The lack of love for God - having the commandments and keeping them (John 14.21) - was responsible for the evil that befell the kingdom of Judah. This also happens to any people who despise the law of the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Some people face misery and lose heart because they can't count on God's hand working on their behalf. It is impossible to improve one's life without loving God.

        The prophets revealed that the end of the inhabitants of Judah would be terrible, but they didn't react against this suffering. Preaching with tears in his eyes, Jeremiah said that they would go to Babylon, and not one of the Lord's servants closed the gap to prevent the enemy from entering, ready to oppress the people freed from Egypt (Jeremiah 20:4). There are families going through tribulations, but they simply don't take notice of the Lord's warning.

           Anyone who refuses to listen to the Lord will not experience 70 years of affliction as happened in Babylon. They will see the eternal perdition announced by Jesus and those who preach the Bible, and it will be forever (Matthew 25.41; Revelation 21.8). This time, Satan's captives will go to the lake of fire and brimstone and stay there forever, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. No matter how much they beg, there will be no second chance!

           The “wise men of Judah” didn't admit that such misfortune would befall them, because all they had to do was go to Shiloh and cry out to God, and everything would be fine. So when Nebuchadnezzar attacked, he transported King Jehoiachin, son of the famous King Josiah, into captivity, as well as the king's mother and all the royal family, his eunuchs and the powerful people of that territory. They were all taken from Jerusalem to distant Babylon. How sad!

           Imagine the shame of Jehoiachin and the best of Judah, being taken captive to that foreign land, whose journey took about four months! How desperate they were, but what could they do? They didn't believe the prophets sent by the Most High and they tasted how painful the devil's whip is. Anyone who doesn't love God will despair when they have to march towards perdition, knowing that they will never get out.

         The Word of the Lord is fulfilled in the life of the person who receives it into their heart and follows the teachings it contains. Thus, the power of God that accompanied the promise of blessing will soon make it come true. God is faithful to carry out everything He announces to us. Even if it takes years, the Lord will fulfill the promise to the dot of an i.

           Now, whoever despises the Word will see the rightful fulfillment of the warnings about the evils that will come to light. Therefore, never deny God the right to warn you of the misfortune that awaits those who prefer to live in rebellion against Him. They will realize that they have made the most foolish decision of all. It is worth to be obedient!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares