The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have a Bible Edge
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 46-48
Jeremiah 46:1
The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;
Chapters 46-51 of the book of Jeremiah’s prophecy contain pronouncements of the Judgment of God against at least 21 Gentile nations. These nations symbolize all nations at the end of time during that which is known as “The Day of the Lord.” For perspective, consider the explanations of the following two terms relating to the Gentile domination of earth.
The Times of the Gentiles. This is a time that Gentile powers rule. It began with the conquering of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. as foretold by Jeremiah and fulfilled in II Chronicles 36:17-20. It will end at the worldwide revelation of Christ and the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21). Of this time Jesus said: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24).
Note: the “1967 Six-Day War” marked the beginning of the end of the Times of the Gentiles. Because of this war, for the first time in almost 2,000 years the Jews once again controlled the city of Jerusalem.
The Fullness of the Gentiles. This is a time from the offering of the Gospel to the Gentiles until the last Gentile believer is saved. It began, I believe, in Acts 10 when Peter took the gospel to Cornelius’ house and a multitude of Gentiles were born again. It further was cemented into reality when God’s Word recorded Acts 13:46: Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. The fullness of the Gentiles will end at the rapture of the saints (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). About this time the Apostle Paul wrote: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25). During this time the Lord God is calling out of the Gentile nations a people for His name’s sake (John 1:11-12).
Jeremiah’s prophecies foreshadow these times and events, but without using the key of the New Testament it is impossible to understand them. The Lord God Almighty always has a plan and make no doubt, His plan always comes to fruition. Isaiah, speaking for Him, said this: Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:10). With these facts, it is interesting for Bible believers today to be allowed of Him to be able to watch His plan unfold in such a dramatic way as it is today.
Until tomorrow, live for Christ today.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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