Faithfulness gets Rewarded

Read Jeremiah 40.

Proverbs 16:7-"When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Chained and herded along with all the other captives, Jeremiah had been taken to Ramah.  Here, the captain of the guard decided the fate of each one.  Many were marched to Babylon.  The poorest of the poor were allowed to stay in the land.

The captain's words to Jeremiah in verses 2-3 clearly indicate that he knew who Jeremiah was and about the messages from God that he delivered.  Jeremiah was not part of the rebellion and posed no threat.  After all, God's message to Judah was to surrender to the Babylonians.  As a result, Jeremiah was unchained and given absolute freedom.  Not only that, the captain presented Jeremiah with provisions and a present.

Jeremiah chose to stay in Judah.  His ministry changed.  No longer would he be preaching to kings and the people of Jerusalem.  Jerusalem had been destroyed and the seat of government moved to Mizpah.  Those remaining were either very poor, a remnant of soldiers in the field who just discovered what happened, or untrustworthy rebels.

Years had passed and the prophecies of the LORD concerning Judah's downfall came true.  Jeremiah suffered but not at the hands of the enemy.  It was his own people who refused to listen to God's word that tried to do him harm.  Even the unbelieving captain could see that God's word was true.

Ultimately, our trust must be in the Sovereign LORD.  He is working His plan in His time.  Meanwhile, He requires us to be faithful servants, taking what comes-good and bad-knowing that there are rewards waiting for those who love Him.  It is by faith, not by feeling or by sight, that we hold on to this truth.  "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)