This final chapter recounts several major events during Jeremiah’s time, including the fall of Judah and King Zedekiah, and the people’s exile to Babylon. Oddly enough, this prophetic book’s final chapter does not contain any prophecy, only historical facts.
“…Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, who served the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. And he burned the house of the Lord, and the king’s house and all the houses of Jerusalem… And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. And [they] carried away captive… the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon…” (v12-15 abr)
Why would God allow such destruction of Judah and Jerusalem, and the captivity of His people? This verse gives us a clue: “For because of the anger of the Lord it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that he cast them out from his presence.” (v3) The last several kings of Judah were doing evil in the sight of the Lord and leading the people astray, despite God speaking to them through multiple prophets.
Every person (except maybe a hermit living off grid) will have influence on someone. Perhaps you influence only one other person, but you have influence. This is a key reason why it’s so critical for us to obey God as best we can.
Let’s seek to partner with the Holy Spirit to hear God’s voice and obey Him. That way, we will have a more Christlike influence on those around us, and not (accidentally) mislead people like these evil kings did.
Father God, our Patient Lord of Forgiveness and Grace, we praise Your merciful name. Father, You give us many opportunities to repent and receive forgiveness. Thank you for loving us so much that You allow sin’s consequences to draw us nearer to You. Please teach us to listen when You speak, read Your word every day, and spend regular time in prayer. In doing these things may we model Jesus to those around us, and be Christlike influencers for our remaining days. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training