Jeremiah 50
“My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold.” (Jeremiah 50:6, NLT)
In chapter 50, Jeremiah prophesied against Babylon. Babylon had been God’s instrument to judge His people Israel, but now He would turn and judge Babylon for her sins and idolatry. Moreover, He would gather His people and bring them home. He would bind them to Himself with an eternal covenant.
The sheep of the LORD’s hand had turned away from Him. Even though He had always been faithful to them, they had lustful eyes and pursued other lovers. They had played the harlot with other gods and thrown His commandments behind their backs. But the reason that the people had gone astray was because their shepherds had led them astray. It was the responsibility of the political and religious leaders to lead the people in the way of the LORD. Instead they had led them into disobedience and idolatry. Rather than the people finding protection, provision and rest in God, they wandered aimlessly on the mountains. They were so lost that they couldn’t remember how to return to the sheepfold!
Where are the shepherds leading God's people today? Are they truly making disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to obey everything that Christ commanded? (Matthew 28:18-20) Or are they forming their own path, conforming to this world, and giving them tainted food? If we do not speak according to God’s Word then there is no light in us.
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV)
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. His character and laws do not change. Thankfully, we are no longer under law but under grace. Nevertheless, if we are wayward sheep, then God will judge us as He judged His people Israel. He will allow the enemy to have his way for the destruction of the flesh so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:5). God will work in all circumstances to draw us back to Himself. But why choose the hard way?