05/09/2023 - GODS OF LIES

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Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble. Jeremiah 11.12

The end was coming for Judah, for it had abused God’s patience. Then, when the king of Babylon came, to get rid of the Babylonians – the people would cry out to the gods they worshiped and burned incense to. Is there any point in making supplications to those who cannot hear, have no arms, or walk, forsaking the one true God? (Psalm 115:4-8). It all happened when Jeremiah was proclaiming the Lord’s message in the streets of Jerusalem and in Judah. They were distressed!

In those days, there was no longer anybody alive who had seen the kingdom of Samaria destroyed by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria (2 Kings 18:9-12). Now it would be Judah’s turn. However, 135 years after the defeat of the Northern kingdom by the Assyrians, no one remembered that the wickedness of the people of Ephraim had brought the tormenting force that totally destroyed them. But for them, the threat that came out of Jeremiah’s mouth was nothing, but it was fulfilled.

There are people living unconcerned about tomorrow. Others, in the past have turned to the Lord and been answered. Unfortunately, many say, “This ‘God thing’ is only good when we need Him,” so they never read the Bible for guidance and to enter into God’s presence. Some live in open sin and don’t think what they do is a big deal. However, they will groan terribly under the devil’s whip.

We must seek the Creator, for we were planned in His heart. God, who made us in such a tremendous and functional way, with skills we haven’t even discovered yet, can help us to know our full potential. You see, Judah bowed down before the demons, believing that they too did good. God’s people wanted prosperity, but the evil one deceived them with his false help.

Surrendering to the forces of darkness is the worst attitude a man can have. Death does not give life, nor does it help anyone. Listen to Life, the Lord Himself, who proved this truth when He was here (John 14.6). He still bears witness to it in the daily lives of people who seek Him and believe in His Word. Judah didn’t care about this, so he paid a very high price. Only have fellowship with the One who does good!

The heavenly warning delivered by Jeremiah in the streets of Jerusalem and in Judah was not received as it should have been, for it did not have the desired effect. The citizens of that kingdom no longer sought the Lord or cared about what He said. Those poor lives would find out that their decision would bring consequences. Had they listened to the Most High and converted, Nebuchadnezzar would never have entered that land. Be vigilant!

The time of evil came, and the destruction was complete. The streets of Jerusalem saw their enemies trampling their soil, their wives and children being taken captive. The destruction that Babylon wrought would never be forgotten. Why didn’t they wake up? It is time to seek the Lord!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares