And now, behold, I am loosing thee this day from the chains which are on your hands. And if it seems good unto you to come with me to Babylon, come on; and I will look unto your well being: but if it doesn't seem good to you to come with me into Babylon, then you don't have to: behold, all of the land is before you: and wherever it seems good and convenient for thee to go, there you can go (Jeremiah 40:4).
God is abounding in love. He is forgiving. He is gracious. He is compassionate. He is slow to anger. Protection is just one expression of that love. In our Scripture, poor old Jeremiah had been thrown in a muddy well, he had been put in chains, locked up for a long time in an underground dungeon. Adam Clarke says, “The dungeon was probably a deep pit; with the cabins or cells, niches in the sides, where different prisoners were confined.”
When Nebuzaradan found him he was bound in chains among the captives being taken into exile to Babylon. But God never left him. And when everyone was being taken from their home – Jeremiah was freed to do as he wished.
See – God is not limited to the physical. When everything is being destroyed – He can build. When everyone’s finances are disappearing – God can prosper you. When all are being cursed – God can still bless you.
Jeremiah was imprisoned and abused by his own people. But God used the enemy to bless him. Even those people who were faithful that were taken to Babylon prospered there. The Judgment is coming – but let not your heart be troubled – put your faith and trust in the Savior. He will protect you in times of trouble.
Because of God’s great love for us, 2. He will deliver you in times of trouble. Remember Daniel? He was taken into captivity to Babylon. He went through his trials; he faced the lions - but God delivered him. He came out of it as one of the greatest leaders in the entire kingdom.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taken captive to Babylon. They wouldn’t compromise. Instead of being killed they were delivered from the fiery furnace and then put in places of honor and leadership. David was pursued by King Saul. He had spears thrown at him and armies attacked him – but he was able to say,
“You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me.” Psalm 18:43
God is not only our fortress; not only does He protect us – but He is also our deliverer. David testified,
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”Psalm 18:2
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19
I love that! “He rescued me because he delighted in me.” God loves you. He is delighted with His children when they walk with Him. In that loving relationship He doesn’t take us out of the world – but He will deliver us when we need Him to.
God is preparing us for the future. God has great plans for us. We are going to rule and reign with Him. He is going to honor us with glory. I have no idea what all that means – but I have enough of the word of God; I have enough of His promises to make me think that even during the Coming Judgment He will use it to prepare us for honor and glory. God will –
1. Protect us
2. Deliver us
3. Prepare us.
So what does that tell us. It tells me to be faithful. It tells me to trust in God. It tells me that though things may be dark for a time – good things are coming. HOLD ON! Endure to the end! Folks, God is saving the best for last. May God find us faithful. It will be worth it.
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