Jeremiah 21:1-14

In times of trouble it is very common for people to turn to God and seek for His assistance.  People who have cursed and disobeyed all their lives will suddenly cry out to God in the face of tragedy or difficult circumstances.  God may graciously respond to these prayers on some occasions but we must never allow this to become an excuse or justification for rebelliousness.  The king of Judah sends to inquire of the priest if God will deliver the people from the attack of Babylon.  It is ironic that he has not been concerned with seeking the Lord prior to this circumstance but now he is desperate because his city is under siege.  God wants us to call on Him at all times as we seek to live in obedience to His Word not just when we face judgment for our disobedience.

JEREMIAH INFORMS THE KING OF GOD’S JUDGMENT: The armies of Babylon are breathing down the necks of the city of Jerusalem.  The king is suddenly desirous of knowing God’s will and hope his inquiry will somehow bring God to the rescue despite the people’s constant idolatry and the king’s own rebelliousness.  Jeremiah gives the king a very clear answer.  God will not deliver.  In fact God is the One doing the judging and will be fighting against the nation of Judah.  Many will be killed by plagues; those who survive the plagues will either be killed by the sword or taken into captivity.  This is not the message the king or anyone wants to hear but it is the truth.  God wants His children to boldly proclaim the truth of God even when it is difficult or unpopular.


JEREMIAH INSTRUCTS THE KING TO ACT JUSTLY: Jeremiah then gives the king some clear instruction about how he is to act in light of these times.  In times of desperation people tend to go into survival mode and disregard the needs and desires of others.  In times of desperation it is easy to neglect our duties and just become very selfish.  This will only make things worse.  Jeremiah tells the king he is already in very big trouble that will not go away; but he warns him that those troubles will only multiply if he starts abusing his power as king or begins to neglect the needs of those who live in poverty.  We cannot use difficult days as an excuse for disobedience. 

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