4 Therefore the princes said to the king, “Please, let this man be put to death, for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their harm.” 5 Then Zedekiah the king said, “Look, he is in your hand. For the king can do nothing against you.” 6 So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the king’s son, which was in the court of the prison, and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire. So Jeremiah sank in the mire. ~ Jeremiah 38:4-6NKJV
Jeremiah was a prophet of the nation of Judah. The one nation that chose David’s offspring as their king, yet they too fell into idolatry. They strayed, seeking other gods, and in doing so forgot the LORD their God. God sent them multiple prophets, yet they didn’t listen. Instead, they demanded Jeremiah’s death, and the king handed him over to them.
Even though they physically followed the offspring of David and claimed him as their king, they didn’t spiritually follow the true Son of David. Just because you believe Jesus is the Messiah or even that He is God doesn’t keep you safe in His love. Abiding in His love requires actions that are in step with His Word. Belief isn’t enough to keep you in the presence of God. It takes a desire and love for Him. A desire to follow His statutes and open your ears to Him, so that when you are corrected, you might have discernment to know that it is from God.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Don’t Just Claim Him.