“Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, 12 “Take him and look after him, and do him no harm; but do to him just as he says to you.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon’s chief officers; 14 then they sent someone to take Jeremiah from the court of the prison, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he dwelt among the people.” Jeremiah 39:11-14 NKJV
“And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. 8 Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, 9 and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition before Him: 10 ‘If you will still remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up. For I relent concerning the disaster that I have brought upon you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,’ says the Lord, ‘for I am with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand.” Jeremiah 42:7-11 NKJV
Father and Guide,
Jeremiah has consistently given them Your best way forward in very complicated circumstances, Enemies on every side coming and going. Then Israel being taken off into exile by Assyria and Judah by Babylon. Jeremiah told his people whether in Babylon or Judah to settle and get on with life. But do they? No of course not. Ishmael of the royal family and ten of his officers murder Gedaliah, who had been made governor of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 41:2). Then they are in fear of reprisal.
Jeremiah we see gains his freedom. Nebuchadnezzar perhaps saw him as someone speaking peace and against any rebellion so not only frees him but gives him provisions and a gift (Jeremiah 40:5-6). You did not overlook your servant. So he continues to speak out and warn against going to Egypt. So what do they do? They go to Egypt and take Jeremiah with them! But Jeremiah is not threatened by imprisonment, exile or by being a refugee . . . he continues to speak. And we moan at a little discomfort? I am sure he was not a perfect man – no one is. You gave him what he needed, not what he wanted and he was faithful. He was free to do Your will whether in prison or not. We are not all called to be a Jeremiah but keep us faithful.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 11th August 2026
A free heart to follow and a fabulous worship hymn to rejoice.
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley