Jeremiah 44

Will those of God’s people who are left behind in Jerusalem, who have not been taken into exile into Babylon, learn from all that has happened and all that God has said through his prophets?  It appears not.  They seem intent on fleeing to Egypt, to form alliances there, and refuse to repent and rest in the Lord.  The message of Jeremiah is still that they should settle in Judea and wait for God’s salvation, even though they will endure 70 years (see Jeremiah 25) of separation from those who have gone into exile.  Their refusal to listen to Jeremiah is a sign they are so easily led away from God into the worship of other gods and idols.  Can we learn from this episode of the People of God how to be the People of God today?

The Revd. David Hildred