The Israelites turn to God, but then they turn away again. The influence of evil kings only makes the people stumble into sin also. God sent many prophets to warn the people that if they did not turn away from their evil practices including worshiping idols, that He would allow nations around them to grow strong and conquer them. Then they would all be taken away as captives to a foreign land. Jeremiah was one of the last great prophets who tried to convince the people to stop sinning. They would not and so God allowed the Babylonians to overtake the land and the people were taken as captives to Babylon. Jeremiah had some comfort for Israel as they lost their homes and land.
"O Jacob My servant, do not fear," declares the LORD,
"For I am with you.
For I will make a full end of all the nations
Where I have driven you,
Yet I will not make a full end of you;
But I will correct you properly
And by no means leave you unpunished."*
Of all the nations and people of the world the descendants of Jacob (or Jews) have outlived other nations. God has punished them for sin as He punishes any people He loves. Not because he likes to see people hurt but because He wants to correct them and encourage them to follow Him. It is important to understand that sometimes we may be separated from the things we love because of sin. Maybe it is because we have turned away from God and worshiped the things of the world. Because God loves His people, there will be a time when the punishment comes to an end and they return home. That's good news!
Special Note: The Old Testament will refer to the descendents of Jacob who were slaves in Egypt as: My people, Hebrews, Sons of Israel, Children of Israel, Israel, Israelites and Jews.
Bible References: Jeremiah 46:28 (NASB)
Lesson Questions for the Full Story:
Content: Yo!, Youth Outreach, Youth
Outreach, Children's Devotionals,
Children's Bible Devotionals, Children's Daily
Devotionals, Children's Bible Lessons, Children's
Bible Stories, Children's Missionary Stories,
Children's Bible Verses, Children's Scripture Memory,
Devotionals for Youth, Bible Devotionals for Youth,
Daily Devotionals for Youth, Bible Lessons for Youth,
Bible Stories for Youth, Missionary Stories for Youth,
Bible Verses for Youth, Scripture Memory for Youth,
The Gospel, The Good News, The Gospel of Lord Jesus
Christ, New Testament Stories, Old Testament Stories,
Jesus, God's only begotten Son, Stories of Jesus,
Jesus Parables, Born Again, The way the truth and the
life, God's love, Everlasting life, The Father the Son
and the Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost, The Everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace, The bright and morning
star, God so loved the world, yoroom
