JEREMIAH 22:1–9
World history records that even the greatest kingdoms will crumble and be laid waste when their leaders cease to focus on their duty to lead by ensuring the welfare of all the people under their rule. Particularly those who are marginalised and excluded. Unfortunately, what often happens is that the more powerful a person feels, the more prone they are to abusing their power.
In fact, to prevent this tendency, the Kingdom of Israel already had a sound system and understanding: namely, that a king is not the holder of the highest authority, but that God alone is the Supreme Ruler. It is from Him that all power flows; therefore, kings must submit to His commands and decrees. One of the things He always emphasised was that justice must prevail in the Kingdom of Israel. Those who were marginalised were to be given a place and attention. Orphans, widows and the destitute were to be provided with food.
Unfortunately, at that time, the kings of the Kingdom of Judah paid no heed whatsoever to God’s decrees. Jeremiah 21:11 opens with a rebuke to the rulers: “Thus says the LORD, O house of David: Administer justice every morning, because of your wicked deeds!” It seems that, in addition to the geopolitical crisis, the kingdom was also facing a leadership crisis. Its leaders no longer cared for the people, especially those who were suffering and marginalised. They oppressed and shed the blood of the innocent. What were those kings thinking? Perhaps they were merely pursuing power and profit without considering the impact of their policies. In the face of such leadership, God had no choice but to intervene. He brought judgement upon that nation and upheld His justice.
Dear Friends of the Bible, the lesson we draw from this passage is not intended solely for those in positions of leadership. Rather, it is for all of us, so that we may have compassion for those who are marginalised and treated unjustly. The Most Just God desires us to act justly and righteously in life. Admittedly, it is not easy to do all this, especially when the world is actually demonstrating the opposite. However, what we can do is strive as best we can to show a different way, in accordance with His wisdom.
