Tag: Jeremiah 42:5-19
“Is there any Word from the Lord?” (Part 2)
Scripture reading for August 14: 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
The Jews feared the wrath of Babylon because their Babylonian appointed leader, Gedaliah, had been assassinated. They were thinking about fleeing to Egypt but sought a Word from the Lord. They approached Jeremiah to pray for them to “your God”. It showed a lack of personal relationship with God.
After this group promised Jeremiah to abide faithfully by what the Lord would say, he agreed to seek the Lord. They promised to do whatever was asked that it might go well with them. (Jeremiah 42:5-6) As Jeremiah prayed over their request, ten days passed before the answer came. He called the Jews together to hear the Lord’s directions. 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 did not obey and 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, “Do not go to Egypt.” (Jeremiah 42:19)
It’s logical that a people who wanted God’s Word and promised to obey would quickly obey. However, their words were not sincere because their hearts were not right with the Lord. They had no fear of the Lord or His Word. They accused the prophet of lying. (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. Why would a people who knew God’s Word and the penalty for disobedience choose to disobey and die?
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 and do your own thing? Is the Lord “your God” or does He belong to others?