Jeremiah 21 Dont Presume In reading this chapter, the Pashhur referenced here and the one from the previous chapter are likely two different priests. Although the message wasnt much different from what had been previously delivered to the first one for the second one. Zedekiah had rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar which resulted in the siege against Jerusalem. King Zedekiah presumed on a “good word from the Lord because of the Lords goodness, His wonderful works. Yes, the Lord is good, but as we see here there is a limit to transgression and even in the midst of His goodness, fruit is reaped for lack of repentance and turning to God. Jeremiahs word from the Lord isnt what King Zedekiah hoped for. The word is worse than could have been imagined; the Lord says He is now fighting against Jerusalem. Its one thing to have enemies, but another level altogether when the Lord is now their enemy. Zedekiah would in fact be taken into captivity. Another often quoted portion of scripture is found in verse 8, Behold I set before you the way of life and the way of death. The context of this is different than what one might expect. Jeremiah says if they would surrender to the enemy, they would live; if they didnt and continued to fight, they would die. Contrary to what the mind would think. This is a prime illustration of Gods thoughts and ways being higher or different than our own. We are given a number of reasons for this calamity coming. 1. Zedekiah, a leader opposed to the purpose of God would be deposed. Leadership that persists in acting contrary to the plans and purposes of God, while corrupting the moral fiber of those they are called to serve will be dealt with. 2. People had been the victims of extortion by the elite (vs. 12). God will deal severely with those who place strangle holds on others from a pecuniary position. 3. Rebellion, coupled with pride and arrogance will be judged (vs. 13). They thought their positions were impregnable, beyond the reach of any enemy. Yet God declares Hes against such a spirit. 4. Whatever has been sown will be reaped. Someone has said that everyone has the freedom of choice, but no one has the freedom of the consequences of those choices. The Word of God puts it this way, whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Gal. 6:7 May we be among those who will be those who will sow for things that will reap eternal dividends and blessings, not just for ourselves but others whose lives we come in contact with.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 07:34:24 +0000
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