Jerusalem falls
Day 379, Monday, Aug. 25
Jeremiah Chapter 39 – 41:15
After many warnings, Jerusalem finally falls to the Babylonians amid much destruction and bloodshed.
Not all suffer equally, though. Most of the suffering is felt by the leadership and the wealthy.
“The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.”
For the poorest, though, things actually look up. The Babylonians do not take them into exile and leave them in place to harvest crops and to occupy the territory.
Jeremiah, too, comes out of the experience well. He is not only protected from retribution but he also receives gifts from the invaders. This reinforces the notion that Nebuchadnezzar is acting as God’s instrument.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Monday meditation

Job 26:1-4
Then Job replied: “How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed! Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?

Prayer focus
Lord, let us focus on being obedient to your commands, even when it is unclear who else is on our side.