Jeremiah 21:8-10
“And then tell the people at large, ‘GOD’s Message to you is this: Listen carefully. I’m giving you a choice: life or death. Whoever stays in this city will die—either in battle or by starvation or disease. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who have surrounded the city will live. You’ll lose everything—but not your life. I’m determined to see this city destroyed. I’m that angry with this place! GOD’s Decree. I’m going to give it to the king of Babylon, and he’s going to burn it to the ground.’”
“Tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Take your choice of life or death! Everyone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who go out and surrender to the Babylonians will live. Their reward will be life! For I have decided to bring disaster and not good upon this city, says the Lord. It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, and he will reduce it to ashes.’”
In opening verses to Chapter 21 King Zedekiah asks God to pray for Israel against the Babylonians. Jeremiah responds with God’s determination to do the opposite. Then he gives this way out to the common people, stay and die, surrender and live; justice tempered with mercy. God provides a way out of our hard places too. Often, his promise does not offer details. It is another opportunity to step out in faith and trust him, showing commitment by our own actions.
Lord, looking back on these kind of situations in my past, I was slow to see the way out, often only with hindsight. Next time, because your great mercy, when you offer a way out help me to see it better and choose it more quickly. The haze of emotions and fear is so blinding. Next time, please let me see you at work more clearly and rejoice with faith in your acting presence.