Thursday, March 3rd 2017
THE PEOPLE GO DOWN TO EGYPT
key verse: 43:5
After the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah, a national crisis occurs. What will happen? What is God's will?
1. Pray for us (43)
Johanan is not guilty of assassinating Gedaliah, and he purged the revolt. Yet, he is afraid of Babylon which will punish the Israelites who eliminated the established king. Thus, Johanan and his commanders want to receive God's will for the future.That is the reason for their asking Jeremiah to pray. They seem sincere and even vow to listen to the Lord. However, they have already decided on their future. There are many who, while appearing to search for God's will, have already firmly decided. Jeremiah knows this (20). All those who decide to go down to Egypt will die by pestilence, the sword and famine.
2. Jeremiah goes down with them (43)
When the word of the Lord is revealed, Johanan and his men act according to their preconceived idea. They say the word is false and that Baruch is manipulating Jeremiah. Their hearts are twisted. Johanan and his commanders take Jeremiah and the people and go down to Egypt. They believe Egypt is a refuge, but they are wrong, since God's will is to punish all nations through his servant Nebuchadnezzar. God sends the Babylonians to invade and burn Egypt. The Judeans there die by the sword or famine, or they are taken captive. That is the end of those who don't obey the word, choosing their own will instead.
Prayer: Lord, make me give up my will and obey your word, whether it be good or bad.
Bottom line: may your will and not mine be done (Luke 22:42)
No comments:
Post a Comment