Reading
SAA Notes
Everyone, including Johanan, wants to feel good about fleeing to Egypt. They want Jeremiah to tell them this is God’s will. Everyone pledges to obey God’s word – and no one does, when it contradicts what he or she wants to do. Do you see yourself here?
SJA Notes
* Loving God, thank You for Your word to us. May we hear and obey today.
“Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the LORD, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand.”
There is what we _say_ and what we _do_.
Our actions, our behaviour, often shows the truth of who we are far more than our words.
When they came to Jeremiah the people were so earnest!
“Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.”
And yet.
The people rejected God’s word.
The people went to Egypt, ignoring God’s promise to them if they stayed in the land.
They disobeyed God’s word.
And God’s judgement will come upon them.
There is what we _say_ and what we _do_.
As God’s people today, do they both match up with what God asks of us?
* Father God,
You speak to us in mercy and grace, marking us as Your people in Your love, covenanting with us in Your faithfulness.
And yet we turn our backs on You – Help us Lord, because we cannot help ourselves!
Thank You for all that You are to us, all that You have done, all that You do and continue to do.
Amen.