Jeremiah 49-50  These two chapters are prophecies against the nations of Ammon, Edom, Damascus , Kedar and Hazor, Elam, and Babylon.  Each one of these areas surrounded Israel, except for Elam which covered the area that is now Iraq/ Iran.  Each nation would be judged by the Lord for its sinfulness. Each would experience devastation at the hand of its enemies.  And, each would be conquered by another.  None of them remain a nation today... although Damascus remains a city in Syria.

Within these words of prophecy against these nations, there is a word of encouragement for Israel. Jeremiah 50:4-5 ".. In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will the Lord their God they will seek. They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. " And 50:19-20  " And I shall bring Israel back to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead. In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I shall pardon those whom I leave as a remnant." 


"Their Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His name."  50:34  All that has happened and all that is yet to come is according to the plan and purposes to the Lord, Jeremiah writes. " For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherds who can stand before Me?" 
The Lord will do as He has planned.  We can rest in that truth.  We can have peace in Him as we know that He will bring all things, all nations, all people.. everything under the authority of Christ our King.  Even in the midst of personal struggles, or the national crisis of the month, our God, our Redeemer is strong.

Thank You God our Father, for the Truth of Your Word that allows us to know who You are.. the King of Glory, the Lord of hosts, the Creator of all things and the Sovereign Ruler of all of Your creation. Open our eyes to see You more clearly.  Fill our hearts with Your love and our minds with Your Truth.  Spirit of God, guide us in the ways of the Lord. You are our God, our Rock, our Savior, Lord Jesus, and it is in Your name that we pray. Amen.