Choosing the Right Path

O. T. #1811  "Choosing the Right Path"

Oct. 30, 2020

Jeremiah 40

LET IT GLOW

We learned about events which happened after the fall of Jerusalem. Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar had  given explicit instructions to his captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan (which I will call Dan for short) concerning Jeremiah-see that he isn't hurt, look after him well, and give him anything he wants. Then Jeremiah was put under the care of Gedaliah, who took him back home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people, the remnant that was left to bring in the harvests.

Before that, Jeremiah was among the deportees headed to  Babylon, stationed at a town called Ramah, which was only 5 miles north of Jerusalem. He was bound in chains, shackles, about to be carried away to a foreign land when Dan rescued him. We are not sure how this happened. At any rate, it was not by happenstance that the prophet was released.

Jeremiah's message of captivity and the judgment of God was on Judah had spread to the pagan world. What was Dan's declaration to Jeremiah?

*God brought this disaster on this land just as He said He would.

*These people sinned against the LORD and disobeyed Him.

*I will remove your chains and let you go.

*If Jeremiah want to go with him to Babylon, he was welcome, and would see that the prophet would be well cared for there.

*If Jeremiah did not want to go, he was permitted to say there.

Jeremiah was given a choice as to where to live. In Babylon, Jeremiah would have great comfort and power, but the exiles there hated him. Although, while in Judah, he would face hardship. Considering how the people in Jerusalem hated him too, Jeremiah chose to go to Gedaliah, the new governor at Mizpah. He was given vituals and a reward and let go. In Judah Jeremiah would remain poor and unwanted, but the Judean remnant would know he was not a traitor.

Daily, Jesus gives us a choice to follow Him or go our own way. Following Jesus may not be on any easy path, but it is rewarding spiritually. Emmanuel, God with us, gives us peace and rest on the road less traveled. His presence is worth more than the world could offer. He leads us along fresh adventure, revealing things we don't know. Which path will you choose today? 

LET IT GROW

There was a group of rebellious Jews along the countryside that had a leader named Ishmael. (verse 8). They heard about Gedaliah's appointment as governor, whose  ground rules included serving the king of Babylon. (God had been telling Judah this for years.) Ishmael and his followers devised an assassination plot to kill Gedaliah. Now, Johanan found out about this and told the new governor, who didn't take it seriously. He even offered to secretly kill Johanan., but was turned down. We will find out in the next chapter what happened.

Was Ishmael angry that he had been passed over for leadership? After all, he was of the line of David. Do we allow jealousy to reign in our heart?

LET IT GO

There is nothing better than You, Jesus.

How wonderful it is to rest in Your will.

Please give us wisdom as we face uncertain days.

Help us be overcomers, staying in the fight for The Truth.

Bless all who come to study Your Word.