Read Jeremiah Chapter 42 and Chapter 43
It Seems They Haven’t Learned Their Lesson.
There is a small remnant of people left in Judah after Jerusalem was destroyed. The army officials and the rest of the people then came to Jeremiah asking that he pray to God and see where they were to go and what they were to do. It sounds like they have learned their lesson and their hearts have changed after being attacked by the Babylonians and being destroyed. Hear the words the people said to Jeremiah:
“May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not obey everything he says. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God….”
Wow, their hearts have changed. They have learned their lesson.
Here’s Jeremiah’s response after praying 10 days:
“Stay in the land the Babylonians previously destroyed and I will build you up and not tear you down. Do not be afraid of the King of Babylon. I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.” But if you disobey, you will be cursed and death and evil will fall upon you.
Another “WOW!” God’s plan is to restore them as a nation again.
But wait a minute, here’s how the people responded. “You are lying! The Lord God has not sent you to say what you said.”
As a result, they all went to Egypt and as they entered God warned them again.
What lessons have I not learned yet in life? What is God wanting to restore? What am I still working on? What behaviors have I once again entertained and allowed my flesh to indulge into again?
Dear Lord, you ask us to repent. Help me to turn from that thing or person that temps my heart from you. Amen.
