Appearances

Appearances can be deceiving, as Jeremiah’s story shows—he was judged as a traitor, yet he was simply following God’s call with a faithful heart.

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders regarding Jeremiah … ‘Take him and look after him, and do not do anything harmful to him, but rather deal with him just as he tells you.’”—Jeremiah 39:11–12 NASB

To many in Judah, Jeremiah was a traitor. Facing the invading Babylonian army, they hoped he would inspire victory. But instead, he told them God wanted them to surrender.

Jeremiah’s critics accused him of deserting Judah and “discouraging the men of war.” They said he did not seek “the well-being of this people, but rather their harm” (38:4). So he was imprisoned—lowered with ropes into a cistern and left sinking into the mud.

When the Babylonians captured Jerusalem, one of their first actions was to release Jeremiah and allow him to go home. On the surface, this could seem to prove that he had been their agent.

But we know that Jeremiah was God’s messenger. His critics could not have known how intensely he struggled with God, not wanting to proclaim messages of judgment. They judged him based on appearances, unaware of how his heart wept for the suffering of his people.

As others look at us, they reach their own conclusions about our motives, but God knows the truth.

Don’t place your trust in others’ opinions. Instead, seek to please God. Humble yourself before Him. Seek His will rather than your own. Focus on completing His call for your life. Like Jeremiah, be ready to obey Him, regardless of the consequences.

Reflection Question: When have you been misunderstood for following God’s directions?