Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

23 August 2024

Reading From Jeremiah 51-52

“The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried all the bronze to Babylon. They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. The commander of the imperial guard took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, dishes and bowls used for drink offerings—all that were made of pure gold or silver.”

–Jeremiah 52:17-19

     It is difficult enough to read of the invasion of the Promised Land by the Babylonians, but the burning of the temple and the carrying off of the bronze, silver and gold articles breaks my heart.  These were sacred objects used in the worship of Almighty God.  His holy temple was desecrated and stripped of its splendor. 

     When David first began to speak of building the temple, God’s response was that no building could ever contain Him.  In the New Testament we learn that He does not dwell in temples built with human hands, but His desire is to live within the hearts of His people.  Yahweh is omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time.  This knowledge lessens the blow when I read about the invasion, along with the fact that the Lord was using the Babylonians to discipline His children.

“Lord Jesus, I am grateful for Your Presence in my life, Your very Spirit dwelling within me.  Your Holy Spirit unites me with You and with all of my brothers and sisters in You.  Thank You for being with us and within us and bringing us all together as Your eternal family, sealed unto the day of redemption.  In Your Name I pray, Amen.”

For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

–Psalm 30:5