Jeremiah 29:15 “You say that Adonai has raised up prophets for you in Bavel. 16 But here is what Adonai says about the king occupying David’s throne and about all the people living in this city, your kinsmen who did not go into exile with you — 17 thus says Adonai-Tzva’ot: ‘I will attack them with sword, famine and plague; I will make them like bad figs, so bad they are inedible. 18 I will pursue them with sword, famine and plague and make them an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth; and they will bring on themselves cursing, astonishment, ridicule and reproach among all the nations where I have driven them; 19 because they have not paid attention to my words,’ says Adonai, ‘which I sent to them through my servants the prophets. I sent them frequently, but you refused to listen,’ says Adonai.
20 “So pay attention now to the word of Adonai, all of you in exile, whom I sent away from Yerushalayim to Bavel. 21 Here is what Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el, says about Ach’av the son of Kolayah and Tzidkiyahu the son of Ma‘aseiyah, who prophesy lies to you in my name: ‘I will hand them over to N’vukhadretzar king of Bavel, and he will put them to death before your eyes. 22 In fact, all those exiled from Y’hudah who are in Bavel will take up this formula for cursing: “May Adonaimake you like Tzidkiyahu and Ach’av, whom the king of Bavel roasted in the fire!” 23 because they have done vile things in Isra’el, committing adultery with their neighbors’ wives and speaking words in my name, falsely, which I did not order them to say. For I am he who knows; I am witness to this,’ says Adonai. (Complete Jewish Bible)
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The Israelites were in a pickle: because of their disobedience to God they found themselves in foreign territory. Since the covenant with Abraham, God’s blessings were revealed as having many descendants and having a place to call home. The Israelites in Babylon did not have their own place to call home—exile was not part of God’s blessing.
The Babylonian Israelites, however, were not the only Israelites. Some remained in Jerusalem, in land promised by God to his people. I imagined that irritated those living in Babylon. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Those who found themselves on foreign soil, surrounded by the enemy, forced to live in unfamiliar territory were undoubtedly a bit jealous of those who were still living at home. Look at what they have and I don't!
God, however, wanted them to know that not the Israelites left in Jerusalem were not better off then them. "They have not to my words ... and exiles have not listened either" (verse 19). No one in the situation had listened and obeyed. Whether they found themselves in Babylon or Jerusalem, the Israelites all needed to learn to listen and obey.
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Hymn for Today: "Trust and Obey" by John H. Sammis.
1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
Hymn for Today: "Trust and Obey" by John H. Sammis.
1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
3. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
3. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
4. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
4. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Thought for Today: I understand more than my elders,
because I keep your precepts.
I keep my feet from every evil way,
in order to observe your word. (Psalm 119:100-101)! (Complete Jewish Bible)).
I keep my feet from every evil way,
in order to observe your word. (Psalm 119:100-101)! (Complete Jewish Bible)).
Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Mozambique.
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