God’s Word will come to Pass

Jeremiah 39:1-18 

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity”- Jeremiah 39:16

From today’s reading, let’s all be made very clear that the God whom we worship fulfils what He has spoken! This attack by Babylon against Israel was prophesied by Isaiah a century before it took place, to King Hezekiah who foolishly acted in displaying all his wealth to the envoys from Babylon (Read Isaiah 39:5-7). But the King instead of repenting, comforted himself that it wouldn’t happen duringhis reign but at a later time.

God later raises Prophet Jeremiah to warn the people of the impending disaster as we read in Jer.4 :6 “Raise a signal to go to Zion, Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction.”

What lessons do we learn from this chapter today?

Heed the warning of the Lord, His word will come to pass- God had kept warning His people giving them enough time to get their act together. But a century did not seem enough for them. We read in 2 Kings 24 the rulers of Judah one after another turned their backs on God while knowing this prophecy. They took the word of God lightly. 

How about today?- is this our attitude towards the return of Christ? He is coming again as a judge—are we ready to meet Him? Or are we, as written in 2 Peter 3:5 saying, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” But heed to V.9 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” The exact time for Jesus’ return is unknown but noteJesus’ words in Matt. 24:35- “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Here’s a warning – Learn from the past failures -DO NOT TAKE HIS WORD LIGHTLY

Sin will be punished - For all the wicked deeds of the rulers of Judah, their unbelief, and contempt for God’s word that was repeatedly spoken by Jeremiah for 40 years , we see God punishing not only  Zedekiah and his sons (vs 6&7) but also the rich, the learned and the powerful were taken into exile. Did it stop there? No! the entire nation, was destroyed—the palaces, houses and the walls and even the Temple was burnt.  

Are you still living in sin even after knowing that the penalty of sin? Gal.6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." 

God is giving ample time to repent and get right with Him. If not, just as Judah faced destruction and exile, there will be eternal punishment for those who refuse to accept the truth that saves them (2 Thess 2:10).

God watches over His own even in the most trying times – We read of 2 men who honoured God above people, being rescued by God.

i) Prophet Jeremiah was hated by his own people. He was persecuted repeatedly for proclaiming the message God had given him- he was hated, threatened and forced to leave his homeland only because of this ministry. But things changed when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem. They showed him respect, freed and protected him. This fulfils Gods word over Jeremiah in 1: 8 “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

ii) In Vs.17-18 we read about Ebe Melech – a Cushite (Ethiopian) official in the king’s palace- he did not join with others when they decided to murder Jeremiah at the risk of his own life. He feared God more than men. For this very reason, God remembered and rewarded him by giving him his life by rescuing him from the Babylonians!

Prov.16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” 

Never forget: What matters at all times in our earthly life, is our trust in God and obedience to His word that keeps us safe until His return!

Listen: 'Awesome God'