The book of Jeremiah ends with an excerpt from a historical record that was also used in the book of Kings (2 Kings 24:18–25:30). It describes the destruction of Jerusalem, something that has already been recorded in the book of Jeremiah. What is interesting about this version is that it copies in some details from the official records that the editor of Kings did not include. It tells us how many were taken to Babylon. The number is surprisingly small, 4600 men (add women and children to that). These were the survivors of the war and the remnant of the nation that God promised would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). That is far from being the case now. Who would have thought that this tiny remnant would survive to become a great nation once again as it did under the ‘Maccabees’ some 400 years later? (The Maccabees gained astonishing victories over the Greeks to found the Hasmonean Dynasty that enjoyed 100 years of independence in territories more extensive than those of Solomon.) And who would have thought that their faith, of all others in the ancient Near East, would be the only one that would carry through with strength to modern times. God doesn’t need much to work with to achieve his purposes. If you ever feel insignificant in the scheme of things remember that God uses small instruments to achieve great things. Put yourself in God’s hands and let him use you for his purpose. In his hands you will be blessed, you will bless many others and you will THRIVE.
Ask God to use you today.
Read Jeremiah 52
