Since they did not live in a walled city, they were easy prey.
• The Babylonian invasion would cause fear and panic on every side. (verse 29)
• They were a wealthy nation, very rich, though they had no trade and no treasures. (verse 31)
• Their camels and cattle would be booty (prey, spoil, plunder). (verse 32)
• The devastation would be so great that no one would dwell there, not even temporarily.        (verse 33) 

Those people could run, but not hide from God. God's judgment was upon them. Those unthankful people would soon have no descendants.

Those who are truly rich have enough to supply their necessities and know when they have enough. Those that live innocently and honestly may live very securely. (Matthew Henry)

How are we living? Are we grateful or greedy? Are we content or discontent? Are we happy or unhappy? Jesus lived here with meager things, having no place to lay His head, owning no elaborate dwellings, for His home was in heaven. And it couldn't get any better than that, folks.

LET IT GROW

 Elam is the last nation mentioned in this chapter. What do we know about those living there?

• It is modern-day Iran, according to Tony Evans.
• It was an extremely ancient civilization, lying east of Babylon, bordering Assyria and Media on the north, Persian Gulf on the south, and Persia on the east.
• It was conquered by Assyria about 640 BC. When Nineveh fell, Elam regained its independence and later helped to overthrow Babylon. Oh, by the way, they were very good archers, so that would explain things.
• Susa, its capital, was over 700 miles from Jerusalem. Jews were deported there with King Zedekiah (2Kings 24:14), so this prophesy would have brought hope for Jews both in Jerusalem and exiles in Babylon as well. (Susa was where Esther and Mordecai lived. She bravely saved the Jews from death.)
• God's throne was there, which means His righteous judgment would be upon this sinful people.

There is good news from all the doom for the Elamites. They had a future, for God would bring them back to their land. Acts 2:9 says they were among the group on the Day of Pentecost, to hear the gospel when Peter preached. the Holy Spirit came and interpreted the words in each group's language.  Three thousand souls were saved that day.

Dear one, are you saved today? Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior? He loves you so much that Jesus paid the price for your sins, and took your and my punishment for them. Therefore, salvation is a free gift to all who believe Jesus is God's son and Savior.

LET IT GO

Jesus, only You are our hope for eternal life in heaven.

Jesus, only You are our hope in this world. Preside in our heart.

Jesus, only You are our hope through struggles.

Jesus, bless all who live around the world, who read this, with courage and strength today, along with salvation.