Jeremiah 26

As I am working my way through Jeremiah there are many things that have stuck out to me. The way God continues to send prophets to the people of Judah and other places and that they do not listen or repent from evil. God simply and straight forward commands turn from evil and don't worship other gods. Also that people are prophesying in His name in lies. They aren't speaking the truth. I'm not sure if it is to please man, they don't really know God or they are scared of what people will say. I think of this being like when someone says oh well I don't go to church every week because I don't want to be legalistic or someone says they haven't been able to follow The Lord in this way and someone else tells them that's okay or supports the decision and says God forgives or you are young that's okay. Yes there is forgiveness but there is also obedience to Christ that many lack. 

Jeremiah was very obedient to Gods commands. God would tell him exactly what to do, where to do it and what to say. Jeremiah believed in His power and listened and obeyed. He continually told the people to repent and turn from evil and they did not. God kept making him stand in front of people and proclaim His word and the people weren't changing their ways. This would be very disheartening. You feel like you are obeying God and yet you aren't seeing anything happen. Many people give up in times like this. But we have to think why did we start this? Not only did Jeremiah have to deal with their evil he was impacted by it. 

But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! (Jeremiah 26:8 NIV). 

People were angry. Why? Because when people sin they do more stupid things. Evil leads to more evil. It doesn't eventually turn to good. They were angry that Jeremiah was trying to correct them and tell them they were wrong. They probably felt ashamed and embarrassed so they reacted stupidly and rashly. Well I guess Jeremiah is our problem so lets just get rid of him. No! Your heart is your problem! 

Not luckily but by the power of God, He kept Jeremiah from harms way. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” (Jeremiah 26:13-15 NIV). Jeremiah continued preaching Gods word and telling the people to turn from evil. He was simply doing what God said. He wasn't selfish and didn't want to protect himself he did as God commanded. God will protect us especially where He leads us. “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the Lord and seek his favor? And did not the Lord relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!” (Jeremiah 26:19 NIV). Because Jeremiah loved a life of truth and love for God he was protected and kept for the glory of God. Unlike Jeremiah who stood strong in the face of evil and the name of The Lord, Uriah was scared and did not believe in Gods power to save. (Now Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath Jearim was another man who prophesied in the name of the Lord; he prophesied the same things against this city and this land as Jeremiah did. When King Jehoiakim and all his officers and officials heard his words, the king was determined to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it and fled in fear to Egypt. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him struck down with a sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people.) (Jeremiah 26:20, 21, 23 NIV). 

I can't say it enough but God is a consuming fire and all evil will be swept away in His eyes! Our God saves!!! He will guide us and where He guides He will show His glory and power! He is ready to change this world and we have to be too!! One day all will turn and praise God!