Jeremiah 29:24-32 – God’s dealings will include tough times

Jeremiah’s messages to the exiles in this chapter were in letters that he wrote to them. He was not taken to Babylon, so the messages were written from Judah. The first message in Jeremiah 29:10-14 was written to encourage and enlighten the priests, the prophets, and the people in exile. He told them to get on with life in Babylon, to seek the welfare of their captors, and not listen to the lies of the false prophets. This message included telling them they were still in God’s heart and that a great destiny awaited them.

In Jeremiah 29:15-23, his message addressed the false prophets in Babylon. Also, it announced the outcome for the people and the king who replaced Jehoiachin in Judah who were not taken to Babylon. Here Jeremiah specifically named the two false prophets, Ahab and Zedekiah, and foretold their death.

In verses 24-32, we see Jeremiah’s response to a letter written by Shemaiah a false prophet. Shemaiah wrote from Babylon to Jerusalem, to Zephaniah the priest in charge, the priests serving with him, and the people who remained there. In verses 26-28, Shemaiah questioned Zephaniah and the priests for not doing their rightful duties. He took issue with Jeremiah for saying that the captivity in Babylon would be for a while (70 years). He wondered why Zephaniah, who was put in charge in Jerusalem did not rebuke or apprehend Jeremiah. Accusing Jeremiah of being crazy, all because his prophecy contradicted the claim of the false that the exiled Jews would be released within two years.

After Zephaniah had read the content of Shemaiah’s letter to Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to the latter. So he was instructed to send a message to the exiles concerning Shemaiah. Firstly, he revealed that Shemaiah was a deceiver who made the people believe his lies. Secondly, he pronounced that neither Shemaiah nor his offspring would live to experience the fulfillment of God’s promise to return the Jews to their homeland.

Ever wonder why people cannot accept tough circumstances as part of God’s program for their lives? Man’s propensity is to choose the path of least resistance because it is always easier to run downhill than climb uphill. Yet like bodybuilding, we need resistance to build. And God will allow us to experience tough times to build our faith and trust in Him. People, even Christians are so acclimatized to prosperity and good time that it is difficult for them to stomach a little adversity and hardship. So when God speaks of hard times, we suspect His intention. We would rather hear a soothing message than a hard but faith-building message. We need to learn not to focus on the pain of the process so that we forget the gold we will become at the end of the process. Remember purified gold comes through intense fire and heat. Be assured that God’s plan will include some tunnel experiences and there will always be light at the other end. He never leads us into a cave where there is absolutely no light. Choose to listen wisely. The message may be tough, but it will bring us to our expected end of a great hope and future.