Funny how easily I can relate to Zedekiah and the prophets he sent to inquire of Jeremiah. They don't want to change. They just want to be spared the consequences of their actions. They want God to come to their defense and perform wonders for them, but they don't want to follow him day-to-day, changing their ways and administering justice.
I also would like God to act on my behalf without having to change any of my ways.
They must have gulped in shock at the words Jeremiah spoke back to them, telling them that God was not going to relent and let them off the hook:
"I have determined to do this city harm and not good"
"I am against you, Jerusalem"
"I will punish you as your deeds deserve"
Still, God provides an 'out', a way of life: go out of the city and surrender. In their case, they must surrender to their enemies in order to live. They must humble themselves to the events that God has proclaimed and is bringing about -- the conquest of Judah at the hands of Babylon, a result of their own sin -- and in doing so they will save their lives and still be the people of God, although they will be in exile from their land.
What is my way out and how is it similar to theirs? It is Jesus, the lamb of God sacrificed for my sins. He comes as an enemy of the world of sin and death in which I live. I must surrender -- surrender to Jesus, humble myself to receive his forgiveness. I then receive a new home, and this present home becomes my exile. I live in this world of sin as an exile waiting to go home to the new Jerusalem, my true home.
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