2021-5-27

Jeremiah 37:1-21

　　Jeremiah 37 described Jeremiah as falsely accused by his own people for deserting to the Babylonians. He prophesied against Jerusalem telling the people that the city would be burned down and the people including the king would be captured and exiled to Babylon. Well, it did not turn out well by prophesying bad news against his own people. He was then locked up in the courtyard of the guard. It is so politically incorrect since the Babylonians temporarily withdrew from their attacks to the city of Jerusalem due to the approach of the Pharaoh’s army.

　　When we hear the phrase ‘God bless America’. It is a patriotic and political correct statement. However, can we ask why God would bless America? As a nation, do our leaders lead us toward or away from God? As a church, do Christians act differently from the world? The divorce rate of Christians and non-Christians are about the same. Church attendance is falling. Some prominent evangelistic leaders fall into serious sexual sins. You may be wondering why God still blesses America.

　　The Bible says “open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5-6). Please pray that we can find a faithful friend that can point out our weaknesses. When we are sad or depressed, our friend can offer his/her ears to listen and shoulders to rest on. Helping or rebuking someone in love can be inconvenient or unpopular. Jeremiah was hated by his own people but loved by God. Let ’s us examine and prepare our hearts to face tribulations when we take a stand for God.　　　— Alan Yam