GOD USES WHOMEVER AND WHATEVER HE WISHES

SCRIPTURE:
“The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon. 2 When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. 3 And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him.” (Jeremiah 40: 1—3)

OBSERVATION:
Nebuzaradan, the imperial guard commander who carried out orders for Nebuchadnezzar, was merciful to Jeremiah. The first thing to notice he recognized was that the mess that the Jews were going through was brought to them by God because of their sins. Nebuzaradan recognized that the Jews were in a disaster due to their sins.
We often get ourselves in disastrous situations because our choices bend toward sinful desires. Nebuzaradan made a good point, our sinful choices have consequences, and there will be reaping of what we sow. The results may not happen right away. However, God has a day of reckoning. Nebuzaradan said God has done just as he said he would. This all came from the mouth of someone who is not a believer and was used by God to deliver his message to Jeremiah.
Nebuzaradan said ALL THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD AND DID NOT OBEY HIM. Nebuzaradan is a person of principle. He knows what it is to obey his master Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuzaradan understands what obedience is and the consequences of disobedience. God sometimes uses people who are not his people to bring forth the message that I need to hear. God can use anyone and anything to get his message for his own purpose.
Nebuzaradan was an instrument in God’s hand to show Jeremiah mercy, kindness, and hope. God ordained time and moment and the vessel for his own pleasure and purpose. A non-believer may not know God, but God knows whom he chooses to do his purpose and bring forth his word to believers who are not listening. God used a donkey to correct a corrupted prophet Balaam. God has a prostitute in his son’s lineage. God may also be using non-Christians in your life to speak to you, but you must be willing to hear the message and not so much of the messenger.

APPLICATION:
I was reminded to live a life of obedience and be aware of the sin that drives me away from God. God’s mercy will always find a way to reach me, even when I am in sin. I will listen out for the word of the Lord and obey. I will ensure my heart is pure and sensitive to sin and keep my heart toward God daily.

PRAYER:
Jesus, I am grateful for reminding me of my sins. I ask that you continue to teach me the fear of you. Lead me to live a life of obedience and to do the things that please you. Give me a listening ear and an obedient heart that desires to do your will. Lead and guide me daily so I may live my life purposefully for your service and your people. Amen!