The fickle reign of the Kings of Judah:
King Ahaziah did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.
King Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David.
King Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David.
King Uzziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but he did not destroy the pagan shrines.
King Jothan did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight but he did not destroy the pagan shrines.
King Ahaz did what was evil in the Lord’s sight even sacrificing his own son in the fire.
King Hezekiah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David, but Hezekiah showed poor judgment when in pride he showed the envoys from Babylon everything in his treasure houses – the silver, the gold, the spices and the aromatic oils.
King Manasseh did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.
King Amon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.
King Josiah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. Josiah brought back the Passover Celebration to the people of Judah. Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since (2 Kings 23:25).
It was during the 13th year of King Josiah’s reign that God called Jeremiah to be his messenger to the people of Judah:
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the lord, have spoken!”
Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant” (Jeremiah 1:5-10).
The call God placed on Jeremiah’s life was not an easy one. The people were fickle and followed the evil ways of their kings. Even when many of the kings served the Lord, they allowed the people to continue to serve pagan gods while serving the Lord. But God is a jealous God and he wants us to serve Him only.
This reminds me of our culture today. Even those who are actively involved in Church, weekly worshipping God and involved in ministry, have other “idols” in their life – things they are not willing to give up for the cause of Christ. Jeremiah would have to confront this lack of true devotion in the people of Judah and it would not be easy. But God promised Jeremiah that He would give him the words to say and that His eyes would always be on Jeremiah.
The Hebrew word for “watching” (shoqed) sounds like the word translated “almond tree” (shaqued). The Lord asked Jeremiah what he saw and Jeremiah said he saw a branch from an almond tree. And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans” (Jeremiah 1:12).
Whatever God is calling you to do, know that He will give you the words to say and that He is watching over you. He knew you in your mother’s womb and set you apart for His service before you were born. Consider the branch of the almond tree and know that God is with you!