Jeremiah 38-41

August 25

Jeremiah 38-41

The Babylonians broke down the wall protecting Jerusalem and captured the city, just as God had said would happen. The people still living in Jerusalem were taken captive and led to Babylon to live out their lives. Jeremiah was still in the city, still proclaiming the word of God even though it was an unpopular message. Jeremiah went through many trials as a servant of God. It would have been easy to compromise the message or to run and hide. Jeremiah was true to God and spoke the words God gave him to speak.

Jeremiah was among the people being led out of Jerusalem and Judah on the way to Babylon when the commander of the guard found Jeremiah and told him; “The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him. But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please.”" (Jeremiah 40:2-4, NIV) God protected Jeremiah in the midst of the fall of Jerusalem. The Israelites went into captivity because of their disobedience to God; Jeremiah was given freedom because of his obedience.

God used the Babylonians to bring discipline upon the Israelites. They had ignored God and His commands. But God revealed His power and plan to the commander of the guard of Babylon, and used him to set Jeremiah free. God can use whoever He pleases to accomplish His plans. If we will walk in obedience to Him, He will work things out for the good, if we disobey and turn to our own ways, we will face the consequences.