How To Be Blessed In The Coming Judgment

“How to be Blessed in The Coming Judgment”

April 14, 2013

Jeremiah 40:1-5

“The word came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon. When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The LORD your God decreed this disaster for this place. And now the LORD has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the LORD and did not obey him. But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please.” However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.”

Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go.”

Last week I talked about the Judgment that was coming on America and why. It was kind of scary. We, as a country have sinned greatly, and consequently, judgment is coming.

This morning I want to share with you some things that will help you prepare for that judgment; things that will give you confidence and hope -not fear. Don’t get me wrong. America had better wake up. She better be very afraid of the Coming Judgment- to do otherwise is foolish. But I have discovered even in the midst of the destruction and death - there is hope. The man or woman of God can have a peace that is beyond understanding. We can have a confidence that is amazing. We can possess a joy in the midst of any storm that is awesome.

In the midst of all the scary stuff going on; in the midst of the warnings from God; even when things begin to fall apart- remember that God loves you. Don’t take that love for granted like the people in Jeremiah’s time did – but don’t forget it either. Because of that love you don’t have to fear. How is that possible? The Bible says,

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment... There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment...” 1 John 4:16-18

We can have confidence on the Day of Judgment. We do not have to fear the Day of Judgment. How can that be? Because if we are in a love relationship with God – First of all, Remember - He has a hedge of protection around us. Remember Job? Satan says to God,

“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.” Job 1:10

God has a hedge of protection around His loved ones. He loves to bless His children. Sure, bad things happen to God’s people sometimes because we live in a fallen world. Those that choose to live godly will experience persecution, the Bible says. But nothing will happen to you that God can not use for your good. One of our favorite verses is Romans 8:28,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Another is 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

When we walk with Him we are in His care and under His protection. We don’t even have to fear the Great Tribulation that is coming soon. Jesus says,

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” Revelation 3:10

God is able to keep us from the trials that are coming. I don’t know how – but I know why. Because He loves us. We may escape the trials and tribulation that is coming by having God rapture us out first. I don’t think so, but it’s possible. It may be we will be here like the Children of Israel in Egypt – but like them – we will be protected in a sheltered place. It doesn’t matter to me so much HOW it will happen – as it does that it WILL HAPPEN.