Do you know much about sowing and reaping? Remember: plant good seeds, and you will have a good harvest, and don’t forget there is a delay between planting season and harvesting season—don’t let the delay discourage you.
As Jeremiah nears the end of his lengthy message, he pronounces God’s judgment not only on Israel, but on all her neighbors. God used the neighboring nations to punish Israel, but a generation or two later, God brings punishment on the punisher. So as the book winds up, judgment is pronounced on Babylon—and sowing and reaping comes up again:
“Repay her according to her deeds; just as she has done, do the same to her.” Jeremiah 50:29.
Babylon is in big trouble—because they have done so much harm to so many. And they did that harm many, many years ago. But the reaping—the harvest—always comes after the sowing.
LET THAT BE A WARNING: sins you commit today, that you think you are “getting away with”—may create consequences that will arrive later. God is patient, giving you plenty of time to repent and change.
LET THIS ALSO BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT: the good that you are doing today may not appear to make a difference, but it does. Keep planting good seeds. Keep using self-control. Keep working hard, studying hard, pushing yourself, getting up early, reading your Bible, going to church. God WILL bless you. He will reward you. The HARVEST ALWAYS COMES LATER. So keep planting good seeds! Don’t get discouraged.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall REAP if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9.
Finally, Jeremiah hits Babylon with the BIG FINISH—more great writing in God’s word. First, Seraiah is going to read the scroll to the people of Babylon:
“When you have finished reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates River. Then say, ‘in the same way, Babylon will sink and never rise again because of the disaster God is bringing on her.’ “ Jer. 51:63-64.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 