Jeremiah 43:1-2 When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God—everything the Lord had sent him to tell them—Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’
Commentary says of these men that they saw “God as a power to enlist, not a lord to obey,” and that’s got me thinking today. If perception is reality (and it is to so many), then how I perceive God’s role in my life affects how much power and influence I allow Him in my life.
Jeremiah 43:3 But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.”
If I see Him as a power to enlist, I’m going to wheedle, cajole, and badger, and if He still doesn’t give me my way, I’ll be very, very angry and bitter, blaming Him for the consequences of my choices. God’s goal here is to humble the Israelites and bring them back to Him. Restoring relationship is always a central goal of His. But that involves humility on our part as well as recognition of His central role in our lives—a role He can only fulfill if we allow Him to.
Jeremiah 43:4 So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah.
Lord, Humility is hard, much harder than it should be. I know I cannot live this life under my own power and influence. I don’t want to. Help me to keep You at my core, to give You the power that only You deserve and only I can give. Help me to humble myself, even when it’s hard. Draw me closer. Help me to shine Your light. Amen.
Jeremiah 43:5 Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers led away all the remnant of Judah who had come back to live in the land of Judah from all the nations where they had been scattered.
Have a blessed day.