Chapter 751 of 1163

JEREMIAH 42

“Back to Egypt!” was Israel’s cry whenever they found themselves in trouble. It was true in the days of Moses (Exod. 16:3; 17:3; Num. 11:4–6; 14:1–5) and Isaiah (Isa. 30:1–5; 31:1–3), and now in the trying days after the Babylonian conquest (41:17). God had told them to stay in the land, but they were afraid to obey.

They had already made up their minds to go, but they thought it would be good to ask the prophet to pray for them: “Pray for us! We will obey!” How pious their words sounded! (See Matt. 15:7–9.) Have you ever tried to fool God with pious prayers and promises?

Jeremiah prayed and waited for God’s word for that hour. Perhaps God did have another plan for the people. No, God’s plan had not been changed. God told them not to be afraid; He told them to stay in the land and trust His care. But God also told His servant that the leaders were hypocrites and not to be trusted.

Faith and patience go together (Heb. 6:12; 10:36): “Whosoever believes will not act hastily” (Isa. 28:16).

“Solemn prayers, rapturous devotions, are but repeated hypocrisies unless the heart and mind be conformable to them.”

William Law

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