Daily Devotion and Meditation on the Word of God on February 6, 2009.

Hello My Friend; Good day.

Our reading for today is from Jeremiah chapter 52. This is the end of this very interesting book. It summarise the final stages of the capture and destruction of Jerusalem and the fate of Zedekiah the king of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar was such a wicked king and a match for the wickedness of Zedekiah. Read up on the sad fate of Zedekiah in verses 8-11. After Zedekiah was made to watch all his sons and prices and nobles killed, his eyes were gouged out and he was taken to Babylon in chains and put in prison for the rest of his miserable life. Altogether 4600 citizens of Jerusalem were taken into exile in Babylon.

Jesus said, what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his soul? Zedekiah thought in his heart that he was successful for a minute and he forgot his God and engaged in doing wicked things until the anger of the God of Israel caused him and the people of Israel to be ejected from God's presence(verse 3). Success must not be measured in popularity, fame, or fortune. God measures success with the yardstick of obedience , faithfulness and righteousness. Be faithful in doing the work God gives to you my friend. Never, never give up no matter how rocky the road is. Remember that no glory comes through the easy road. Moses suffered in the wilderness for 40 years and Jesus hung naked on the cruel cross. Jeremiah was flogged and put in the cisten to die, and you will not be spared the troubles unless you are not called by God. Remember that my friend and be of good courage.

Jeremiah the hero of our story in the world's eyes was regarded as a failure. He had no money, no family, no friends. He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem his beloved city which was very unpopular, but it came to pass in their very eyes. The mark of a true prophet is to bring God's message to the people of God truthful and in boldness. Jeremiah did this and we thank God for his gifts. How do you see yourself in God's vineyard my friend? Go back and re-read Jeremiah 48:10. Are you lax in doing god's work? Repent and do the right things and God will bless you as he did Jeremiah. Hallelujah. Amen.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, thank you for showing us your mind through the visions and prophecies of Jeremiah. Teach us to obey your laws and be faithful in our walk with you. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Apostle Ndueso Udoiwod.