10-10-06 Jeremiah 31:2

Jeremiah 31:2 (KJ21)
Thus saith the LORD: "The people who were left from the sword found grace in the wilderness, even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest."

Jeremiah 31:2 (NAS)
Thus says the LORD, "The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when it went to find its rest."

Jeremiah 31:2 (NIVUS)
This is what the LORD says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel."

Jeremiah 31:2 (NLT)
I will care for the survivors as they travel through the wilderness. I will again come to give rest to the people of Israel."

One of today's popular reality shows is Survivor, in which tribes of people are put through various tests and trials. Each week someone else is eliminated from the contest, until there is only one person remaining, who is the survivor.

Through out the earth there are different tribes and nations of people who associate and huddle together. They congregate as a unit, so that individuals can be hidden among the crowd. In their collective groups, they find safety and protection from those who attack with swords and knives. They know that if they work and war together, many of the tribal members will survive and remain, although some will be destroyed and killed.

In the spiritual realm, the kingdom of the Lord Jehovah, there are many people who have escaped the parching drought that the enemy has brought. You are one of these, a part of the remnant who has slipped out of the enemy's traps and has not succumbed to his destruction and desolation. He has not and will not lay waste to you and leave you in ruins.

You, however, have not escaped in your own strength. You actually have found favor with Adonai, who is your security. He found you in the wilderness and gave you His grace and acceptance. Because he pitied you, He showed you mercy and consideration. As the Lord spoke His promises over you, your enemies were put to flight. You are now His possession. In Him you have all sufficiency and more than enough. God has brought you into a place of rest and repose. You are settled and quiet, with no fear of the enemy's sword.