Sept. 10, 2020
Jeremiah 21-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Finally, my husband and I were able to get away this past weekend for some rest. Not only did we need rest for our tired bodies, but our weary souls. When working with people day in and day out, it can take its toll on a person. Especially when your situation is dealing with those who are disgruntle.
So we enjoyed a short getaway to Branson. The highlight of our trip for me was a self-driven golf cart ride through the woods. There were fantastic waterfalls, a variety of huge rocks, an amazing cave with a waterfall, green hills, cute squirrels, and happy singing birds in the quiet setting. A lake was in the background at one stop. How grateful I was for eyes to see God's splendorous creation, hidden away and rest.
This chapter jumped to the latter years of Jeremiah's ministry. It was during the reign of the last king of Judah, King Zedekiah, who protected the Prophet and consulted him secretly. Although, the king never carried out his advice. It was during this period of time that Jeremiah was thrown into prison (chapter 37) and put into a dungeon to die (chapter 38). However, a royal eunuch, Ebedmelech, showed compassion on Jeremiah had him moved from the pit to the court of the guard, where he remained until Jerusalem was taken by Babylon.
A large part of the blame for Judah's sins could be laid at the foot of the throne in Jerusalem. Judah's last 4 kings ruled badly for their last 22 1/2 years and failed in the spiritual leadership role God had for them. They were descendants of the royal household of King David, through whom the Messiah would come. Certainly, they should have practiced righteousness and justice. (verse 12)
David was a "man after God's own heart." He had been promised by God to have a relative on the throne of Israel if they would remain faithful to God. There was no insider advantage of being of this Davidic line, unless it was accompanied by obedience. How it must have been painful for God to address such a sorry bunch of kings.
LET IT GROW
The Jews fought the invaders outside the walls of Jerusalem on the hillsides and valleys. However, they were driven back into the city. When their enemy built ramps outside Jerusalem's walls, it should have brought Zedekiah and his officials to their knees, but not so.
Since King Zedekiah refused to surrender, his eyes were put out; and he died in a Babylonian prison. (chapters 39 and 52) Some say that this king died of grief when his son was killed by the enemie's sword.
What were some warnings that Jeremiah predicted would happen, and did?
- God would fight against the sinful Judeans with His outstretched hand and strong arm in anger, fury, and great wrath. (verse 5)
- God would not spare the people of Judah, neither have pity, nor have mercy on them. They would die by the sword, pestilence, and famine. (verse 7)
- Those who surrendered to the enemy would live.(verse 9)
- God set His face against Jerusalem for their evil, and Jerusalem would burn, as well as the land. (verse 10)
- Because of their evil doings, God would punish its inhabitants according to the fruit of their doings. (verse 14)
King Zedekiah turned to God for help, but without acknowledging God's warnings or admitting his sin. Too often we expect God to help us in our time of trouble even though we have ignored Him in our time of prosperity. But God wants a lasting relationship. Are you trying to build a lasting friendship with God or are you merely using Him occasionally to escape trouble? What would you think of your family or friends if they thought of you only as a temporary resource?
(Life Application Study Bible)
Are you in need of spiritual rest? Jesus invites us to come to Him, weary and heavy hearted friend.
Find rest from struggles, opinions, criticisms, challenges at every corner, and temptations to quit or give in.
Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)
LET IT GO
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea, as long as we have faith.
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
Come let us worship the King, let us bow down before Him. He has done great things.
Lord Jesus our Savior, bless all who read this with Your peace and rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment