If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted. Jeremiah 42:10 (Jeremiah 40-44)
Remember Jeremiah’s prophecy of 29:11? God has a plan of peace and prosperity! Nebuchadnezzar has set up Gedaliah as governor in Mizpah. God has said to reap a harvest and put down roots. But within three months, Gedaliah is assassinated, along with 70 men. In fear of repercussion from Babylon, these agents of evil kidnap their countrymen and head for Egypt. Jeremiah was among those taken against their will. There is a seeking of God’s will and Jeremiah delivers the message to remain in Judah where God will care for them, but instead, they continue to Egypt and return to self gratifying idolatry. Just as God promised, these people become extinct.
God says again and again, “Don’t take the easy way out! Follow me, I know what’s best.” Once again, separated from everything he loves and surrounded by idolatrous Hebrews, Jeremiah remains faithful, speaks truth, and trusts God’s plan for a future he cannot see, or even perceive in his great grief and desolation.
You don’t need perfect circumstances to cultivate personal Holiness. We look to earthly principalities and institutions to endorse our values and make moral living an easier target. This is an ideal that’s unlikely to occur, so don’t be distracted. DO WHAT IS RIGHT! When no one else will, YOU DO IT ANY WAY!! Because God has a plan, and it is good.
Love,
Gretchen