Tues.’s Devo - Zedekiah’s End

Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 25:23-24 God told Jeremiah to ask him and he would tell him things that were about to happen that no one knew. They had torn down their houses to fortify the walls against the siege ramps that the Babylonians had set up. They were wasting their time and efforts because God had determined they would not win. Their sins had gotten them into the mess they were in but God did have a plan for their future. He would heal them and cause them to prosper and have peace. They would have their fortunes restored and rebuild their towns. God would cleanse them and forgive all their sins. God would raise up a righteous descendant from the house of Judah who would do what was righteous and just. Judah would be saved and Jerusalem would live in safety. This Savior would sit on the throne of David forever. Israel would multiply like the stars and the sand on the seashore. King Nebuchadnezzar came from Babylon with his army to burn down Jerusalem and take the city. God told Jeremiah to tell King Zedekiah that he would not escape but be captured and taken to Babylon to meet King Nebuchadnezzar face to face. He would not die in war but die peacefully and be honored and mourned. At this time, Nebuchadnezzar was attacking the surrounding cities and Jerusalem. King Zedekiah proclaimed freedom for the slaves in Jerusalem. The people obeyed for a while but then forced them to be slaves again. Jeremiah reminded them of what the law said. Hebrews slaves could work six years for their masters and then they were to be set free unless they chose to stay. Since they had broken their covenant with God, God would set them free to be destroyed by war, disease, and famine. They would be an object of horror to all the nations of the earth. The Babylonians had left besieging Jerusalem for a while, but they would return and do everything Jeremiah had said they would. First Timothy tells us that in the last days many will turn away from the truth and follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons instead. They will be hypocrites and liars and have no conscience. They will tell us it is wrong to marry or to eat certain foods. Paul told Timothy not to spend his time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. but instead teach the people to live in love, faith and purity. Timothy should model this before them and don’t neglect the spiritual gift within you. Live what you teach so others will have a role model to follow. Lord, may we stay strong in our faith and the truth of the Word.