In Jeremiah 25, God is revealed to have sent His prophets to Judah. He sent them to warn Judah to repent to avoid harm. Consider His warning and their response:
“‘Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you. Yet you have not listened to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt’” (Jeremiah 25:6-7).
Because of their rebellion, God sent Nebuchadnezzar to judge the nation, leading to destruction, oppression, and captivity for a period of 70 years.
An interesting phrase is used here, “to your own hurt” (7). Consider that God’s sincere desire is that every man receive His eternal blessings. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The proof of His love and motivation toward man is seen in the sending of His son to the earth (cf. John 3:16).
When condemnation comes, it is not God’s doing. Men often do not act in their own interest. Peculiar, but very prevalent. This is why addiction, crime, etc. is rampant. When condemnation is present, it is because we act to our “own hurt.” Think about it!
