I just finished reading one of the saddest and most painful chapters in the Bible – Jeremiah 52 (the same period with additional details are recorded in 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36). It is the sad story of a nation (Judah) reaping the prophesied consequences of their sin and rebellion against Jehovah.
First of all the chapter records the painful and bloody siege of Jerusalem by Babylon, the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and three deportations of the population to 70 years of painful exile. Think about it: from the siege of Jerusalem to the final deportation to Babylon itself was over 15 years of excruciating pain, violence, dread and death and finally deportation! (Interestingly what follows immediately after Jeremiah 52 in your Bible is the painful expression of Lamentations!)
It always amazes me that people quote Jeremiah 29:11 as a passage filled with hope and promise and positive intentions, and ignore the fact it expresses the incredible mercy of God articulated to a people who are about to experience 70 years of discipline for their sin and rebellion. I mean, here it is… read it in context:
“For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Scripture declares: “The way of the transgressor is HARD!” (Proverbs 13:15) … And it is! God’s “discipline” is difficult and painful – BUT His purpose is positive and redemptive! … Ask the “exiles!” (Read Hebrews 12:5-11)
Coffee With The Lord 