True Reliance

Scripture: Jeremiah 49

I’d be the first to admit that Jeremiah is not such an easy book to read, less easier to digest. It features Israel turning away from God, despite Jeremiah’s prophecies. But this chapter is a whole new level of gloom and doom. It seemed like God is angry at everybody. After much reading and meditation, I think I’ve stumbled upon something that is probably not news to you guys… but still proves to be a veritable lesson we can apply to our lives today.

In this chapter, God talks about the devastation and destruction of 5 people groups: Ammonites, Edomites, Damascusians (I’m not so sure if this is even the right term for them) and Elamites. I thought it was “normal” destruction plot of idol-worshippers that the Old Testament has a lot of stories on. But I decided to dig deeper.

Upon closer scrutiny, there seems to be a pattern more than all of them worshiping idols. They relied on something else other than God. For the sons of Ammon, they turned to their valleys and treasures for security (v. 4). For Edom, it was their geographical location (v. 16). It was located on top of a high hill, thereby giving them vertical advantage to any invader. For Damascus, it’s their young men. The very same men who are skilled in the art of war (v. 26). For Kedar, it’s their lifestyle of ease and comfort (v. 31). Finally for Elam, it’s their renown for archery (v. 35). Men who lived there are real-life Legolas. They are famous for being masters of bow and arrow.

• Do you see yourself in any of these people? Do you feel safe because you have a fat bank account, with seemingly unlimited cash flow?
• Are you secure in the country or city where you live? Maybe you even chose to live in a certain part of town so people would think a certain way about you
• Are you relying on other people to protect you? Are you constantly looking for that certain someone to take care of you and provide for you?
• Are you just chillin’ – living a carefree life? Have you intentionally build relationships are that not deep enough for you to commit and be responsible for people?
• Are you relying on your abilities and skills – the things people know you to be good at?

Maybe you said yes to one of the above.. or maybe all of the above. Maybe you can even rename this chapter as “Concerning <insert name here>”. Whatever it is that you’re relying on, always remember that everything can be taken away in an instant. Maybe this new year, you can decide to put your trust on God. All of it. Seek Him through His Word and through prayer. Take up a daily Bible-reading plan. I guarantee He will be found.