Saturday, August 1
Read Jeremiah 42
Think About It:
The request to Jeremiah sounded sincere and spiritual, but there was deception in the hearts of the leaders, including Johanan. They had their minds already made up to go to Egypt, and they were hoping Jeremiah would agree with them. Sometimes God’s people take this false approach in discerning the will of God. Instead of honestly speaking God’s will, they go from counselor to counselor, asking for advice and hoping they’ll find someone who will agree with their hidden agenda.
The Lord kept the people waiting for 10 days, possibly to give them time to search their hearts and confess their sins. There were three answers Jeremiah gave them. First, the promise (verses 7-12). If they stayed in the land, God would build them and plant them. The prophet encouraged them not to be afraid of the Babylonians because the Lord was with the remnant and would care for them.
Second, part of Jeremiah’s message was a warning (verses 13-18). Several times during the wilderness years, whenever they had a trial or testing, the Israelites talked of going back to Egypt. During the final years of the kingdom of Judah, there was a strong pro-Egyptian party in the government, because Egypt seemed to be the closest and strongest ally.
Lastly, Jeremiah ended his address with an exposure of their hearts (verses 19-22). He announced publicly that they had tried to deceive him when they promised to obey the Lord’s commands. They really didn’t want his prayers or God’s plans; they wanted the Lord to approve what they had already decided to do. But this was a fatal decision on their part, for if they carried out their plans, they would die in Egypt.
Family Time:
- What is it that Johanan and the other commanders want Jeremiah to pray about?
- List some of the promises God has for the remnant if they choose to remain in the land of Judah.
- List some of the promises God has for the remnant if they choose to seek refuge in Egypt.
- Which one is the best choice? What one is God telling them to do?
- Can you come up with examples in your own life or in the lives of people you know where they have failed to listen to counsel? What about God’s Word? Do you listen to the counsel from God’s Word?
