Read Jeremiah 38
Let’s start with a little exercise to get us thinking. In each scenario, simply answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question. Then after you have answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’ brainstorm what could possibly and realistically happen if you did say ‘yes’.
Scenario 1:
As you sit in your university lecture the lecturer makes a comment that no respectable person would believe in Jesus but only a fool or an idiot. He rhetorically adds that he is certain that there are no idiots or fools in his class. Would you put your hand up and willingly admit to being a Jesus follower?
Scenario 2:
You are at work and the boss comes to you and tells you that he hates all religious people because of their hypocrisy and that he would sack anyone who was religious. Would you confess to being a follower of Jesus at that point?
Scenario 3:
You’re in the sports change room during the half time break and someone in your team starts joking about Christians and mocking them. Do you stand up and confess your faith in Jesus?
The scenarios all serve to show that taking the Word of God seriously can cost us dearly, even here in Australia. Jeremiah found this out to be true many times in his 40 year ministry. On this particular occasion Jeremiah was in the courtyard of the guard (presumably, given chapter 37) and was preaching the Word of the Lord. Verses 2-3 sum up what he was saying.
Jeremiah 38:2-3
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. He will escape with his life; he will live.’ 3 And this is what the LORD says: ‘This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the King of Babylon, who will capture it.’
Several officials heard Jeremiah and approached the king demanding that Jeremiah be put to death because of the discouragement he’s causing. The king agreed and gave Jeremiah over to them. For his obedience to the Word of God, Jeremiah was lowered into a well and effectively left for dead. Jeremiah sank into the mud pit at the bottom of the well. Death stared him in the face.
By the grace of God, Ebed-Melech, a God fearing eunuch in the official court, approached the king and arranged for Jeremiah’s rescue. He was given 30 men to take along. Either Jeremiah was a very rotund prophet or the men acted as guards for further protection.
Either way, the king again approached Jeremiah and sought the Word of God. It would be very understandable if Jeremiah walked away and refused to talk with the king, or if he lied a little to shore up his safety. But undeterred, Jeremiah declares the full Word of God regarding the coming judgement. He even proclaims what will happen if Zedekiah refuses to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar, the invading king.
When you and I decide to take the Word of God seriously and seek to walk in total obedience, we can expect opposition. We can expect people to be offended and threatened by our lifestyle, our words and our actions. As Paul says in 2 Tim 3:12
‘Anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.’
Prayer:
Using today’s Bible passage and notes write down points for
Adoration:
Confession
Thanks
Supplication:
· Pray for the work of the chaplains in Harristown and Glenvale Public Schools. Ask God to provide open doors for chaplains to speak to students about Jesus, to make disciples and even to reach out to staff with the gospel.
1. Share how taking the Word of God seriously has cost you. Share how God encouraged and blessed you through this situation.
2. What should we do when taking God’s Word seriously costs us?
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