Jeremiah 40-41 In the Crisis Hours

 

Jeremiah 40 ,41 – In the Crisis Hours

 

God has a word for you in the crisis hours of life, so take time to listen. In this case, it came from the mouth of a Babylonian officer who knew Jeremiah’s prophecies. If you could go where you wanted, where would it be? Jeremiah chose to remain with the hurting people of the land. They consisted of very poor people, the blind, the crippled, the lame and some hardened criminals. What an encouragement he must have been to them!

 

God has ordained that men live under authority (Romans 13); otherwise, there is chaos. Gedaliah told the people exactly what Jeremiah had counseled: submit to the enemy and seek to live normal lives. Are you praying for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-3)? Their job is not easy, and they need God’s help.

 

Was Gedaliah a bit naïve? Did he have too much faith in human nature? Perhaps, but he should have at least taken precautions to protect his life. Johanan was loyal to Zedekiah and rejected the rule of the governor. His love for the fallen king was greater than his love for God, others, and the nation. He was more concerned about revenge than righteousness. What could have been a peaceful transition became a civil war – all because of one man’s wickedness.

 

God told them encouraging things. He promised He would free them from their bondage if only they did what He commanded. He also warned them that if they persisted in doing things their own way, then His fury and anger will be poured out upon them, and they will see the land of Judah no more. Why do we ask God what He wants us to do but then proceed to do whatever we please to do? God tells us that if we obey His commandments in all ways, then He will bless us and we will grow in a closer relationship with Him. God doesn’t lay out His commandments to us in potluck style where we can pick and chose what we want to obey. He says to do all that He says, and He will take care of us forever. He also warns us that if we do not obey Him then His anger and wrath will come down upon us and we will receive curses instead of blessings. It is up to us to make the right choices.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.