Jeremiah 39:8 The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
As I was reading this chapter initially, I really thought my commentary today would be about the destruction of Jerusalem, but God is once again calling me to focus on His compassion, compassion which could have been Zedekiah’s, too, had he at any point heeded God’s warnings and turned back to Him.
Jeremiah 39:11-12 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: “Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks.”
Jeremiah was faithful to God, even when it was to his detriment in the world. Ebed-Melek trusted God and helped Jeremiah, even though he was a Cushite. They trusted, they obeyed, even though it cost them dearly, and God took care of them, rescued them, even in the midst of destruction. He will do the same for us.
Jeremiah 39:17 “‘But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear.’”
Lord, This world is loud and insistent. It is so easy to go along with the ways of the world, but that way lies destruction, just like it did for Zedekiah. Help us to be like Jeremiah and Ebed-Melek. Help us do the right thing even when the world calls it wrong, even when it costs us, knowing that You will rescue us because of our trust in and obedience to You. Help us to show Your love, mercy, and compassion to others, always. Draw us closer. Amen.
Jeremiah 39:18 “‘I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.’”
Have a blessed day.