From Long Ago

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Jeremiah 52; Psalm 74, 79, 85

"But God is my King from long ago; He brings salvation on the earth." Psalm 74:12 NIV

The year was 586 B.C. and Jeremiah concluded his story with a final account of Jerusalem’s destruction by the Babylonians – a sad chapter indeed. The devastation inflicted on Jerusalem and the Jewish people was nearly incomprehensible. Those who were fortunate enough to survive were carried off to Babylon. And this is why I love reading my Bible cover to cover, in chronological order – the Psalmist gives us insight into what those survivors were experiencing. In today’s reading we find a series of songs written as a response to the Babylonian invasion and captivity.

Although these Psalms were written about the destruction of Jerusalem as the Jews watched the temple burn to the ground, they’re appropriate for you and me when we think everything in our lives is going up in smoke. The very hope that Israel relied on during their destruction is the same hope we should rely on in ALL of our situations. That hope is our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist clung to God’s promises and recounted God’s acts of old (Ps. 74:12-18), he pleaded with the Lord to remember His covenant (Ps. 74:20), and in faith he declared:

"But God is my King from long ago; He brings salvation on the earth." Ps. 74:12

And the Lord did, of course, remember His covenant with Israel and, in His perfect time, restored them to their land (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). But God also brought Salvation to the rest of the world as well! He didn’t forget His promise to bring Salvation on the earth! Hundreds of years later, outside of restored Jerusalem, John the Baptist would introduce the Savior and proclaim the fulfillment of God’s promise: 

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

If things seem to be going up in smoke for you today, remember God’s promises and look to your Savior. He brought salvation upon the earth for you!

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©