Mon.’s Devo- Live For Eternity

Read: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19
Jeremiah continued his prophecy against Babylon in Chapter 51. Jeremiah had written it on a scroll and given it to the staff officer who accompanied King Zedekiah to Babylon. He was to read it out loud when they got there, then tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates to be a sign that like that scroll, Babylon would sink to rise no more.
Chapter 52 was not written by Jeremiah but probably by Ezra. It was a synopsis of what Jeremiah had prophesied before. It began with the rule of King Zedekiah and told his story. He had done evil in God’s eyes and had to pay tribute to Babylon. After a few years he stopped paying Babylon which caused them to come against them in battle. The Babylonians put Jerusalem under a siege which lasted 6 months. When they completely ran out of food, the army of Babylon broke through the wall and Judah’s army fled, along with the king. The king was pursued and captured while his army deserted him. Zedekiah was taken to Babylon where he was made to watch his children and wives killed before having his own eyes gouged out. He was put in prison in Babylon where he died.
Babylon was set on fire and most of the people (4,600) were taken to Babylon. All the treasures of the temple were dismantled and taken also. The priests and officers were taken to Babylon and executed.
After being in exile for 37 years Evil-Merodach became king in Babylon. He brought King Jehoiachin out of prison and gave him new clothes and exalted him to eat at his table. Jehoiachin had only been 8 years old when he began to reign in Judah. He had reigned for 3 months and 10 days before he was taken to Babylon. He was now 45 years old and much wiser. God was giving him a second chance.
Paul told Titus to remind the people to be subject to their rulers and those in authority. They were in Crete - a very prosperous island known for their evil and deceit. Corruption reigned in their government and yet Paul encouraged them to submit to their authority. Paul gives us an example of life in Crete in verse 3. He reminded the believers to live their lives devoted to doing what was good. He warned against getting into useless arguments about the law but to live being generous and productive.
Lord, may we pray for and honor our leaders in government because you set them there. May we live our lives in love being generous and productive for your kingdom.