We now come to the first two words that came to Jeremiah. The almond tree was the first tree to bud in spring, so the next vision he saw would be the first thing that happened. God also gives him assurance that He is watching over the word to see it fulfilled. The word that Jeremiah would receive would be far from pleasant and would be right against all thought and sentiment in society. He needed to have confidence in the Lord.
He then receives the second vision. This time it is a terrifying vision, a boiling pot pouring down from the north. This was looking forward to the Babylonian conquest. Note that at the time Egypt was perhaps the biggest source of trouble for Judah. Verse 15 is also reminiscent of words in Revelation concerning all the nations coming against Jerusalem. The prophecy has both an immediate fulfilment and future fulfilments The Babylonian invasion did happen, likewise the massing of all nations against Israel will happen.
This attack would happen because of the sins of Judah. There sins had mounted up over many years and now the consequences would start to unfold. Jeremiah would be standing against the whole of society, leaders and people. He must not be terrified in this situation, instead he must fear God, not man. The converse of this is that God would make him strong, able to stand up against society. This is what we need today. For our society, leaders and people, are increasingly godless. Our message is not popular, but we need to fear God, not man. This is the best service we can give to our society.
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