October 1st | Jeremiah 27

When my kids were younger, they would often try to assert their authority in the house. If they didn’t get what they wanted, they would pitch a fit, scream, and cry. If you have ever raised children, you know that these little gifts from the Lord are incredibly persistent and can drain the energy from you with their demands. Yet, in their screaming and crying, I would often calmly look at them and tell them, “You’re not in charge. I am the parent, and what I say goes.” That usually went over like a lead balloon, but eventually, when I wouldn’t cave to their demands for a second honey bun before bed, they relented and got the picture. They couldn’t get what they wanted because I was in control. No matter how hard they petitioned or screamed, I, the dad, was going to do what I thought was best for them. 

If I, as a father, asserted my absolute control over my children’s lives, how much more does the God of all creation exert his total control over the world? Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, is told by God to put himself in chains and under a yoke and proclaim to all that God is in control. Jeremiah’s physical chains showed the watching world that which is true of us and God, namely, that God is in control and we are subject to His plans and purposes. What was God’s declaration to the nations through the prophet Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 27:5, “‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: This is what you shall say to your masters: 5 It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me.”

God is in complete control. He is the author of life, breath, and meaning. If he created the world, he can do with it as he wishes. Did you notice the absolute reign God has? He made the earth, the men, and the animals. Everything that exists is here because of God’s mighty hand. Therefore, He is in control. And what is God’s plan that he proclaims through Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 27:6, “6 Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, my servant, and I have given him also the beasts of the field to serve him. 7 All the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson, until the time of his own land comes. Then many nations and great kings shall make him their slave.” 

Nebuchadnezzar will rule. Why? Because God decreed it to happen. Israel had strayed from the Lord, and God was using a human king to accomplish His heavenly purpose on Israel. Babylon became the largest and most powerful nation at that time. Yet it wasn’t because Nebuchadnezzar was great; it was because the Lord was. And did you notice the end of that verse? Babylon wouldn’t reign forever but would be overthrown. The only king to reign forever is almighty God. 

What is going on in your life today? Does it seem like control is slipping from your fingers? That might be a good thing. Give up control of your life today, because you never had it in the first place. Let God accomplish His will and trust Him to place you right where He needs you. After all… He’s the boss.