Jeremiah 13:20-23 – Live with the end in mind

In 2 Kings 20, we read of how King Hezekiah had a remarkable healing. At that point, Judah and Babylon were on good terms with each other. Berodach-baladan, the king of Babylon, sent emissaries to Hezekiah with a letter and gifts to inquire about his condition. Pride took the better of Hezekiah and he ended up showing the visitors all that Judah had. That was an unwise move. Through Isaiah, God then prophesied Judah would suffer at the hand of Babylon. Second Kings 20:16-17 captured for us what Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord. ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and all that your fathers have laid up in store to this day will be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. 

Years later, God through Jeremiah was telling the people in more detail what would happen to Judah. In Jeremiah 13:20-27,  the people of Judah, referred to here as daughters of Zion, were instructed to lift up their eyes and see Babylon their adversaries coming down on them from the north.  Here we see a series of questions asked. The prophet was showing them the plight that was coming upon Jerusalem.

 

Firstly, Jerusalem would not be able to account for her people. Like a shepherd that had lost control, the lovely sheep would be taken away from her. The enemy would overrun Jerusalem and take over her cities. Secondly, that Jerusalem would be greatly embarrassed that her once friend and ally,  Babylon would be their oppressor. Thirdly, that Jerusalem’s capture would cause so shocking that she would be seized with intolerable pain much like a pregnant woman in labor and travailing in birth pangs. Fourthly, that Jerusalem would be so bewildered that left wondering what led to all these predicaments. Then the answer would be made known to them. It was because of the intensity of Jerusalem’s iniquity. She was caught in adultery with her nakedness exposed and would be led into captivity in that state. Fifthly, Jerusalem was so steeply into sin.  Practicing evil had become such a deeply ingrained habit that like that Ethiopians whose skin color could never be changed or like the unchangeable spots of a leopard’s skin.  

 

Don’t live life as if there is no tomorrow. The Bible reminds us that to whom much is given much will be expected and required. We must live responsibly knowing that there will be a day when we will have to give an account of how we live our lives. The greater the privilege we have, the greater will be God’s expectation of us. Remember the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Be proactive and live life with the end in mind.