A Life in Exile

There is no one with a memory as long and good as the Almighty God of all Creation. We found comfort in the earlier posts by the realization that God remembers his people. Those who are the recipients of his good memory from today’s verses will not find the same comfort. Who are these people? The enemies of God.

God remembers rebellious nations.

In the history of Israel, there were entire people groups and nations living in opposition to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They knew what the God of Israel had done for his people, and some even had a blood lineage to the nation, but in their love for idols and immorality, they became enemies of God and his chosen people.

We see in many places of Scripture the wrath God will show on such nations, but today we will look at those that relate to God remembering their deeds. In their exile, the Israelites sang a mournful song of lament, part of which said:

Remember, Lord, what the Edomites said that day at Jerusalem: “Destroy it! Destroy it down to its foundations!” Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who pays you back
what you have done to us. (Psalm 137:7-8 CSB, emphasis added)

Not only was Edom destroyed, but we know a special wrath was reserved by God for Babylon and those who followed her evil ways.

Then the seventh poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done!” There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. And a severe earthquake occurred like no other since people have been on the earth, so great was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the Great was remembered in God’s presence; he gave her the cup filled with the wine of his fierce anger. (Revelation 16:17-19, emphasis added).

Though it may not seem like it today, God does remember and will pour out his wrath on those who live in opposition to his rule.

God remembers those who work in opposition to his people.

The land was desolate, the temple in ruins, and the walls of Jerusalem broken. When the exiles returned to their land, it was not a pretty sight. Thankfully, God used men like Nehemiah and Ezra to lead the people in rebuilding the walls and restoring worship. Their job, however, was made difficult by men opposed to the return of the Jews and the restoration of the city. Tobiah, Sanballat and others constantly put up roadblocks to the work. Just as God remembers the opposition of hostile nations, he remembers the opposition of individuals.

When they tried to trick Nehemiah by getting him to come to a meeting where he would be attacked, Nehemiah saw through their ruse and shared what happened.

My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.

The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. (Nehemiah 6:14-16, emphasis added)

Instead of getting his own revenge on their enemies, Nehemiah trusted God to remember and bring vengeance.

As further reforms were made during this period, Nehemiah also knew God would remember those who had worked in defiling the holy order of the priesthood through marriage with foreign women.

Remember them, my God, for defiling the priesthood as well as the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites. So I purified them from everything foreign and assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites. (Nehemiah 13:29-30, emphasis added)

When we struggle with people who are working in direct opposition to the things of God, it is good for us to remember Nehemiah and leave the remembering to God. He will hold them accountable.

God remembers the good and the evil.

Asaph writes a psalm that reflects the pain we often feel when evil seems to gain an upper hand over God’s people and plans. He struggled with the destruction and continued persecution they endured. He knew God was all-powerful and capable of great things. He knew all things were under his control and yet, he was hurting. Would God save those who followed him?

The last section of Psalm 74 is a prayer for God to remember and hold their enemies accountable for all they had done.

Remember this: the enemy has mocked the Lord, and a foolish people has insulted your name. Do not give to beasts the life of your dove; do not forget the lives of your poor people forever. Consider the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of violence. Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. Rise up, God, champion your cause! Remember the insults that fools bring against you all day long. Do not forget the clamor of your adversaries, the tumult of your opponents that goes up constantly. (Psalm 74:18-23, emphasis added)

It is not a contradiction to pray for God to hold our enemies accountable for their evil deeds. While we pray for Christ to change hearts, there will be those who turn their backs on the message of salvation and work in opposition to God. In the end, he knows the difference—why? Because he knows the heart of man. That is why we can let go, wiping the dust off our feet when people refuse the message of Christ or do evil toward us. We can let go, knowing God will remember the choices they’ve made and acts they’ve committed against him and his people. He will judge in righteousness as only he can do. He will remember, and in that we can find great solace and peace.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start from the Beginning.