PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 37-38
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.” (Jeremiah 38:4)
Jerusalem is under threat from both Egypt (their old enemy) and from Babylon.
According to Jeremiah, God wants Israel to submit to Babylon, and not trust in Egypt.
King Zedekiah, appointed by Babylon, is weak and confused, not sure who to believe.
I believe that God is lovingly pointing Israel in the best direction.
Yet how can surrender and submission be the better way?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [Exodus 21:24] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” (Matthew 7:38-39)
Jesus does not start a rebellion, but chooses the path of humble submission.
Jesus does not urge us to give up, but to humbly trust God to overcome evil for us.
We don’t overcome evil by relying on evil (Egypt), but by trusting in God’s way.
The way of humble, submissive, gracious love overcomes evil better than aggression.
As weak and hard as Jesus’s words are, he is seeking the good of the people.
Jeremiah submits to God’s path, even though it makes life hard for him.
Will I trust that the Jesus Way is really for my good, and not for my ruin?
PRAYER
Lord, your call to humble, gracious love seems weak and foolish, and yet by this path you defeated Satan and evil. Help me to surrender to your way, and to trust God to make it work!
Jeremiah had a tough job and his people would not listen. The message was definitely unpopular – so they tried to shut him up! They imprisoned him several times and they even threw him in a muddy cistern – yet God saved his faithful messenger. WE should not expect that being a faithful witness for Jesus will be easy. We do know that God will keep us safe. Sometimes the HS needs to nudge me many times before I listen – especially when the task is not easy or something I like to do. Sometimes its easier to let someone else do it! Keep nudging me Lord – help me to be faithful even when the task is difficult!
Lord your instructions are for our good even though we take them to be for ruin. Because what I think is ruin is sometimes just what my sinful nature fears! Thank you for continuing to call for us and love us through our disobedience!
God’s Word does safely lead.
Hearing His voice and His Word I need open ears and a willing heart. He knows what is best for me. I need to trust His Word and see His leading and guiding me all the days of my life.
Lead Me Oh Lord Won’t You Lead Me
I Am Tired And I Need Thy Strength And Power
To Guide Me Over My Darkest Hour
For Just Open My Eyes That I May See
Lead Me Oh Lord Won’t You Lead Me
Lead Me Guide Me Along The Way
For If You Lead Me I Cannot Stray
Or Just Open My Eyes That I May See
Lead Me Oh Lord Won’t You Lead Me
I Am Lost If You Take Your Hand From Me
I Am Blind Without Try Light To See
Lord Just Always Let Me Thy Servant Be
Lead Me Oh Lord Won’t You Lead Me
Lead Me Guide Me Along The Way
For If You Lead Me I Cannot Stray
Lord Just Open My Eyes That I May See
Lead Me Oh Lord Won’t You Lead Me