Love and Good Works

Today I read Jeremiah 51:35-52:33 and Hebrews 10:4-24. My favorite verses are:

Jeremiah 51:54-55  A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans: 55 Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered.

Hebrews 10:24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.

The Chaldeans whose capitol city was Babylon took the Israelites captive when Israel had been disobedient to God. God used them to punish Israel; and when the punishment was complete, God sent another nation to destroy Babylon and the Chaldean nation. When peoples and nations believe that they are strong and powerful and in control, they should take note of the fact that it is ultimately God who is in control. He decides which nations have power and which nations suffer defeat; no matter how noisy the voices speaking for those nations may be, God can silence them. America is a great nation; most Americans are proud of their homeland and patriotic supporters of most of its policies. Even when we disagree with our leaders, we will band together against enemies who come against our nation. But if we fail to acknowledge the sovereignty of God as Americans, He will judge us for our failure. God may use pagan nations to mete out punishment to His own disobedient people, but it is the nation which worships and serves God that will be most powerful.

The verse from Hebrews is short and to the point; God wants to see love and good works. I think this is true for individuals, groups, and even nations. Imagine how the world would be if nations provoked one another to love and good works instead of hate and war! Imagine how your neighborhood would be if people there did the same thing. Imagine how your family would be if members only provoked love among themselves. Here’s a thought—if you and I begin the process, maybe others will follow. Provoke one another to love and good works.