Story of Contrasts

This is a story of contrasts between rich and poor which we read about in Jeremiah 39. It is about destruction contrasted with protection, of humiliation and honouring, of faithfulness and infidelity. It is similar to the Rich Man and Lazarus story narrated by Jesus (Luke 16:19-31).

First in Line
King Zedekiah as leader bears responsibility for the state of the nation. He is soundly defeated, his household despoiled, his palace destroyed and he himself humiliated because of his repeated disobedience to God's warnings through Jeremiah. Shorn of power, he is taken into captivity as God had warned. The proud are brought low as God’s judgement begins with his own household (see 1 Peter 4:17). Far from being immune to his searching judgement, God’s people stand first in line. Greater privileges carry greater responsibilities. Jesus said: From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48). We are first in line in our responsibilties, having received God's salvation.  

Demonstrating Trust

In contrast, firstly the poorest people in Judah are spared from doom. Second, Jeremiah, the prophet who brought God’s word is honoured by the captors, the Babylonians. Last but not the least, Ebed-Melek, the Ethiopian Eunuch (38:7, ESV), is favoured by God (v 18). He demonstrated his trust in God by siding with Jeremiah and therefore with God’s word (see Jeremiah 38:7–13). I am reminded of Philip, the evangelist and his encounter with another one such Ethiopian Eunuch, much later in timeline. This Eunuch feared the Lord and became his follower which is recorded in Acts 8. Can God place his trust on us, at all times?

God Can Use Anyone!

Amid the chaos of evil, God still has his people, even when it seemed no one was left. God can use anyone to accomplish his purpose, even Babylonians who do not recognise the Lord, but he looks for faithful people. I want to be one such! 

(Reproduced with few changes from Andy Bathgate's article in https://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2018-11-10/Is-anyone-there)