If You Ask God, Do What He Says

Read Jeremiah 43:1-13

The people were insincere. What about the solemn promise they had made (42:5,6)? Jeremiah hadn't answered them on the spur of the moment or come back to them the next day. Only "at the end of ten days" (42:7) was Jeremiah certain enough of God's will to be able to pass it on.

The people had an excuse. Jeremiah was "telling a lie" (v.2). Had he told them the truth, they would have obeyed! But that wasn't the real reason: forgetfulness of the past, fear of the present and disregard for the future made the people disobey and insist on this suicidal course of action. Further, they condemned themselves, for they broke their promise to abide by his answer "whether it is good or evil."

The people went their own way. The trek to Egypt began, an exodus in reverse. Jeremiah and Baruch went too, possibly as prisoners. But notice, God's people couldn't get away from God's word (v.8-13). Running away from a problem is no solution. And when you turn your back on what God commands, your future can never be bright! This is solemn news, but it's true. Not a glimmer of hope shows up in these verses. The prodigal son found an answer (Luke 15:18,19), but it was a step the people of Israel were not prepared to take.

Prayer: Lord, make me as ready to hear Your rebukes as I am to enjoy Your promises. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

Image: Jeremiah prophesying.

How to Make a Decision

Read Jeremiah 42:7-17

The great national temptation at this time was to find refuge in Egypt. The idea was attractive, it would put a further 200 miles and the formidable Red Sea between the Jews and the Babylonians. But such a policy, urged Jeremiah, would be fatal:

1. It took no account of the past. God had rescued His people from Egypt at tremendous cost. How could they walk back again into the trap from which they had been released?

2. It took no account of the present. If they stayed, they had the firm promise of God's protection and presence. This was better than anything Egypt could offer.

3. It took no account of the future. God had promised glorious days for His people, but how could He be expected to fulfill His promises if they deserted the country at this time?

Solving a problem often involves a conflict between what is immediately attractive and what is right (when all of the facts are taken into account). Christians are privileged in that we can often consult a seasoned saint or an established leader; we can pray about all of the relevant issues and bring to bear, on our problem, any principles that God's Word makes clear. If you have a problem, the apparently easy way out may not be the right way. Work at it.

Prayer: Lord, when decisions have to be made, give me strength to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. Amen.

Image: Destruction of Jerusalem.

How to Give Advice

Read Jeremiah 42:1-6

Bereft of their leaders, and perhaps afraid of further invasions, the officers came to Jeremiah to ask for his prayers and advice. Their mood seemed serious, their tone humble and their promises sincere. But Jeremiah appears a little cool and reserved. He doesn't welcome the deputation with open arms or great enthusiasm. If they had only listened to him in the first place, all would have been well. His answer, therefore, is conciliatory, but firm and uncompromising.

"I will pray." That was his priestly function - standing on the God-ward side to bring the needs and problems of mortals before the throne of mercy. Whenever we pray or intercede for others we are acting as priests, a function which belongs to all true believers. This is made quite clear in Revelation 1:6. To offer prayer, on behalf of others, to almighty God, is a privilege that belongs to all who own the name of Christ, not simply to those who have been ordained.

"I will tell." Here Jeremiah acts as a prophet. He has turned around now and is addressing a message to the people on behalf of God. Having represented the people to God, he now represents God to the people. As Paul puts it, "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us..." (II Corinthians 5:20). This, too, is a task for every Christian.

Prayer: Lord, make me faithful in the way I bring the needs of others to You in prayer; and make me faithful in speaking Your word in confidence but with humility. For Your love's sake. Amen.

Image: Jeremiah in Egypt.