What the Church Needs to Learn From Jeremiah 34

When I look at the conditions of our world—the deep racial and political divisions, immigration problems, terror threats, national debt, wars and lawlessness in our cities—a deep foreboding comes over my soul. As Christians, we all believe the call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 offers hope, but what if there is no response to the call to humble ourselves and pray? Is there anything we can do to restore hope and stability? 

There is a situation mentioned in the Bible that offers a solution. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, “and all his army and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion and all the people fought against Jerusalem and against all the cities” (Jer. 34:1). Because of Israel’s sin even the Lord had seemingly withdrawn. For nearly 40 years, Jeremiah pleaded with God’s people to repent, but they would not. Israel was nearly apostate, and the dire and repeated warnings of Jeremiah were about to come to pass. 

However, hidden in the ways of God was a plan, a redemptive strategy that would reverse Israel’s direction. If the Jews implemented a “Year of Remission” (see Deut. 15:1-18), God would show to them the same mercy they showed to one another. What was required was that “every man should let his male slave and every man his female slave, being a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, go free so that no one should keep them, a Jew his brother, in bondage” (Jer. 34:9). 

Not only did they agree to this year of release, but “all the officials and all the people obeyed.” Then, in earnest faith, they “entered into the covenant … so that no one should keep them any more in bondage, then they obeyed and let them go” (Jer. 34:10).

The Bible says the Judeans then cut a calf in two and passed “between its parts” (Jer. 34:18). This was the same kind of covenant ritual Abraham had made with the Lord centuries earlier (see Gen. 15:10, 17-18). The redemptive plan of God was this: If the Israelites set free their slaves, they would not be taken as slaves. If they showed mercy, God would show Himself merciful to them as well. Even though they were, by all counts, nearly apostate, the act of releasing the debts of others would have averted the destruction of their cities, for “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13)! 

As they were releasing one another, something marvelous occurred. Supernaturally the Lord drew “the king of Babylon … away” (Jer. 34:21). At the very moment the people were releasing the debts of others, God was reducing their debt to Him. What they did on earth was actually being replicated for them in Heaven!

In all the years since the establishment of the Law, Israel had never celebrated such a year of release. Yet now, even with their enemies within striking range, Israel covenanted with God to free every man his slave.

Unforgiveness in the Church
How does the above story relate to us? Today we too are facing overwhelming foes. Our society is overrun with corruption and the church is hardly better than the world. The prophets are warning of judgment, and at times, it seems as though God has stopped listening to our prayers. 

Yet I believe if we can sincerely forgive those who are spiritual debtors to us—even starting with those in our homes and families—if we extend forgiveness to our neighbors and proclaim release to those who left our churches, if blacks could forgive whites and white people forgive people of color, the mercy of God will begin to fall again on our land. 

Let the Lord reveal all with whom you have unforgiveness. Let mayors announce a day of release. Let white police and people from the black community pray for each other, asking for forgiveness for mistakes and abuses. If we show mercy, God will show mercy as well. 

Remember, Jesus taught that if we are at the altar and remember someone has unforgiveness toward us, we are to leave our offering and be reconciled (Matt. 5:23-24). Reconciliation is more important than ritual, according to the Lord. Yes, let us covenant with God for our communities and even for our nation!