S) "10 But some of the poorest people who had nothing, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard left behind in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at that time."
Jeremiah 39:10 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 39
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 39
O) The very first thing that came to mind about this passage, was Proverbs 13:8. Although that can read a couple different ways, depending on the translation, what we see happened in Jeremiah's day, was that the wealth of the rich was actually forfeited completely, and most of the people died. The poorest of the people (if they had survived that long), were not even considered worth taking back to Babylon. While it's hard to know things like, what percentage of the destitute died before Jerusalem fell, we do know that the only people who were allowed to stay in Jerusalem, were the poorest of the people. What's more, is that they were actually elevated, in a sense. They went from being the poorest, to being the richest (by default, but still). They went from having nothing, to having fields and vineyards (they obviously had them as stewards to their Babylonian conquerors, but it was more than they had before). Don't get me wrong, this was devastating to the entire nation of Judah, without question. But, the case can be made that the Babylonians dealt with the poorest among the people, the least harshly. Throughout the Bible, God provides for the poor. I suppose this was just one more instance of His providential grace.
A) When I was a kid, one of my brothers would talk non-stop about wanting to become rich when he grew up. Even as a child, I remember that seeming strange. I never wanted that. But, the more I read my Bible, I want it even less. The proverb I mentioned above, I remember coming across that as a teenager, and finding great comfort in it. It bore out when I left my car unlocked, and the next morning it was clear that someone had gotten into my car - and left everything there! Even the small change in the ash tray wasn't worth stealing! Of course, Jesus warned that it is difficult for the rich to enter His kingdom. And, there are also examples like the exile above. I hope I never need a war to remind me that being (relatively) poor can be quite the better option.
A) When I was a kid, one of my brothers would talk non-stop about wanting to become rich when he grew up. Even as a child, I remember that seeming strange. I never wanted that. But, the more I read my Bible, I want it even less. The proverb I mentioned above, I remember coming across that as a teenager, and finding great comfort in it. It bore out when I left my car unlocked, and the next morning it was clear that someone had gotten into my car - and left everything there! Even the small change in the ash tray wasn't worth stealing! Of course, Jesus warned that it is difficult for the rich to enter His kingdom. And, there are also examples like the exile above. I hope I never need a war to remind me that being (relatively) poor can be quite the better option.
P) Father, thank You for keeping greed from my heart. I confess that there have been times when greed has gripped my heart, but for the most part, Your grace has kept me clear of that trap. I know there are plenty of other ways I sin, but I take comfort and find peace, knowing that my financial worth has nothing to do with my worth in You. My security is eternally paid by nothing less than the blood of Jesus Christ. In You, I am as rich as I could ever be. Let me forever heed the warnings about being, or getting, rich. Let me honor and glorify You with how I manage the small resources I do have. Where my treasure is, there my heart is, too. I pray that my treasure and my heart are found in You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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