Jeremiah 39 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Jeremiah 39:11,12

Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: “Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks.”

The city walls have been breached; people are being put to death by the sword and deported to Babylon, yet the faithful servant is not only spared but provided for! Where do we think this command truly came from? Was Nebuchadnezzar just being a nice guy that day or do we realize that this favor was Divinely given by God to His faithful servant? The contrasts between what is happening to the world around Jeremiah and what happens in Jeremiah’s world are vast and powerful. We see our God provide protection and provision in the midst of chaos and destruction. We see our God who is faithful above all pouring out His love through an engaging king.

It’s amazing to me the greatness and power of our God. That He can and will use those around us, even those who don’t acknowledge Him or know truly what they are doing to accomplish His will! Does this mean that we will always be spared from suffering or hardship? No, it does not, but it does give us a hope and confidence that regardless of what is going on around us, God is with us!

So today, whatever you are facing or whatever is coming against you, remain faithful to God and know that He is near! He will move in one way or another, and when He moves, things happen! We aren’t spared from trouble or hardship, but we are spared from going through it alone!

Praise God for He is worthy of it all!

John 16:33- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 28:20- “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

God bless! I love you all, but His love is eternal! Praise, glory, and honor to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!

 

Jeremiah 39:16-18

“Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity. At that time, they will be fulfilled before your eyes. But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

 

A Cushite was not a Jew by birth but a Gentile, so I see this verse as the coming salvation for all the Gentiles who believe and trust in the Lord! Saved by grace through faith! What a beautiful picture of the Lord telling him that on that day, he will be spared! This was true for him, and it’s true for us as well.

 

There is a day coming when the whole world will be judged, and only the blood of Christ will suffice for covering your sins and ensuring your salvation. I love how the Lord says it will happen “because you trust in Me.” It’s faith! It’s not deeds, or tithes, Bible studies, or seminary but faith that would save this man and us! Now, those things are crucial parts of our growth in the Lord, but they don’t save us! Only Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can! You see protection, deliverance, salvation for the Gentile believer, and as a Gentile believer, that is very encouraging! There was another verse the Holy Spirit brought to mind when I read this:

 

Matthew 10:34 -“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

 

If Jesus is bringing the sword, then only He can save you from it! There is no other more powerful than our God. Nothing can stand against Him or survive without Him! One day, disaster and judgment will come upon this earth, and the only defense and salvation to be had will be found in Christ alone! Are we ready?

 

Ephesians 2:8,9 - God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, So, none of us can boast about it.

 

God bless! I love you all! Glory, Honor, and Praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our risen King, and the Holy Spirit!