We glean from the passage in Jeremiah 21-22 that the fall of Jerusalem to King Nebuchadnezzar was because of unrepentant sin however described. The people of Israel had rebelled against God and chosen their own way of life as was pleasing in their sight. However, what is right to man may not always be right in God’s sight.
For fear of losing his Kingship and sovereignty, King Zedekiah sought the face of God through prophet Jeremiah though without any repentance for the sins that Israel had committed against God. God however remained true to His word when he said that Israel shall be defeated and enter into captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar because of their unrepentant sins. God does not act against His principles without repentance, Jeremiah 21:1-2.
Rewards for sin
God may sometimes punish an entire generation, nation or family for the sins of others because of their association by conduct, route or genealogy. When we commit sin, God who is our captain of host and guide in battle takes up the fight against His own people. In such a battle, we shall be defeated. This is very frightening. In effect God disserts his own for unrepentant sin, Jeremiah 21:4-5.
Under God’s instructions, Jeremiah amply mentioned some forms of punishments that God in His displeasure would visit upon Israel for their sins. They included pestilence, death, famine, and oppression by enemies, destruction, fire, captivity and slavery, Jeremiah 21:6-7.
Pestilence includes plague, epidemic, pandemic, deadly disease, virulent virus or unexplained ill-health. Death includes physical and spiritual loss of life and substance. Famine includes deprivation, want or dryness in life and resources required for one’s comfort or successful living. Oppression includes cruelty, subjugation, persecution, harassment and coercion directly or otherwise. The forms of punishment are endless and eternal.
God’s remedy for sin
Sin abates when there is true and sincere confession and repentance and when we ask God for forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, 1 John 1:8. However, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.
The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear, Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 10:13.
Prayer
Father, lead us to confess our sins through Jesus Christ our Saviour so that we may after this life have pleasure in your sight. Amen!!
