Listen to the Still Small Voice

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) “When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled, going out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and they went toward the Arabah. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, at Riblah, in the land of Hamath; and he passed sentence on him. The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah at Riblah before his eyes, and the king of Babylon slaughtered all the nobles of Judah. He put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains to take him to Babylon. The Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the house of the people, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.”

Things do not end happy in Jeremiah’s day. Zedekiah refused to humble himself and listen to the still small voice of the Lord spoken through the prophet and it cost him everything he had, his kingdom, his family, his freedom. 

The end of Israel Monarchy is a warning to us even today. God is exceedingly patient and wants us to repent even at the cusp of judgment falling. Zedekiah and the leaders were repeatedly warned and refused to do so. The rest is history - a nation, once blessed, prosperous, and at ease is sent into exile for 70 years. One could make the argument they never fully recovered to this day. 

On the other side of this disaster are those the Lord watches over. Notice the people who survive and receive the blessing of God in the midst of tragedy. 

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭(ESV‬) ‬“Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, “Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you.””

The poor of the land and the prophet survive. More than that they thrive. It’s a lesson that Jesus teaches in the sermon on the mount. The poor have the resources of heaven and those who hunger for righteousness are filled. In a world at odds with God, chose to be poor of her riches and wealthy in God’s graces. Do not long for power or prestige. Even if you get them, they can corrupt and control you. 

As I write this another prominent Pastor named Robert has been exposed for tremendous sin, more than that, a crime of unconscionable measure. The Christian world is reeling as many considered him anointed and blessed. And he made good money over many decades of ministry while silently walking in manipulative fashion to protect his legacy. 

When will we get back to the simple basic truths of the Bible? We are not made for glory in this world. We are not here to dominate culture and control things. We are called to humble obedience to a meek Savior who has sent us to rescue people out of sin. 

God, guard all of our hearts from the contamination of control and importance. May we be your church, humble, contrite, and confessing you alone for our salvation and faith.