
Jeremiah 22:1-30
👉 The Lord made it clear what was expected of the leaders of Judah (v 1-3).
- do justice
- do righteousness
- deliver those wronged
- do no wrong or violence
- do not shed innocent blood
Do justice. Do righteousness.
We see these specific commands all throughout scripture – Old Testament and New Testament. It’s a good reminder that we are to live out what we know to be right.
Not just think it – but do the thing.
Not sit passively by – but do the thing.
Not just post our opinions – but do. the. thing.
👉 King Josiah (v 15-16)
- king of justice and righteousness
- cared for the poor and needy
In other words, he did exactly what the Lord told him to do.
Then, there were two of Josiah’s sons.
Shallum (v 17)
- eyes and heart for dishonest gain
- shedding innocent blood
- practicing oppression and violence
Jehoiakim (v 21)
- in prosperity, would not listen to the voice of the Lord
- disobedient since his youth
👉 As a result of their disobedience – the people will be given into the hand of their enemy (v 25).
And though it doesn’t sound like it now – the Lord has good things planned for his people. He will meet them in their exile and remind them of who he is – and of who they are to him.
And don’t we all need a reminder of who we are in Christ? Of how the Lord sees us?
I’m getting ahead of myself; we aren’t there yet.
But – if you want a sneak peek…
How does the Lord describe the behavior of Israel in Jeremiah 3:6?
What does the Lord call Israel in Jeremiah 31:4, 21?
Think on that for a bit.
You are loved and you are all things beautiful to your heavenly Father.