And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy GOD hath pronounced this evil upon this place. Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as He hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed His voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go. (Jeremiah 40:2-4)
Even the heathen can recognize the Hand of GOD on His people but don't always know what to do about it, since they don't know the Lord. Here, the captain gave Jeremiah a false choice because GOD had already told Jeremiah to stay in the land and witness what He was going to do. And while the Babylonians may not realize it, GOD has more punishment and condemnation against the sIn of His people. The captain was gracious and freed Jeremiah from his false imprisonment, and gave him the opportunity to go where he wished, which simply gave Jeremiah the freedom to follow GOD in complete obedience without government interference which fit into GOD's ultimate plan as well.
The Church, when properly involved with all aspects of life as pilgrims on this earth, must understand the most important task we have, just as Jeremiah understood, is telling the Word of GOD. All of it, not just the pieces we like, or the 'stories', but the whole counsel of GOD. It is the History book of the Universe. From the first verse, telling how GOD created this world, to the last verse, telling of His return and restoration of all things, we are to preach and teach all of it. We go where GOD sends us, we do what He says to do, and as we go, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those we meet. The world may or may not release us to do as we please, but GOD has already told us to obey Him and trust Him in all things.
But, if you don't know Jesus Christ, if you have never surrendered to GOD on His terms and been born again, this discussion doesn't make much sense to you. GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to a knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that He loves you, and having already paid the price for your sIn, wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. While you are under condemnation for your sIn, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ that you might have Life. A new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Receive Him by faith and believe today.
No matter what your circumstances, be obedient to the Gospel today.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
The Church, when properly involved with all aspects of life as pilgrims on this earth, must understand the most important task we have, just as Jeremiah understood, is telling the Word of GOD. All of it, not just the pieces we like, or the 'stories', but the whole counsel of GOD. It is the History book of the Universe. From the first verse, telling how GOD created this world, to the last verse, telling of His return and restoration of all things, we are to preach and teach all of it. We go where GOD sends us, we do what He says to do, and as we go, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those we meet. The world may or may not release us to do as we please, but GOD has already told us to obey Him and trust Him in all things.
But, if you don't know Jesus Christ, if you have never surrendered to GOD on His terms and been born again, this discussion doesn't make much sense to you. GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to a knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that He loves you, and having already paid the price for your sIn, wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. While you are under condemnation for your sIn, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ that you might have Life. A new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Receive Him by faith and believe today.
No matter what your circumstances, be obedient to the Gospel today.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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