Going into captivity brought upon Judah the shame of going from being a prosperous and victorious people in battle to being the subjects of an idolatrous king (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). Nebuchadnezzar overcame all the kingdoms that did not know the Lord and the strength available to those who serve Him. No doubt history would have been different if there had been those in Jerusalem who feared the King of kings!

         Jeremiah used all the arguments God had given him, but the hardened Israelites didn't realize that, for the Lord, the important thing was that they obeyed Him. Nowadays, we see the same thing happening to Christians who, suddenly, start acting like the lost. The devil can only touch the saved who turn away from God's will. In that case, that person's prayers won't go beyond the ceiling (1 John 5:18).

           Now, the Lord sent Ezekiel to tell the people to make amends for their failure and to fulfill His ordinances. God promised to intervene in the harvests of the house of Israel without giving the mystics the opportunity to invoke the “gods” of Canaan, who never came to their aid. Both the fruits of the trees and the newness of the field would produce much more than was natural. The Most High can also help us if we seek Him!

          When we are at peace with God, serving Him wholeheartedly, believing and determining that the promised blessings will come to pass in our lives, the Heavens come into play. Thus, we see how much His power can help us, under the direction of the Lord's throne. On this subject, James declared: You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.  (James 4.3). To ask well is to take possession of the promises contained in Scripture!

          If they were obedient to the Bible, the Israelites would see the hand of the Lord acting in their favor in no time. In the same way, we can believe that we will have God's help if we stand on His promises and do His will. It's up to each one of us to get a positive response from our heavenly Father. Whoever fulfills the biblical commandments proves that they love Jesus, and He, in turn, will love them, giving them the approval of the Kingdom of Heaven (John 14.23).

          Many brothers and sisters are going through the reproach of famine because they don't know how to do the right thing. God's good will is meant only for His children. But unfortunately, some are getting drunk on bad wine in their misrepresentations of the Bible. We can and must always act in accordance with the Word. So let's try to meditate on the declarations that the Lord makes stand out before our eyes, because they will be honored.

          Meditate on Judges, chapter 6, to see Israel's mistake in allowing themselves to be taken in by the gods of the Amorites, contrary to divine instruction. Those who disregard heavenly commands will face serious problems in their daily lives, because when the enemy comes like a strong torrent, the Holy Spirit will not be able to fly the flag against this attack. Take care of yourself in faith in Christ!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares.