CAPTIVITY

Today's reading: Jeremiah 47-52

The book of Jeremiah, at least the latter part of it, gives account of the prophecies Jeremiah proclaimed on the lands turning their backs on God and God's people. He spoke of famine, war and destruction for the ones who chose not to follow Yahweh. He predicted turmoil and judgement for those who placed hardship and burdens upon the backs of His chosen ones.

Historically, through written account and what scientists have dug up in search for happenings of the past, each and every one of Jeremiah's predictions have come true. Remnants are left of some cultures. Rubble is left of others. Documents, old, very old, documents give account of captivity and plunder, war and death.

I'd always thought it never applied to me. Given I live in 2010, thousands of miles away, I really assumed I was immune to what Jeremiah spoke, wouldn't have to worry about things he foretold. That was until I read this...

"Because you have trusted in your wealth and skill, you will be taken away captive..." Jeremiah 48:7 NLT

Captivity, then and now, doesn't always have to do with someone else--does it? Given most of us need not fear invading armies or plundering hostiles, we do on a daily basis need to deal with what can capture us, bind us and shackle us from living...ourselves.

When I begin to trust in me, chains coil tightly. When I start placing my hopes and dreams into material things, I become hobbled. When what I can achieve, accomplish or acquire gives me peace, my days begin to be filled with juggling those same things and attempting to keep them.

Captivity is certainly an issue for those of us living in 2010. Our freedom rests solely upon Who we trust.

What's hobbling you today? Not who, because I think we all know that answer, but what?