Everywhere, people were already talking about the arrival of the Babylonians, but God’s people did not believe it; on the contrary, most of them mocked Jeremiah and his prophecies and paid no attention to them. Some even called themselves “prophets of God,” predicting the defeat of the enemy and inventing far-fetched theories that would happen when they prayed to God. Watch!

There was no message simpler and more powerful than that revealed by Jeremiah. However, since the inhabitants of Jerusalem lacked the fear of God, they paid no attention to the Lord and abandoned His commandment. Thus, when the enemy arrived, they would have no time to defend themselves; they would be humiliated and taken into captivity. How could they forget their deliverance from slavery in Egypt?

The people of Judah only had to straighten their paths so that the power from On High would be poured out; that way, the Babylonians would be no match for them. But when they despised divine help, they could not count on the Lord's great strength. It was not too late for happiness, but they did not pay attention to the Word. Now, God does not answer the prayers of those who rebel against Him!

After reviewing their conduct, those people would be able to improve their works and then enjoy the abundant life granted by the Most High. Note that God does not ask us to do anything difficult; He asks for obedience to His Word. By obeying, they would have the strength necessary to resist the Babylonians, and the Lord would make them return to their nation defeated enemies, as He did to the Assyrians about a hundred years earlier (2 Kings 19).

With their ways improved, they would become worthy to dwell in that place, and the enemy would not invade their land or take any of their children captive. Today, the concern is related to the coming of Jesus, when His Church will be taken to Heaven, and those who remain here will suffer the harsh persecution of the antichrist (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). There has never been and never will be a period as troubled as the one that will come with the rise of the man of sin (Revelation 13).

        When the Lord says something, we must believe, because He is faithful and true, and can face all the armies of the world and destroy them by His power. However, those who decide to turn their backs on the Most High will suffer at the hands of the one who will try to usurp God's throne, claiming to be the Lord Himself. Pay attention to the Word and prepare yourself to face the one who will seek to sit on the divine throne. With one breath, Jesus will kill him (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4,9-12).

Why not accept the Most High's recommendation to change your attitudes and your works, if He wants to make you dwell in a safe place? Those who are not servants of the Lord do not see the need to mend their ways. Faithful servants, on the other hand, will do what God commands and will be successful!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares