Since man fell into sin as recorded in Genesis chapter three, man has been involved in a great spiritual battle. Man’s sinfulness is all around us and you may begin to wonder, “will God punish the wrong doers?”
Jeremiah had been a faithful prophet of the Lord speaking forth tough words the Lord had given him for the people. Jeremiah told the people to surrender to the nation of Babylon. If you don’t, you would die in Jerusalem. If you surrendered, you would live.
4 So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!” 5 King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. “Do as you like. I can’t stop you.” 6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard.[1] Jeremiah 38:4-6.
Although Jeremiah was doing as exactly as the Lord told him, other people decided to persecute him for his words.
So, we must again ask the question. Will God punish those who persecute others? The Lord tells us in Hebrews 9:27 – And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.[2] For those who do not turn from their sins and turn to Jesus in faith as their Savior will be punished by spending eternity separated from God.
The Apostle Paul also give us some amazing insight on persecution in Romans. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. [3]
To hear more of Jeremiah’s story listen here:
To hear more teaching on this story, listen here:
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jeremiah 38:4–6, Hebrew 9:27, Romans 12:19-21). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.