Willing to Do

O. T. #1814  "Willing to Do"

Nov. 3, 2020

Jeremiah 42-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Are you at a crossroad, wondering which way to go or whether to stay? Our God can open doors for us to go where He leads or give us peace and strength to remain. Whichever is His will for each of our lives, remember, there is no big or small assignments from God.

The small remnant in Jerusalem got together and decided it would be a good idea to get God's rubber stamp of approval for their plans. Sot they went to Jeremiah with a very pious-sounding request. They wanted the prophet to inquire of the Lord about the best course of action (verses 1-3). He promised to pray and tell them every word God revealed to him (verse 4). In response, the people promised that whether the news was good or bad, they would certainly obey the Lord (verses 5-6). (Tony Evans)

Should the tiny remnant stay or go to Egypt? After 10 days, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. What were the details for their circumstance which God revealed to Jeremiah?

• Stay in this land.
• If you do, God would build them up, not tear down;
• plant you, not uproot them. (verse 10)
• Do not fear the king of Babylon anymore.
• For I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power. (verse 11) 
• I will be merciful to you by making him kind, so he will let you stay here in your land.

Sounds good, huh?

I am not sure of the author, but I have this saying on my desk so I can:

God isn't asking you to figure it out. He's asking you to trust Him that has.

Whether God has asked us to pray for someone, to minister to a person in need, to lead a Bible study, or to care for those who are sick, strive to be faithful. You will experience His enabling as you serve Him. If you are faithful in a little, God will entrust you with more. You will be able to join Paul in praising God for having counted you faithful, putting you into His service (Luke 16:10). (Experiencing God Day-By Day) 

LET IT GROW

If the small remnant in Judah refused to God, going to Egypt instead of remaining and trusting Him for everything and keep His promises, then the very war and famine you fear will catch up with you and you will die there. That is the fate awaiting everyone if you insist on going to Egypt. You will die from war, famine, and disease. None will escape what I bring on you there. Just as I poured out My anger and fury on Jerusalem, so will they be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. You will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. You will never see your homeland again. That is what the LORD of Heaven's, the God Israel told Jeremiah for them.

Wow! What an answer. Jeremiah realized the people had not been honest with him. He knew the Jews were not going to obey God and remain in Jerusalem. Although, we will find out what they did in the next chapter.

It is a tragic mistake to ask for God's guidance with no intention of following it. Be sure never to ask God for something that you know in your heart you really do not want. It is better not to pray than to pray hypocritically. God cannot be deceived. (Life Application Study Bible)  

LET IT GO

Make sure my heart is willing to obey when I ask God to reveal His will for my life.

God sees all and knows our decision before we ask for His revelation.

Where You go, I will go; where You stay, I will stay;  I will follow You, Jesus.