Zion for whom no one cares

Zion is another name for Jerusalem, and 100 years ago Jerusalem was a neglected city. It had been part of the aging Turkish empire for several centuries and only those who saw significance in Bible prophecies about this ancient city were interested in its welfare. Of course, some of the scattered Jews were also interested.

It was truly “Zion for whom no one cares” as we read in Jeremiah 30. It is a mixture of a chapter, typical of several in Jeremiah. Verses 12 to 15 describe God’s attitude in the prophet’s own days,

“Because your guilt is great and your sins are flagrant”.

But the chapter starts with the Divine declaration,

“behold the days are coming when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah” (verse 3).

Verse 7 is very intriguing,

“Alas! That day is great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob [Israel]: yet he shall be saved out of it”.

There is nothing in ancient history that this can refer to! What about 1947 / 48 and 1967? Possibly, but one cannot be dogmatic, for it seems far more likely that it refers to the final climax with the return of Christ and the resurrection when God’s nation, as we read in verse 9,

“shall serve the LORD their God and David their king whom I will raise up for them”.

Christ will reign over the whole world; David will reign (over Israel?) and the 12 Apostles will reign over the 12 tribes as Jesus promised (Matthew 19:28).

BUT, before this there is a time when the world will experience

“… the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth. A whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this” (verses 23,24).

Those who have a true relationship with God and His Son sense His growing abhorrence at the godless behaviour that has engulfed the world today, and is getting worse each year. They recall Zephaniah’s prophecy, “Seek the LORD, all you humble … who do his just commands, seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden in the day of the LORD’S anger” (2:3).

God will care for Zion and for all those who truly believe in Him and show this by how they live. God