In the closing chapters of the Book of Jeremiah, we see him yet again faithful to the Lord. His message is now one of warning to those in exile. God will judge Babylon for its actions against His people. Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. (Jeremiah 51:11, KJV)
A Hidden Danger
The danger for the people of God is that they won’t want to leave Babylon when God releases them from their captivity. In exile, they will live comfortable lives.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. (Jeremiah 29:4–6, KJV)
These comfortable lives would be in the shadow of a powerful, wealthy, glamorous, glitzy nation. The tendency will be to stay there when their captivity is over. It’s where many will have their roots, wealth, security, and conveniences. Why Leave? Jeremiah is warning his people lest they get caught up in the destruction of Babylon.
A Higher Calling
What a reminder for the believer not to get attached to this world, for this world is destined to pass away. We are just pilgrims passing through. We seek a different country. We have an incorruptible, undefiled inheritance that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for us. While we must live in this world, we must remember we are not of this world. May we take the words of the Apostle Peter to heart…
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16, NLT)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Jeremiah 51-52.