Read: Jeremiah 42-46
Today’s reading really centered around obedience and whether or not the people truly trusted God when His answer was not what they wanted to hear. In chapter 42, the people went to Jeremiah asking him to seek the Lord for them, and they said they would obey God whether His answer was favorable or unfavorable.
“Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God.” -Jeremiah 42:6
But honestly, they did not mean it. They wanted God’s guidance as long as it aligned with what they already wanted to do. And if I’m being honest, I think we all do that sometimes. I know that I have. I have prayed things like, “God, just tell me what to do and I’ll do it,” or “If You just answer this prayer, I promise I’ll do ___.” We try to make deals with God or ask Him to reveal His plan while already hoping for a certain answer in our heads. We say we want God’s will, but sometimes we only want it if it feels comfortable, safe, or favorable to us.
The people were terrified of the king of Babylon, but God told them through Jeremiah not to fear.
“Do not be afraid … for I am with you and will save you and deliver you … I will show you compassion.” -Jeremiah 42:11–12
I actually think it is interesting how God said “do not be afraid” twice because He already knew exactly what was in their hearts. They were scared. And honestly, my first thought is how nowadays people always talk about using positive wording instead of negative wording, like saying what you want to happen instead of what you do not want to happen. But God directly addressed the fear He already knew they had. He did not ignore it. He comforted it. But even after hearing from God, they still did not listen.
By chapter 44, there was disaster because of idolatry, and it said:
“They did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness.” -Jeremiah 44:5
God warned them. He guided them. He offered protection and compassion, but they still chose disobedience because their hearts were not truly surrendered to Him.
Then in chapter 46, there was another message concerning Egypt, and there was fear and defeat everywhere.
“There is terror on every side.” -Jeremiah 46:5
The people put their trust in themselves, in nations, and in worldly security instead of fully trusting God.
But toward the end of chapter 46, God said something so comforting:
“Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you.” -Jeremiah 46:28
That verse really stands out to me because throughout all these chapters, even while people are disobeying Him, God still reminds His people that He is with them. God is for His people. He wants relationship with them, with us. He wants hearts that truly trust Him, not just words that sound obedient until things get uncomfortable. Honestly, obedience is easy when God’s answer lines up with what we already want. The real test of our hearts is what we do when His answer feels unfavorable. Do we still trust Him then?
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever prayed for God’s guidance while secretly hoping for a specific answer?
- Why do you think the people kept turning back to disobedience even after hearing from God?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest*
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