Collective Judgement
There are many examples in scripture of a people becoming so wicked that God judges them collectively. Sodom and Gomorrah likely comes to mind for many readers (Genesis 19). However, there are also examples of peoples who were warned of judgement, but that judgement was stayed because they repented. Perhaps many are thinking of Nineveh (Jonah 3).
However, throughout the texts of scripture one people is warned of and comes under judgement more than any other. That people is Israel. It may not be the first that comes to mind when you think about peoples whom God judged. However, Israel experienced slavery, wars, famines (sometimes bad enough people resorted to cannibalism), exile, plagues, etc… at the hands of God for their wickedness many times.
One such judgement was the message that Jeremiah was tasked with delivering. This message consisted of multiple object lessons warning Israel of their coming judgement.
Potter Of Nations
One such lesson is found in Jeremiah 18. God sends him to watch a potter as he works. While being observed, the potter finds that his creation is not as he intended. Rather than throw it out entirely, he works it into a different creation more to his liking.
And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
Jeremiah 18:4
Likewise, all nations are the creation of God’s hands and it is his right to reform them as much as it is to destroy them.
O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.
Jeremiah 18:6-8
National Restoration
What a lesson in God’s sovereignty over the nations of this world! Also, what a exhortation to nations in judgement to seize onto repentance! Sometimes judgement doesn’t end in the destruction of a nation, but rather in a new life.
So long as a nation exists, God may yet reform rather than destroy. This act of reformation begins with repentance. The people must turn back to God and honor him. No matter how dire their situation and severe the judgement they are under, there is yet hope that God is not done with that nation and intends to work it into a new masterpiece.
God’s message to Israel is a message for any nation in judgement.
Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’
Jeremiah 18:11
No Arrogance
A nation should never assume that this means God’s love can be exploited. Just as he has a right to shape a nation for the better, he also has a right to judge a nation that he has pronounced blessing upon.
And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.
Jeremiah 18:9
Just as he has a right to relent of a disaster, he has the right to withdraw his blessing. A nation which believes itself uniquely blessed such that they no longer believe they must listen to God is a nation which will soon discover it is not blessed at all!
God works each nation according to his will, to bless, reform, or destroy. A nation which has turned from him must either be reformed through repentance or destroyed, while a nation serving him he delights to bless.
Not Individual Repentance
The saving work of Christ is personal and eternal, but the life of the nations of this age are corporate and temporary. When Christ returns, nations will fall. However, the nations and kingdoms of the world still have an obligation to honor God until that day.
It is unlikely that any nation will be made entirely of the regenerate. Each will have unbelievers. However, a nation can still honor God in its laws, customs, and collective actions. Participation in such culture does not save individuals, yet nations receive God’s blessing or suffer his wrath based upon these collective acts.
Many have confused the two, assuming that national godliness is automatic. However, laws and cultures never happen automatically. If every citizen were a believer, it would still be their obligation to change unjust laws and foster God honoring culture. These things wouldn’t change without any act of the body politic.
Because of this, so much as it depends upon believers (which may vary greatly, given our different offices and roles) we should seek to honor God not only in our private lives but also in our public lives, for the common good (even of those who may hate every minute of it).
