Chapter 750 of 1163

Jeremiah 40–41

Liberty (40:1–6). God has a word for you in the crisis hours of life, so take time to listen. In this case, it came from the mouth of a Babylonian officer who knew Jeremiah’s prophecies. If you could go where you wanted, where would it be? Jeremiah chose to remain with the hurting people of the land. What an encouragement he must have been to them!

Authority (40:7–12). God has ordained that men live under authority (Rom. 13); otherwise, there is chaos. Gedaliah told the people exactly what Jeremiah had counseled: submit to the enemy and seek to live normal lives. Are you praying for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1–3)? Their job is not easy, and they need God’s help.

Treachery (40:13–16). Was Gedaliah a bit naive? Did he have too much faith in human nature? Perhaps, but he should at least have taken precautions to protect his life. Ishmael was loyal to Zedekiah (41:1) and rejected the rule of the governor. His love for the fallen king was greater than his love for God, others, and the nation. He was more concerned about revenge than righteousness. What could have been a peaceful transition became a civil war—all because of one man’s wickedness.

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