Read Jeremiah 19
Highlights:
Jeremiah imprisoned; Pashur smiting Jeremiah; way of life and death presented.
Inquire, I pray thee, of the Lord for us: for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us (Jer. 21:2).
King Zedekiah was afraid the Babylonian empire would soon destroy the little nation of Judah. Therefore, he sent Zephaniah and Pashur (not the same man who had earlier smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks — 20:2; comp. 20:1 with 21:1) to ask Jeremiah to pray that the Lord will deal with us according to all His wondrous works (21:2).
The king's inquiry sounded spiritual, but there was no indication that he desired to acknowledge God as the True King of Israel. Prayer does not necessarily indicate a spiritual relationship with God. Many pray seeking help only in their storms of life. They, however, have no desire to serve God or to walk in His ways. The first goal of our prayer should be to seek forgiveness. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee (Acts 8:22). The unbeliever often ignores this opportunity. Instead, he continues to walk in his own ways.
Jeremiah told the messengers to tell the king that God would not fight for him, but He would fight against him. Furthermore he said that King Zedekiah and his people would be defeated in battle and taken as slaves by Nebuchadnezzar.
Many would-be believers today are making the same mistake as King Zedekiah. They have gone to the right source for information and called upon the right God, but they are not truly seeking the Lord or His will. They want God to respond to their request. Any other answer will not satisfy them. They don't want a negative answer to their prayer. They refuse to comprehend that when God answers it does not always or automatically mean they get what they want. God does wants us to bring our needs and desires to Him. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Phil. 4:6). However, God does not want us to consider Him some mystical wishgranter. He will answer our prayers, but the answer may be no or wait. We must be willing, as His children, to accept the answer He gives.
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (I Cor. 2:5).
Thought for Today:
Reading only portions of Scripture we enjoy will not reveal the whole counsel of God.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who pronounces judgment upon those who refuse to obey His Word (Jer. 19:15). The Father . . . committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:
19:3 his ears shall tingle, will be utterly stunned by the news; 19:9 straitness, anguish, distress; 20:3 Magor-missabib, terror on every side; 20:11 mighty terrible One, awe-inspiring One, heroic Champion.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Gov. Richard “Rick' Snyder (MI) • Country: San Marino (25,000) inside north-central Italy • Major language: Italian • Religious freedom • 95% Roman Catholic; 5% atheist • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers should be lifted up with confidence in God (Ps. 56:9,11).
Optional Reading: 1 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 18:2-1