Imagine a prophet who, for twenty-three years, delivered the same message to his people. Year after year passed. He continued to speak, but the people remained unchanged. Jeremiah was not at a loss for words, and Judah was not short of warnings. God even continually sent His prophets. Yet, the call seemed to fall on deaf ears. Perhaps they always felt there was still time and that opportunities remained open.
Jeremiah 25:1–14 shows that the destruction of Judah was not an event that came without warning. The prophet reflected on his twenty-three years of ministry: the word of the Lord was continually proclaimed, but the people did not truly listen. Of course, what is meant by ‘listening’ here is not merely receiving information. Listening means responding and allowing the word to change the course of one’s life. Therefore, Judah’s problem was not that they did not know the Lord’s will. They had been called to turn away from their wicked ways and return to Him, but they continued to delay.
It must be acknowledged that putting things off is not always a bad thing. There are decisions that do indeed require time, consideration and caution. However, there is also a kind of delay that is no longer a matter of wisdom, but rather a reluctance to change. When we know what is right but keep saying, “Later,” procrastination can gradually turn into disobedience. That is why the picture of punishment in verse 10 feels so tragic. The sound of the millstone, a sign of life in the household, will cease. The light of the lamp, a sign that a house is still inhabited, will go out. The sounds of joy and the bride and groom will no longer be heard. The destruction that the people will face will not only bring down buildings, but also erase the rhythm of life.
Dear Friends of the Bible, we often feel we still need more time or clearer guidance. Yet, the issue may not be that we have not yet seen His way, but rather that we are still hesitant to take that step. Perhaps what we need is not more time to discern God’s will, but the courage to do what we already know. Do not delay for too long, for the procrastination we harbour today may turn into regret in the future.
