Jeremiah’s message from God to the people was that they needed to repent to avoid disaster. Jeremiah 18: 11 “Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’ ”[1]
Later God explained why. Jeremiah 18: 15 But my people are not so reliable, for they have deserted me; they burn incense to worthless idols. They have stumbled off the ancient highways and walk in muddy paths. 16 Therefore, their land will become desolate, a monument to their stupidity. [2]
Breaking Covenant
When God rescued His people from Egypt, He made a covenant with them. They would be blessed as they followed Him. But if they broke their agreement to obey, they would bring curses upon themselves.
Jeremiah 11:1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, 2 “Remind the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the terms of my covenant with them. 3 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is anyone who does not obey the terms of my covenant! 4 For I said to your ancestors when I brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt, “If you obey me and do whatever I command you, then you will be my people, and I will be your God.” 5 I said this so I could keep my promise to your ancestors to give you a land flowing with milk and honey—the land you live in today.’ ” [3]
God is merciful and didn’t randomly destroy the people for their disobedience. He sent numerous prophets to warn and call the people back. Amos 3: 6 When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has lanned it? 7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. [4]
The Individual’s Part in the Nation
God attempted to call the people back to Himself one more time through Jeremiah. He wanted to bless them, but their actions prevented that. They assumed because they were God’s nation, their individual actions didn’t matter. They thought they were free to live as they wanted.
But the decisions of individuals brought curses on the nation. Just as that was true in Jeremiah’s time, it continues to be true in our time. George Washington dedicated this nation to God as it began. But many individuals refuse to honor God, and some go as far as to mock Him. They don’t realize the spiritual world is real, and they are bringing curses on themselves and those around them.
God still desires that we turn back to Him to avoid disaster. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. We receive forgiveness and restoration when we trust His blood to cover our wrongs. Blessings will fall on the nation as we return to God in revival. To learn to repent to avoid disaster, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/exile
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.