Day 233 – Jeremiah 41-45

Talking Points

• Found again in a great dilemma, the people seek God’s direction through Jeremiah. They admirably turn to God. Very clear in His instructions, God tells them the terrible perils that await if they disobey. After hearing God’s Word, they then weigh out their decision to obey or not. Ultimately, they move forward in disobedience. It is pointless to seek God’s direction if we are not resolved to be obedient beforehand.
• Faithful to his call, Jeremiah tells the people, “I will tell you the whole message which the LORD will answer you. I will not keep back a word from you” (Jeremiah 42:4). There is a similar New Testament account of Paul leaving the Ephesian believers. He is able to say, “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). As we study God’s Word, we should understand the importance of each word. We are not to lift pieces out that we think fit what we are looking for, while neglecting other parts we deem unimportant or unattractive. Each word in its context matters.

Thoughts

Just trust God! Why can’t I get that? Why do I make it so hard? Over and over, God calls His people to trust Him. And, over and over and over, He proves Himself trustworthy. Always. So, why not quickly trust Him?

In this account, we see God’s crystal-clear instructions. Then, we see God’s people wrestle with the idea of trusting those instructions, or really, trusting Him. It is a process of choosing who they will trust more — God or someone else. Will they be influenced by their own logic, fear, or the size of the enemy? In this case, sadly, they choose not to trust God.

Be sure, as believers, we trust God. It’s what He calls us to do, what He’s training us to do. Think about it — to be saved, we must trust God. It is the only way. Then, once we have trusted Him with the greatest thing, we should trust Him in all things. It is the best way! We are a people saved by and walking in trust. It is our hallmark.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)