Monday
Have you ever had someone ask you for advice and then because you didn’t tell them what they wanted to hear they just ignored it?
Well that is exactly what happened to Jeremiah in our reading today. The people Jeremiah encounter are in a great transitional period. They are uncertain and scared as to what the future holds for them. They have made up their minds that there will be safety and place for them in Egypt, so they ask Jeremiah what they should do, where they should go. What gets me is that they adamantly promise to obey the Lord and will do whatever it is the Lord speaks to Jeremiah. So Jeremiah tells them that the Lord says, don’t fear the Babylonians, for God is with them and will deliver them. He also tells them not to go to Egypt. Unfortunately, the people don’t listen. They think, because Jeremiah didn’t tell them what they wanted to hear, that he must be lying. And so, they take off and go to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them.
I can’t even begin to understand Jeremiah’s frustration, but you know when you are doing what God has called you to do, then how the people respond is not your problem. You have done what you were asked to do. But when you ask God to show you the way, please don’t resist what he has to say to you, even if you think it is contrary to what you want. Amen?
Blessings
Pastor Kathy