Who will “fear and tremble”? What will be the cause? Following on from yesterday’s thoughts we reflect on the remarkable latter day prophecy given to Jeremiah while he is “shut up in the court of the guard” (33:1). His situation was a real trial of faith. Perhaps we might experience desperate situations in the “time of trouble, such as there has never been … But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1).

How long is it before this time? God has not provided a calendar, but He has provided signs! Israel regathered and turmoil in and around the Holy land! The verses at the end of Daniel 11 are one place where the signs are described. Jesus said, “for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short” (Matthew 24:22).

Israel was in terrible trouble and Jeremiah is told, “I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security, I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel … and this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it” (verses 6,7,9).

God then tells Jeremiah, “In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness … Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called, ‘The LORD is our righteousness’” (verses 15,16). Imagine the feelings of the prophet, anxious over all that is happening and his personal situation, as he receives this divine message.

Now switch the perspective to the twenty-first century and the potential, before Christ comes when “they shall fear and tremble …” (verse 9) but while those who do not know God’s word will do so out of great anxiety, those who do know, and believe His word, shall “fear and tremble because of all the prosperity I provide … there shall be heard again the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride …” (verse 10). Let us make sure we are part of the bride; meditate on Revelation 19:7-9.