READING: Jeremiah 43-45
The book of Jeremiah is a book about judgment and renewal. It’s also a book about the power of God. In today’s reading, the rebellious Hebrews who refused to follow Jeremiah’s word to stay in Judah instead fled to Egypt: “So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord” (Jer 43:7).
The Hebrews ran to Egypt, but there the same people burned incense “to other gods in Egypt” (Jer 44:8). Consequently, God would bring judgment on them in Egypt just like He did the city of Jerusalem, and they would all perish in that foreign land. Idolaters simply cannot outrun the wrath of God, no matter how fast or how far they run.
Here’s what’s astounding to me, though. To accomplish His plan, God would send Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as His instrument of judgment. The Babylonians — who themselves followed false gods — would “set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt” and “take their gods captive” (Jer 43:12). The false gods of Babylon were so powerless that the Babylonians would be a tool in the hands of the true God, and the false gods of Egypt were no match for either one. The sovereign God rules over all; indeed, His power reminds us that He alone is indeed the only true God.
And yet, idolatry can be so entrenched in people that they, like the Hebrews in Egypt, believe their trouble is the result of not pleasing their false gods — rather than the result of dishonoring the true God: “But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring our drink offerings to her, we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine” (Jer 44:18). Even when judgment falls, the people still turn to gods who don’t exist.
It’s tragic.
And it’s the story of peoples all around the world today.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray for people groups throughout the globe who worship false gods that they’ve often made with their own hands.
- Throughout the day, contemplate the incredible power of God. Live today in holy, God-honoring fear.
PRAYER: “God, You are the only God. Help me to live today fully in reflection of that truth.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 46-48