Even an Unbeliever Can Understand
Jeremiah was freed from the prison in Jerusalem when the Babylonians took the city. The captain of the guard was ordered to help him. As he talked with Jeremiah, he told him that he recognized that Jeremiah's God had brought this doom on the city, because of their sins. (Jeremiah 40:2,3) It has always amazed me that even unbelievers can see the basic truths of God so clearly, but it probably should not surprise me.
God is in the business of revealing Himself to all of the people of the world. As He shows Himself to them, He reveals how He hates sin by punishing their sin consistently. (Romans 1:18) Then, He shows that He loves righteousness by rewarding their good deeds. In this way they see the existence of God, His basic character, and their need to trust Him, since He is Lord of all. (Romans 1:19,20) That is why the captain of the guard could see what the people of God could not see. They had hardened their hearts to the Lord in their selfishness. However, the Babylonian captain was open to what he heard from God's prophet, Jeremiah.
Don't ever think that we can encounter anyone who does not know the basics about God. When we meet them, we should engage them in conversation to see what God is showing them and how open they are to Him. Then, we should share the rest of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 41-43.
God is in the business of revealing Himself to all of the people of the world. As He shows Himself to them, He reveals how He hates sin by punishing their sin consistently. (Romans 1:18) Then, He shows that He loves righteousness by rewarding their good deeds. In this way they see the existence of God, His basic character, and their need to trust Him, since He is Lord of all. (Romans 1:19,20) That is why the captain of the guard could see what the people of God could not see. They had hardened their hearts to the Lord in their selfishness. However, the Babylonian captain was open to what he heard from God's prophet, Jeremiah.
Don't ever think that we can encounter anyone who does not know the basics about God. When we meet them, we should engage them in conversation to see what God is showing them and how open they are to Him. Then, we should share the rest of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 41-43.