This is the second morning reading Jeremiah’s prophecy of Babylon’s demise. I read Jeremiah 51, the second of two chapters — two LONG chapters — detailing God’s determined vengeance against a nation which had perpetually and “proudly defied the LORD” (Jer. 50:31). Though used of God to chastise His people, Babylon herself would be judged because she too had “sinned against the LORD” (Jer. 50:14). For our God is a God of recompense.

For the LORD is laying Babylon waste
       and stilling her mighty voice.
Their waves roar like many waters;
       the noise of their voice is raised,
for a destroyer has come upon her,
       upon Babylon;
her warriors are taken;
       their bows are broken in pieces,
for the LORD is a God of recompense;
       He will surely repay.

(Jeremiah 51:56-56 ESV)

A God of recompense . . . That’s the phrase which arrested my attention, that’s what I’m chewing on this morning. He is the God who will surely repay.

He will judge . . . vengeance is His (Rom. 12:19). Though Babylon may seem to prevail, though the “nations rage” and “the people growl”; though “the kings of the earth set themselves against the LORD and against His Anointed” (Ps. 2:1-2), “Behold,” says the King of kings and the Lord of lords , “I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). He will surely repay.

And while there is a certain rest to be found in knowing that justice will one day prevail, there is also a joy which wells up as I can’t help but consider afresh that the recompense for my sin was born by the King, that the price demanded for the debt I could never repay was paid in full by the Lord. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

A God of recompense . . . a reason to rejoice. For, to all who have faith in Jesus, He is the “just and the justifier” (Rom. 3:26).

Again . . . Hallelujah! What a Savior!

By His grace. For His glory.