Jeremiah Chapter 40
We may find it strange and sometimes baffling that those who do not worship God knows more of the things of God than those who proclaimed to be His worshippers. Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, could accurately describe what the will of God is. This truth, though repeatedly and clearly declared to the people of God, was sadly rejected in disbelief.
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19)
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matt 7:21)
Though Nebuzaradan could clearly articulate the acts of God; that God inflicted punishment on the people because of their sin against God, that did not absolve him from the punishment that is to come (Jer 50 and 51). It is clearly not enough to just know and understand why God acts in certain ways. More is demanded of us. Do we earnestly seek to abide by the will of our Lord?
This incident should also serve as a stark reminder to us, about our level of faith and commitment towards our Lord. Have we relegated to a level beneath that of an unbeliever? Are we merely on par with them? Or can we say that our righteousness, faith and obedience far exceed their level? That we can we hold our heads high when we meet the Lord?
The other character of interest is Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, who was appointed the governor of the land. Some reckoned that he is a wise man, gentle and modest, who did much for the people who remained in the land. That could be seen from the way he gathered and encouraged the poorest of the land and how they could gather wine and summer fruit in abundance; fruits of their labour.
Sadly, we find that he is too trusting and perhaps lacking in vigilance, resulting in his assassination, despite being forewarned by others. Gedaliah, however, provided us a lesson in life. As 1 Pet 5:8 reminds us “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Let us guard our spiritual life dearly lest we regret.
May the Lord help us.
