Prayer Can Save a Nation

Jeremiah 10:12–25
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While the heathen worship gods they had made, the Bible tells us that the Almighty God made us and all things by His power (v. 12). This is quite a contrast from the lifeless idols who can do nothing! At His command, there is a multitude of water in the heavens, which are poured out on the earth, whether for judgment or mercy as He plans them (v. 13). Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for there is no breath in them (v. 14). People who make idols are stupid and they will be disappointed, because their false gods are not alive. Idols are a joke, and when the time is right, they will be destroyed (v. 15). Israel’s God, created all things, and chose Israel to be His very own (v. 16).

After discussing the superiority of God to idols (vv. 1-16), Jeremiah continued his temple address by describing the coming destruction and exile (vv. 17-22). He identified himself with the pain of the people and prayed for God to be merciful to His people (vv. 18-19). He asked God to remember they were a weak people and didn’t know the right way. He points out that because the political and spiritual leaders didn’t seek the Lord, the people were led astray (vv. 20-21). We see from the result of the sins of the leaders (her prophets and her priests) that disaster and judgment came and a nation went into captivity. The prophet utters a prayer. He prays first that God will not chastise his people with mathematical exactness, but that in wrath he will remember mercy (vv. 23-25). The prayer is a request for retribution to be poured out upon those who have ravaged God’s people and their land.

Application

This reminds me of the leadership in our nation today. God has told me the remedy if I will but heed it! “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chron. 7:14). Lord help me to follow your instruction.