Bringing evil upon ourselves

Why is this happening to me? People often ask that question when bad things happen in their lives.

Sometimes, bad things happen because we are caught in a world corrupted by sin. But sometimes, we bring evil upon ourselves. That’s what the people of Judah did.

In this passage, God warns them of the coming judgment through Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. That he would come and besiege the land, and leave Judah in ruins (6–7).

And the people would have no one to blame but themselves. They had hardened their hearts against God’s message, from the king, to the priests and prophets, all the way down the people.

God said of them,

They (the Babylonian army) surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against me.

Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. This is your punishment.

How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart. (Jeremiah 4:17–18)

And again,

My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good. (22)

Even when disaster overtook them, they refused to repent, prostituting themselves to other gods. And so Jeremiah asked,

What are you doing, O devastated one?

Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why shade your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life. (30)

It’s amazing how little changes over the centuries. People harden their hearts against God and suffer the consequences of their own sin. Yet instead of repenting, they continue to live a life that would destroy them.

How about you? Are you that way?

Are there things that you’re doing that are destroying your marriage, your relationships, your career, or your life?

Despite seeing what damage you’re doing, are you persisting in your attitudes and actions?

Or will you repent?