June 2020

07/06/2020

Jeremiah 40 v 9
Consequences of serving the king of Babylon and going (back) to Egypt

“…stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you.“

The events take place after Jerusalem is invaded by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Jeremiah 39 v 1 – 44 v 30).

In this illustration, the king of Babylon can be seen as the idols of our day, while Egypt is a type of the world. The world has been invaded by pop artists, actors and other celebrities and we are encouraged to “worship” these individuals and even pursue their way of life.

They paint a picture of how successful they are and that their lifestyle should be admired and even copied. Just look around you and you’ll see how the generation of our time is so brainwashed while they mimic these artists and even when warned, the majority do not give heed.

Jeremiah chose to remain in Judah and warned the people not to go to Egypt, but they simply rejected his warning as well as God’s instruction, and followed their own way and mind. Just as God warned His people through the prophets, they continued to serve other gods (Jer 44 v 3).

The same happens today, when we would rather spend time watching sports, movies and reading up about the “icons” of our time, instead of devoting ourselves to the Lord, being “soaked” in His Word, built up for every good work. Does this mean we shouldn’t watch or listen to anything other than teachings and sermons? Off course not! As long as your life does not revolve around all the “pleasures” this world has to offer.

There is a warning though. We need to be careful, because we can so easily decide to return to Egypt, to fulfill the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh, and before we know it we follow after other “gods”.

Just as Gedaliah was warned, ignored the warning and paid with his life and just as the people who came looking for him was deceived and murdered by Ishmael, we should give attention to the warning of our days and be careful not to be deceived into thinking this world is our home (Jer 41 v 6, 7)

Remember we are only sojourners, passing through. This world is not our home. We look forward to God’s kingdom, which is not of this world. We are warned about Egypt, the consequences and the imminent judgment (Jer 42 – 44).

Do not make the same mistake as the people who refused to listen to Jeremiah. This world is passing. There is only calamity for those wanting to remain in it. We have seen just how quickly the world can come to a complete standstill over night and people are left stranded.

In closing I would like to urge you to focus on the Lord and be content with staying in “Judah”, where he provides in our needs, even if we might not have everything we want. The Lord knows best and He will grant you the grace to see you through your trials and tribulations.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation”