In our passage today we see glimpses of hope that God gave the Israelites.
God used the Babylonians to bring judgment on Tyre, Egypt, and yes, Judah. But when Babylon didn't give God the glory for their victories or turn to Him, God judged it too. God is just.
The exiled king of Israel, after 37 years (!) of captivity, was released from prison and treated with kindness. God continued to show kindness to the descendants of King David, even in their exile.
God always extends grace and the offer of forgiveness, even during times of judgment.
Our passage today also concludes the book of Jeremiah. My Life Application Bible says....
In the world's eyes, Jeremiah looked totally unsuccessful. He had no money, family, or friends. He prophesied the destruction of the nation, the capital city, and the Temple, but the political and religious leaders would not accept or follow his advice. No group of people liked him or listened to him. Yet as we look back, we see that he successfully completed the work God gave him to do. Success must never be measured by popularity, fame, or fortune, for these are temporal measures...God measures our success with the yardsticks of obedience, faithfulness, and righteousness. If you are faithfully doing the work God has given you, you are successful in his eyes.
Are you and I defining success the way the world does, or the way God does?
Are we being obedient to what God has called us to do, no matter the outcome?
Are we being faithful to what we know to be true from His Word?
Are we pursuing righteousness, no matter how counter-cultural it may be to do so?
Where is God extending grace to you?
Where are we taking His grace and provision for granted?
Are we giving Him the glory for every victory in our lives?
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 7-9
2 comments:
It is very easy to get caught up into the worldly scale of success. A good reminder to focus on completing the work that God has asked us to do, and to remember that that is God's measuring stick on us.
Jeremiah is a good example for us to follow, he didn't get any respect or worldly rewards, but did the work God gave him to do and was rewarded when he met his saviour after dying
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