Unjust imprisonment

Unjust imprisonment

 

Jeremiah 37:11-21

 

After Babylon withdraws, Jerusalem becomes temporarily calm. Meanwhile, while Jeremiah was on his way to his hometown of Anathoth to receive his ‘inheritance’, he was falsely accused of being a collaborator with Babylon and was arrested. King Zedekiah secretly summoned Jeremiah to the palace and asked him whether there was any Word from the Lord. King Zedekiah expected a hopeful prophecy, but Jeremiah consistently delivers words of judgment. When Jeremiah asks not to be sent back to the torment of the dungeon, King Zedekiah imprisons him in the palace guard yard.

 

Social violence occurs when people do not listen to the weak and make no effort to reveal the truth (14-15). The gatekeeper did not listen to Jeremiah's explanation, and the officials assaulted and imprisoned Jeremiah without revealing the truth. Around us, we see more and more people only listening to powerful people. A world of justice and peace will come when we listen to the voices of the weak.

 

We need courage to tell the truth (17). Jeremiah only told the truth even before King Zedekiah, who could kill him or save him. It comes from spiritual boldness that does not beg for one’s own safety. Are there truths that you are afraid to tell? Take courage. Our safety is in God's hands.

 

Dear God, help us to be faithful to You even if we are misunderstood and people speak threats against us.

 

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