Read Jeremiah 38:1-13 (Part 1)
This Doesn’t Make Sense.
The Babylonians were attacking Judah but the Lord said through Jeremiah that those who hand themselves over to the Babylonians would live. But those who would be stubborn and say we will fight against them, God said they would die by the sword, by famine, or by a plague. When the officials heard this message they reported it to the king saying Jeremiah should be put to death because he is discouraging the soldiers and the people in the city. They said, “Jeremiah is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.” In other words, they were saying, this doesn’t make sense. It didn’t make sense because it’s not normal. It’s not the way people typically think. Surrender and live? Yeah right, like I’m going to do that. But God said this is my plan so obey it and live.
How often do we fight against God when he tells us to do something that’s not “normal” or doesn’t make sense?
Mark 8:34-35 says if we want to save our life, we lose it. But if we are willing to lose our life, we save it. Does this make sense? In essence, what Jesus was really saying is those who want to SAVE their life on Earth because of not willing to die for the cause of Christ, will DIE spiritually in hell. But those who are willing to LOSE their lives for the cause of Christ, will LIVE eternally in heaven.
2. Jesus also said, “Love your enemies and do good to those who mistreat you?” I know, it doesn’t make sense!?! But it’s these kinds of Acts of Obedience that release the power of God resulting in transformed lives.
Are you willing to follow Jesus even if it doesn’t make sense?
