When the defeat of Jerusalem
occurred Jeremiah wrote of the unbelief of the kings and inhabitants
of the world that this would ever happen. As Jeremiah continues his
observances in chapter four and verse thirteen, he shares the reason
for the destruction of the city. We read:
For the sins of her
prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed
the blood of the just in the midst of her,
The verse begin, “For
the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her
priests,” As we use our
imaginations to think about the “sins of her prophets”
we may be dismayed to believe
that the “prophets”
went this direction. They were the spiritual leadership of the city,
and they were responsible to lead the people in their relationship
with God. However, not only they but also “the iniquities
of her priests” began the
city's demise. When spiritual leadership became corrupt it wasn't
long before the city fell.
The
verse continues, “that have shed the blood of the just in the
midst of her,” As though the passing of their information
sinfully wasn't enough, these prophets and priest “have shed the
blood of the just” in the middle of the city. In other words,
the justice system of the prophets and priests was corrupt as well.
Rather than vindicate the just, they were taking bribes, indulgences
and the like which implicated the “just” and released
those who should have been incriminated.
When the
political system of a nation turns against God, it is the beginning
of its demise, but when the religious system turns against Him as
well, defeat is just around the corner. This was the case for Judah
and Jerusalem. Their kings began to set themselves against the Lord
and worshiped other gods instead or alongside Him. Afterwards the
prophets and priests became corrupt, untruthful and compromised the
teachings of the Lord. As we ponder the ominous words in this verse,
perhaps our venue should be to pray for us and our nation lest we too
find ourselves as the fodder and unbelief of the nations around us.
Next
time see the reason the kings and inhabitant of the world's unbelief,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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