Read Jeremiah 41
Highlights:
A murderous plot is carried out as greed and betrayal change the course of the few who remained (Jer. 41).
After Nebuchadnezzar defeated Judah, he made Gedaliah governor over the poor people left in the land (Jer. 40:7). Gedaliah ruled, however, for only about two months and then was murdered for his loyalty to Babylon. Fearing retaliation by Nebuchadnezzar, the remnant fled to Egypt although Jeremiah had warned them that it would mean their extinction. Nothing could have been more distressing to Jeremiah than finally being forced into Egypt as a prisoner of his own people (43:5-7). When he was about eighty years old, Jeremiah delivered his last prophecy concerning the soon-coming defeat of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar (44:11-14,30). At the same time he again condemned Judah's sins. And again, his pleadings and warnings were rejected (44:15-19).
In Egypt he watched the people sink lower into the depths of sin and idolatry than at any time during his entire prophetic career. Now they were dishonoring and rejecting Jehovah altogether as they worshiped Ashtoreth, the idol they called the queen of heaven (44:18).
More than 800 years before, God had chosen Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and had brought them to the promised land. But Israel had failed in her mission. Now the remnant of the once-great nation was left to perish in their land of slavery (42:14).
A person who has not experienced submission to the Lord's call to take up the cross, and follow Me (Mark 10:21) is likely to say: "Surely after such a faithful career of serving God, Jeremiah deserved a kindlier end than this." But Jeremiah was not looking for an easy life; he was living to be faithful in doing the will of God.
In our conforming to Christ's death we come to an end of self. We give up our self-interest to live for Him so that we let God do as He will with us. Out of this death we rise with His life and love in us to bless others.
Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. . . . Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. . . . Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof (Rom. 6:4,6,12).
Thought for Today:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments: His praise endureth for ever (Ps. 111:10).Christ Revealed: By My servants the prophets (Jer. 44:4). God the Father called Jesus My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:17-18; Acts 3:20-21), and Jesus was recognized as that Prophet that should come into the world (John 6:14; see also Matt. 21:11; Luke 24:19).
Word Studies:
41:1 seed royal royal family; 41:9 pit cistern; 41:14 cast about turned around; 42:18 execration curse, object of disgust and shame; 42:20 dissembled were deceitful; 43:3 setteth thee on incites or influences you.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Staff: Barbara Jean Lloyd • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Official: Rep. Melvin Watt (NC) • Country: Tajikistan (6 million) southeast central Asia • Major languages: Tajik and Russian • Almost entirely Muslim • 82% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a greater desire to serve the Lord (Ps. 42:1-2).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:3