Babylon- The Price Of Prophecy Series

Series: Biblical Cities- Babylon [#5]

BABYLON- THE PRICE OF PROPHECY

Psalm 137:1

Introduction:

We are continuing in our study of Babylon. The city is the 2nd on the list of most mentions. Babylon is mentioned 286 times in the Bible. It means “the gate of god(s).

Psalm 137:1

Last week, we studied Isaiah’s prophecies concerning Babylon. Remember, he was prophesying about the destruction of Babylon almost 100 years before Babylon was even a strong country. Tonight, we are going to look at the Prophet Jeremiah. I want us to look at the price he paid in order to serve God faithfully as a Prophet.

Jeremiah 20:1-6

Jeremiah was…

1. Put in stocks.

Each time that Jeremiah prophesied about Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon; he got into trouble. The prophecy was the same prophecy almost every time. He would give the prophecy of Babylon taking them captives and to go ahead and surrender to the Babylonians and it would go better for them.

You may wonder how this affects us. He was chained up in front of every person that walked by the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the Temple. He was being publicly humiliated for telling the people the truth from God. This still happens today- When you stand up for God’s Word, there is always the possibility that you will be humiliated in front of people. In Jeremiah 20:7-18, Jeremiah lets God know how frustrated he is. He was tired of being obedient to God and being punished for it.

Jeremiah 37:11-16

Jeremiah was…

2. Put into prison.

The King wanted to know if Jeremiah had a prophecy for him, because the Babylonians were attacking the city. The King sent some men to get him. Jeremiah’s prophecy was that the Egyptian army was coming, so the Babylonians would leave for a while; but it was temporary. After the Egyptians left, the Babylonians would come in and destroy the city. The prophecy was fulfilled and then Jeremiah was leaving the city to go claim his property; and he was arrested. They arrested him because they said he was going to the Babylonians. Jeremiah was placed into a makeshift prison and then later put in a dungeon where he stayed for a long time.

When the enemy can’t shame you out of serving God, then sometimes he tries to put you in a place of seclusion. If the enemy can get you to just stay locked away and guarded from people, he can make it tough on you.

Jeremiah 38:1-6

Jeremiah was…

3. Put into a cistern.

Once again, Jeremiah is punished for his prophecy. At this point, the King and other leaders were upset with Jeremiah because of the affect that his prophecy was having. They hated that Jeremiah was telling all of the people to not stay in the city. Their decision was to throw Jeremiah into a cistern to starve to death. If you read on further, you will see that Jeremiah was rescued; but not before he suffered in the cistern.

The enemy wants you to fear him. He wants you to believe that he has full control of what happens to you; but it is a lie. God knows when you are in the dark and secluded places in your life. God also knows who to use to help you escape that.

Conclusion:

Jeremiah was constantly punished for following God’s directions. Every time he told God’s truth, he was punished. Although he wanted to leave and just have a normal life; he still would be faithful to God. How about you? Will you remain faithful?