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Jerusalem Under Siege

1 “Flee for safety people of Benjamin! Sound the trumpet in Tekoa! Raise the signal over Beth Hakkerem! For disaster looms out of the north, even terrible destruction.

2 I will destroy the Daughter of Zion, so beautiful and delicate.

3 Shepherds with their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents around her, each tending his own portion.”

4 “Prepare for battle against her! Arise, let us attack at noon! But, alas, the daylight is fading, and the shadows of evening grow long,

5 So arise, let us attack at night and destroy her fortresses!”

6 This is what the Lord Almighty says:

“Cut down the trees and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; it is filled with oppression.

7 As a well pours out its water, so she pours out her wickedness. Violence and destruction resound in her; her sickness and wounds are ever before me.

8 Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it.”

9 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Let them glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine; pass your hand over the branches again, like one gathering grapes.”

10 To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

The Babylonian army is getting ready to execute God's judgment on Jerusalem because His people continue to ignore His way. In these verses Jeremiah is warning his fellow tribesmen to get out of Jerusalem, because it will be under siege. God even directs the Babylonian's actions in order to carry out this punishment. Rejecting God's warning through Jeremiah, they have spiritually closed themselves off from God. Have we done the same thing? Not intentionally, but through the neglect of His Word?

If we think the Old Testament has nothing to say to us today, we must think again. These verses are about repentance and judgment. When we close off our hearts and ears to God's Word, He will eventually work in our lives to turn us once again to Him. If we have accepted the Lord Jesus, we are set apart and seen by God as holy because of what Jesus did. However, we're not there yet. God expects something more from us than that first Confession of Faith. In order to help us become what He now sees us to be, He has gifted us with the Holy Spirit, our teacher, the Spirit of Truth, Counselor, Encourager, Comforter and Paraclete.

 

We have a wonderful guest living in our house. Have we acknowledged His Presence or is He in a spare room waiting? John 14:16-17 tells us,”...the Father will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He lives with you and will be in you.” He has been given to us to walk beside us and enable us to become what God already sees us to be. We will begin to make choices that honor God and gradually grow into the Christian that He wants us to be. It is a process!

 

How thankful we must be for that incomprehensible love that continues to forgive and guide us according to His perfect plan!

How we praise you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for providing the path to wholeness and peace for us. May we ever be aware of your precious Presence with us. In Jesus Name, we pray.

 

Sarah (Sally) L. Messmer

star19mess@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For those who sing, “Word of God, Speak”, yet neglect to read His Word.