01/16/2026
As I read the word this morning I am reminded of how, just like anyone else, just how self-thinking (selfish) I can be. In Jeremiah 11:18-23, Jeremiah’s life was threatened by those in power (the wicked leaders) around him. God spoke to Jeremiah saying in verse 22, God will punish them; they will die by the sword and their children by famine (starvation). Now, the starvation can be taken in two ways:
1) a physical starvation (no food)
2) a spiritual starvation (the hand of God no longer protecting them; the scariest kind)
Considering the overall context of the text, we can see God is starving them in both ways. Verse 23 states, that God will issue His judgement in the year of “visitation” (punishment). It’s very important the wording which is used in the King James Version “visitation”. It emphasizes the very synopsis of the text. There is a time for such. God gives His creation time to receive correction & to repent. Imagine if God had struck the apostle Paul dead after slaughtering the first Christian. We would not have 2/3 of the New Testament. Therefore, who are we to act, think, or question God as to why He hasn’t punished our opposition? Are we wiser than our creator? No We Are Not!! Just as God has provided mercy to us, he provides it to the wicked. For after all, God commands us to not give favoritism; what kind of God (Father) would He be if He tells us to all the while He doesn’t (the famous line, do as I say not as I do; God forbid!!).
One more point I’d like to elaborate on. God states in verse 22, they will die by the sword and their children will die of starvation. Truly think about that. Not only will they die in a horrible & nor fast fashion; they will be cast into hell for all of eternity!! Never ending!! Not 1000 years, not 10,000 years, not 10 million years, but ETERNITY!! Pray for those who are unsaved‼️
1) opposition gives us opportunity to become stronger in Christ (faith).
2) opposition gives us the opportunity to understand how God feels when we oppose Him (His commandments)
3) God loves His entire creation (Christ died for us all, not just those who live for Him in the moment).
4) we are not “main characters “, we’re servants
5) praise God He gives mercy because we are all sinners and fall short of the Kingdom of God. We are only deserving of death, the grave, and hell!
6) trust God’s timing