Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

I'm not sure if you all have put this together already in your minds, but I thought I'd post it. So with these 3 major prophets, Isaiah told Israel and Judah they would be exiled before it happened, Jeremiah continues this, but is around during the exile and later Ezekiel is exiled but does most of his prophesying in exile. Sort of a before, during and after. There are 2 more prophets, Haggai and Zechariah to come later (or maybe the people on schedule are already there). I forget which one, but one was exiled and comes back and the other is younger and prophesies when the people return. I hope that helps you sort through some of the events.

In Jeremiah 27:16-22 ( Aug 11), God tells the people to serve Nebuchadnezzer. "Serve the king of Babylon, and you will live." He also says to serve his son and grandson. So its not about him, it's maybe just the role that God wants the people to respect. Later in Jeremiah we find an often quoted (and sometimes misused) scripture Jer. 29:11. Earlier in chapter 29 is when the people first find out, they will not be in exile for 2 years, but for 70 years. It's funny how that part isn't used to encourage people when that scripture is used. Yes you've just been exiled and times are tough, but sorry you'll be here for 70 years. Don't worry God has a plan though.

The way Israel worked was unique. It was both a government and a religion, which I think would make it hard to make sure everyone is doing well spiritually. Nowadays the church is mixed up throughout many countries and we don't have much to do with government. So only the ones who want to do what's right are in the church. It's actually better that we aren't a single country because we need to help people everywhere. This is a thought: maybe the plans God had for the people was preparing them to live spiritually not as their own country. I know they were exiled as a punishment, but maybe God also used it for this reason.

Keep up the reading everyone, I know I've got some catching up to do!