Jeremiah 26-29

In Jeremiah 26 we see the Lord having mercy on the cities of Judah. He sent Jeremiah to tell them if they repent He would not bring the judgment He had announced earlier. God wants us to turn to Him and He gives us more chances to do that than we realize. He wants us to listen to Him so we may be able to interpret what He is telling us, and and see how He is working in and through His people to accomplish His plan. God used Jeremiah just that way. He was willing to even give His life to follow the Lord's instruction. Even the religious leaders were not listening. We must listen to that still small voice within us and make sure it is the Lord's voice to be able to be considered a follower of Christ. Christ says "draw near to me and I will draw near to you." Many have paid the ultimate price to follow God's will. Urijah was one that the put to death for speaking the words of the Lord. That is still an accepted practice in many countries. There were more people martyred for being Christians than in the 20th century than in the previous 19 centuries combined. Please remember to pray for the persecuted church.

In chapter 27 we see Jeremiah telling them to serve the King of Babylon. This was once again contrary to what they were being told by the priests and other prophets. Jeremiah again was listening and followed the Lord when others were trying to get them to resist the consequences the Lord had brought. We can interpret the times in which we live as we pray and ask for discernment. Those who forecast doom and gloom will either be justified by what happens next or shown to be a false prophet. When we go through trying times we should ask the Lord to help us endure.

Then in Chapter 29 we see the Lord telling the people to have peace in their tribulation, to have children and build houses. The captivity will be long and the Lord has plans to deliver them from their current situation. There may be a time of consequences for our actions. He will deliver us when we call on His name.