Rebellion to the Word!
Scripture reading for August 15th: Jeremiah 40-45
“Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Jeremiah 42:1-3
These Jews were scared and feared the wrath of Babylon because their Babylonian appointed leader, Gedaliah, had been assassinated. They were thinking about fleeing to Egypt but decided to seek a word from the Lord. They approached Jeremiah and asked him to pray for them to “your God”. That was not a very encouraging sign!
After this group promised Jeremiah to abide by what the Lord would say, he agreed to seek the Lord. (Jeremiah 42:5-6) As Jeremiah prayed over their request for ten days and called the Jews together. If they would stay in the land, God would plant them and build them up. He would protect them from the King of Babylon and show them great compassion. (Jeremiah 42:10-12) However, if they chose to go down to Egypt, what they feared would overtake them and they would surely die by the sword, famine and plague! (Jeremiah 42:13-18) Jeremiah emphasized to them the right choice, “Do not go to Egypt.” (Jeremiah 42:19)
You would think that a people who asked for God’s word of direction and promised to obey would easily find the right answer. But they had no fear of the Lord or His holy word. They accused the prophet of lying and that God had not spoken through him or sent him! (Jeremiah 43:2-7) They proceeded to gather up everyone and head for Egypt! This is the mystery of iniquity in the heart of sinful man.
As you think about this story today, examine your own life and check out your heart. Have you sought the Lord for something you know is not God’s will? When a man or woman of God gives you truth that you disagree with, do you go ahead anyway? Hearts can be deceived!
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