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.
“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 there is what we do.
Our actions, our behaviour, often show the truth of who we are far more than our words.
When the people came to Jeremiah they were so earnest!
“Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God …”
And yet.
God answered with a word they did not like.
The people rejected God’s instruction, His word, to them.
The people went to Egypt, ignoring God’s promise to them if they had stayed in the land.
The people disobeyed God’s word, and His judgement came on them.
For us, there is also what we say, and there is what we do.
As God’s people today, are we walking in obedience to the instruction God gives us?
* Father God,
You speak to us in mercy and grace, covenanting with us in Your faithfulness.
Yet we turn our backs – Please help us Lord, save us, forgive us please!
Thank You for all that You have done for us, and for all that You continue to do.
Amen.