Read Jeremiah Chapter 37
What Did I Do Wrong?
Have you ever been falsely accused of something you never did? Jeremiah prophesied to King Zedekiah of Judah, that Babylon would come back and attack Jerusalem, capture it, burn It down, and Kings Zedekiah would be delivered into the hands of Babylon.
After saying these words, Jeremiah left to go to the Jewish Territory called Benjamin to discuss business. But the authorities thought he was going to desert the Jews and go to Babylon. Jeremiah tried to explain what he was really trying to do, but they refused to listen. As a result, the authorities beat Jeremiah and put him in prison. After being there a long time, King Zedekiah of Judah called him to hear what the Lord had to say. It was during this time that Jeremiah asked what crime he had committed that deserved being beaten and put in prison?!? Out of respect for Jeremiah, King Zedekiah removed Jeremiah from prison and placed him in the courtyard where he could daily be watched and also daily be given bread.
In my lifetime I have been falsely accused of things I didn’t do. No matter how hard I tried to explain myself I couldn’t change the mind of my accusers. It’s a horrible feeling. In reality, that was the life of Jesus. He loved people, but the religious leaders falsely accused him of breaking the law of Moses, or being demon possessed, or refusing to pay taxes, etc. Their sole purpose was to destroy Jesus.
If we’re going to be sold out for Jesus, then we must be prepared to have someone falsely accuse us of evil and mistreat us. 2nd Timothy 3:12 says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” So I have to ask: Are you willing to serve the Lord no matter what the consequences are? Are you willing to follow him even if it means being beaten or put in prison, or even being put to death?
Jesus, I’m willing to follow you no matter what, but give me the grace to withstand whatever persecution comes my way.
