Good day Beloved of God. You are all welcome to another new day. Glory to God for the gift of life. I declare that you begin to recognize God’s voice as He speaks to you consistently about your life and the life of others around you. The mercy of God has prevailed over judgement concerning your life, in Jesus name.
In our today’s episode 511 of studying and understanding the Bible, we shall be examining Jeremiah Chapter 21 titled:
Funny, they wanted the blessings but not the responsibilities
Looking at this chapter critically, we will observe that it’s not a continuation of chapter 20, because obviously, there is a sizeable gap between chapter 20 and 21.
First, the Pashur in this chapter 21 (who was the son of Malchiah) is different from the Pashur in chapter 20, who was the son of Immer and a chief officer of the temple that got Jeremiah arrested and beaten.
Also, the event that took place in chapter 20 happened around the end of the reign of king Jehoiakim, the son of king Josiah and the Bible says he reigned for 11 years (2Kings 23:36), while Jeremiah chapter 21 happened around the 9th year of king Zedekiah’s reign, which is 20 years after. Remember that Jehoiakim was older than Zedekiah and he too experienced an enemy’s invasion. As a matter of fact, it was during Jehoiakim time that Daniel and some other wise men of Judah were taken captive.
During Jehoiachin’s reign too, there was an invasion according to 2 Kings 24:8-20 where he was taken as prisoner to Babylon and his Uncle Mattaniah was made king of Judah in his place. It was Nebuchadnezzar that changed Mattaniah’s name to Zedekiah in verse 17 of 2 Kings 24.
It was this same king Zedekiah that Prophet Jeremiah narrated his story in Chapter 21.
Reading the entire 2Kings and 2 Chronicles will give you more details of what transpired.
I brought out all these facts, so people don’t get confused reading the book of Jeremiah and finding it difficult to connect the storyline sequentially, because based on the above facts, you will agree that the book of Jeremiah was not arranged chronologically.
Looking at the life of Prophet Jeremiah so far and his style of giving prophecies, we will observe that he was a sensitive man who deeply loved his people and hated to have to pronounce judgement upon them.
However, when it comes to speaking the truth, he preferred to pitch his tent with God and be loyal to Him. The Word of God has become like fire in his mouth, he could not keep it back. His people unfortunately, were not helping matters, because of the increased rate of their stubbornness and disobedience.
So, when they discovered what Jeremiah had been prophesying about was appearing to become a reality. King Zedekiah (initially called Mathaniah), decided to consult his service, so he could appease God on their behalf to avert the impending judgement, which was another invasion of the enemies.
Unfortunately, the deed had been done. The judgement had been served and they should be ready to face the music. The only advise Jeremiah could offer was for them to surrender to the enemy willingly so their lives could be spared, but as for king Zedekiah and his bad advisers, they would all be killed in that war serving as the consequence of their stubbornness.
It’s very funny and also ridiculous for the people of Judah to ask for God’s help through Prophet Jeremiah at the last minute they observed the enemies were coming but they were not ready to repent and obey the Lord.
This is just a warning to every human being on earth that by the time the world shall come to an end and you are not found saved, then it will be too late crying over spilt milk. Because there is no repentance on the judgment day. This is period of repentance and Salvation.
To be continued…stay tuned and stay blessed.
Let us pray:
The Lord God will guide you against any decision that will make you regret your actions, in Jesus name.
Every form of satanic invasion threatening your life and family is hereby aborted, in Jesus name.
The grace of God that brings Salvation has appeared to all men and this grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this world. I decree, this grace from God will find full expression in your life, in Jesus name.
Bible Readings For Today: Reflection time on all the chapters you have read from the past six days and covering of missed chapters.
I call you blessed now and always.
Friday August 21, 2020 (DDMI)
