August 11, 2018
What does it say?
Jeremiah was released and learned that the Lord had brought disaster on Judah just as He said He would because His people sinned against Him and did not obey Him.
What does it mean?
Word had spread to Babylon over time about Jeremiah, the prophet in Judah, who prophesied God’s judgment at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. While the Lord’s message had been largely ignored by His own people, the commander of Nebuchadnezzar’s guard was familiar with its content. He seemed baffled that any nation would disobey their God. Jeremiah was afforded leniency because of his constant urging for Judah to peacefully surrender to Babylon.
How should I respond?
Every follower of Christ has a reputation among people who do not know the Lord. People without Christ may not follow the teachings of the Bible, but they certainly expect professing Christians to live by them. A personal relationship with Jesus creates change in your life (2 Corinthians 5:17). What do your neighbors and coworkers see as they observe your daily choices? Does your lifestyle baffle family members who do not yet follow Jesus? Ask the Lord to help you recognize and confess any area of disobedience to Him. Your lifestyle as a believer should have a marked difference that draws others to Christ. What kind of reputation will you build today?|Further reading: Jeremiah 40:7-41:18