Waxing Long

In the last chapter of Jeremiah it speaks of Judah's king Jehoiachin who was in bondage as a captive of Nebuchadrezzar. This heathen king had a son who replaced him on the throne after his death. The new heathen king Evil-merodach, king of Babylon must have grown fond of the captive King of Judah during his childhood.


Upon his rise to power after his father's death, he immediately replaced the captivity of Judah's King Jehoiachin with robes and he became again familiar with the sweetness of liberty. He was also given a position above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon. He continually ate bread before the king of Babylon; every day a portion until the day of his own death.


This is a picture of the relationship between King Saul's son Johnathan and David in the book of Kings. Although David was hated by Saul, the son of the king was closer to David than a brother. It broke David's heart when Johnathan died.


No matter how long we have been in captivity in an area of our life, whether it be sickness, doubts that assail us from time to time, fear, debt or wondering if God even hears our prayers; rest assured, everything, like the captivity of the king of Judah, lasts only for a season. Sometimes the seasons wax long, but do not lose heart, on one special day, joy will come in the morning.


Always, where there is life, there is hope. Let those of us whose afflictions have been lengthened encourage ourselves with this fact; the vision will at long last speak comfortably. So we must be ever patient and sure of our standing as children of the living God.


He has not, nor will He ever forget us. He holds us in the palm of His hands. Our names are engraved in the palm of His hands.


Like this king of the days of old, those who treated us unkindly will suddenly without explanation change course. What has imprisoned us will suddenly set us free. Our times are in God's hands. Let us continue to learn from our experiences. Those who follow us will need the wisdom of those who have traveled life's road. It is not in vain that we await the salvation of the LORD.


Our great confidence is in CHRIST!