QT 29/06/2025 Sun. Jeremiah 40. The Call to Stay & Serve, when leaving would be easier. 听从留下并服务的召唤，即使离开会更容易。
QT 29/06/2025 Sun. Jeremiah 40. The Call to Stay & Serve, when leaving would be easier.
READ http://www.esv.org/jer40
Is there ever hope in the aftermath of personal or national disasters? Yes!
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 40:1–6 (ESV)
“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he took him bound in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon.” — Jeremiah 40:1
The Aftermath
Jeremiah 40 unfolds right after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. Amid the chaos, Jeremiah—a prophet who had warned of this judgment—is set free. Strikingly, he’s released not by an Israelite, but by Nebuzaradan, a Babylonian commander, who acknowledges that the Lord has brought judgment on Jerusalem just as Jeremiah had proclaimed (v.2-3).
(1) God’s Word Stands—Even in Crisis
Jeremiah's consistent obedience led to rejection, persecution, and imprisonment. Yet, when the dust settles, even his enemies recognized his message was true. God's Word is never void. Even when ignored or rejected, it will be fulfilled in God’s time.
Application: God’s promises and warnings are sure. Trust His Word, especially when the world around you falls apart.
(2) God's Mercy in the Midst of Judgment
Though judgment came, God preserved a faithful remnant—including Jeremiah. He was released, protected, and even given the choice of where to go (v.4). This is a picture of grace amid consequences.
Application: God’s mercy doesn’t always remove hardship, but He sustains His people through it. Even in discipline, He offers guidance and presence.
(3) Faithfulness Means Staying
Jeremiah had the chance to escape to Babylon, possibly to comfort. Instead, he chose to stay with the broken people left in Judah (v.6). This reveals the heart of a true shepherd—staying where God’s people need him most.
Application: Sometimes God calls us not to escape, but to remain—to serve, rebuild, and represent Him in broken places.
Personal Reflection Questions
(a) Am I still listening for God's voice after a personal “fall of Jerusalem”?
(b) Have I become weary of being faithful when the results seem slow?
(c) Where might God be calling me to stay and serve when leaving would be easier?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your Word never fails. In seasons of loss, help me to trust that You are still speaking and working. Give me a heart like Jeremiah’s—faithful to stay, to serve, and to reflect Your mercy in hard places. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
QT 29/06/2025 星期日. 耶利米书 40 听从留下并服务的召唤，即使离开会更容易。
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Jer/40/
在个人或国家灾难之后是否还有希望？有！
经文聚焦： 耶利米书 40：1-6
护卫长尼布撒拉旦在拉玛释放了耶利米以后，从耶和华那里有话临到耶利米。耶利米被提出来的时候，还被铁链锁着，在所有从耶路撒冷和犹大被掳到巴比伦去的人中间。
灾难之后
耶利米书第 40 章是在耶路撒冷被巴比伦攻陷之后展开的。在一片混乱中，耶利米--一位曾警告过这一审判的先知--获得了自由。令人震惊的是，释放他的不是以色列人，而是巴比伦的指挥官尼布撒拉丹，他承认耶和华正如耶利米所宣告的那样将审判带到了耶路撒冷（第 2-3 节）。
(1) 神的话语即使在危机中也屹立不倒
耶利米始终如一的顺服导致了拒绝、迫害和监禁。然而，当尘埃落定时，甚至他的敌人也承认他的信息是真实的。上帝的话语永不失效。即使被忽视或拒绝，它也会在上帝的时间里实现。
应用： 上帝的应许和警告是确定无疑的。相信祂的话语，尤其是当你周围的世界分崩离析时。
(2)上帝在审判中的怜悯。
虽然审判来临，但神保留了忠心的余数--包括耶利米。他被释放，受到保护，甚至可以选择去哪里（第 4 节）。这是一幅在后果中体现恩典的图画。
应用： 上帝的仁慈并不总能消除困难，但祂会扶持祂的子民度过难关。即使在管教中，祂也会提供指引和同在。
（3）忠心意味着留下
耶利米有机会逃往巴比伦，可能会得到安慰。但他却选择与留在犹大的破碎百姓在一起（第 6 节）。这揭示了一个真正牧人的心--留在上帝的子民最需要他的地方。
应用： 有时神不是呼召我们逃跑，而是呼召我们留下来--在破碎的地方事奉祂、重建祂的事工、代表祂。
个人反思问题
(a) 在经历了个人的 “耶路撒冷沦陷 ”之后，我是否仍在聆听神的声音？
(b) 当结果看似缓慢时，我是否对忠心感到厌倦？
(c) 当离开会更容易时，神可能在哪里呼召我留下来服事？
祷告
主啊，感谢你，你的话语永不止息。在失落的季节里，请帮助我相信您仍在说话和做工。请赐给我一颗像耶利米一样的心--忠于停留、事奉，并在艰难的地方体现您的怜悯。奉耶稣的名。阿门。
