God vouch to send the nations of Israel and Judah to captivity for the sake of their sins. Both nations would suffer under foreign invaders, and many of their citizens would be transported to suffer in a distant land – for about 70 years. Meanwhile, God promised to restore Israel and Judah back to their soil if they repent. God stated,
‘I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed proper to me. And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field I have also given him to serve him” (Jeremiah 27:5-6)… “For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform my good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place” (Jeremiah 27:5-6).
Lesson:
It is more or less a suicide mission for anyone to attempt to take God for granted. God has a clear understanding of all matter and he has a strong capability to do whatever he desires. God has the power to give anything, and he has the power to take anything away! Therefore, we humans must understand that we cannot play God, neither can we usurp his power. He is the Father of creation, and whatever he says is the final. Hence, humanity ought to tremble before God, and carefully follow his instructions. He will prosper us if we obey him, but he will punish us if we disobey his rules.
Prayer:
Dear God, please give me the grace to serve you with fear and trembling. Do not let me take you for granted so that I will not be punished. Let me carefully follow your instructions, so that I can prosper in all my ways. Please let it be well with me as I endeavor to faithfully serve you every day. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
