04252020 Great and Mighty Things

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our astoundingly powerful God. He is always at work, and He is doing far more than we can realize or imagine.

Based on His own great power, God gave instruction to Jeremiah. "Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:2-3).

How powerful is God? I believe the identifications of God in the early part of the verse refer to His creation of the earth. It doesn't take long in studying the complexity of the human body, the diversity of plant and animal life, the treasures of the oceans, or the immensity of the galaxy to be amazed by God's power. God told Jeremiah that He would use His power to do great and mighty things that were beyond the comprehension of Jeremiah.

Why were they beyond Jeremiah's comprehension? Think about the situation Jeremiah was in at the time. While he languished in prison, Jerusalem was on the verge of destruction by a brutal army that would destroy everything. Jeremiah probably knew something of the reputation of these invaders, and he knew it was going to be bad. It was bad. II Chronicles 36:17-20 records the utter devastation. Even before the end came, however, suffering was already great, ruin was imminent, and eventual recovery probably seemed impossible. Not only did it seem like Israel and Judah's national ruin was decisive, it seemed like the rebellious people would never turn back to God.

Seemed impossible - humanly speaking. But not impossible - divinely speaking. When God told Jeremiah about great and mighty things to come, restoration of ruined Israel was exactly what He had in mind. In the previous chapter, God had taught Jeremiah that nothing was too hard for Him. Now God puts forth some bold plans that Jeremiah could never have imagined. He promises some absolutely amazing results, and nothing will stop God's plan.

Jeremiah 33:4-5 confirms that the destruction would indeed be overwhelming, but vs. 6-18 tell the great and mighty things that God will due in achieving both physical and spiritual restoration that is incredible.

He will bring health and will cure His people (v. 6). He will give them an abundance of peace (v. 6). He will give them an abundance of truth (v. 6). He will bring the captives back, both Judah and the lost tribes of Israel (v. 7). He will build them up to great power and prosperity like their beginning (v. 7). He will cleanse all their sins (v. 8). Israel will bring joy to God (v. 9). Israel will be honored in the world (v. 9). God will do so much good to Israel that the world will be in awe (v. 9). Joy will return to the streets that were currently desolate (vs. 10-11). Sacrifices will resume (v. 11). The desolate land will become inhabited and profitable (vs. 12-13). God will fulfill His fundamental promise of a righteous Branch who will rule (vs. 14-15). The righteous Leader will redeem the land (v. 16). The King will rule forever (v. 17). The priests will never again be lacking (v. 18).

What God has already done for Israel is amazing. What yet remains for them is mind-boggling.

Can God also do impossible things for us in the midst of seemingly overwhelming destruction and ruin? Of course, He can. We don't know what all of those things will be, but might they not include the following?

Restoring health that was compromised. Providing the finances that seem to have been wiped out. Causing previously antagonistic neighbors to be ready to listen. Having lost family members saved after seeing the testimony of a spouse, child, or parent. Raising up Bible studies and church plants in new towns. Opening previously closed countries. Encouraging church members who previously wavered to now be faithful. Bringing greater unity in the church. Making the people more reliant on prayer and the Bible. Drawing families closer together and challenging dads to be more involved and to lead. Calling young men to the ministry. Filling the schedule with meetings. Allowing and prospering trips abroad.

Unlikely? Can't happen? Remember, nothing is too hard for God. He can do great and mighty things that we don't even know. He invites us to call to Him and ask. God knows what He will be pleased to do, but He desires to respond to our prayers - prayers that acknowledge His power over the impossible and that rely on Him to do what we cannot do.

May God continue to bless you through these unusual and challenging days, and may He do great and mighty things in your lives and in your ministries.

Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com