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the real loser

Jeremiah 22:10-12 (JDV)

Jeremiah 22:10 Do not weep for the dead; do not mourn for him. Weep bitterly for the one who has walked away, because he will never return again and see his native land.

Jeremiah 22:11 You see, this is what Yahveh says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who became king in place of his father Josiah, and who has left this place: “He will never return here again,

Jeremiah 22:12 but he will die in the place where they exiled him, never seeing this land again.”

the real loser

King Josiah died a hero, in battle at Megiddo. His son Jehoahaz became king in his place, but was captured and sent away by Pharaoh. It was he who would never see his land or his throne again.

There is a message of encouragement and hope here, especially for those who lose in this life. Both of these men could be counted as losers, but only one was really a loser. Josiah died defending his nation, but Shallum (another name for Jehoahaz) lost his chance.

If you and I are zealous enough about obeying our Lord that we wind up dying as martyrs for his message, no one needs to weep for us, either. We will wake as heroes. But if we fail to live up to the covenant which we have committed to, we would be the real losers.

Lord, make us valiant warriors for you kingdom to come.