Daily Devotional for November 7, 2015
Jeremiah 26
Scripture:
1 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:
2 “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word.
3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.
4 Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you,
5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened),
6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’ “
7 The priests, the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD.
8 But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die!
Observation:
In this situation, obeying God almost cost Jeremiah his life! Thankfully, this chapter reveals that Jeremiah’s life was spared. Although, later in the chapter we hear of a prophet, Uriah, who did lose his life as a result of following God. The notes from the Fire Bible are very helpful with this.
(Jeremiah 26:23) “Jeremiah was rescued from death, while another godly prophet named Uriah was not. Scripture never fully explains why God allows some of His people to suffer—even to the point of death—while others are allowed to die a natural death. (Acts 12:1-17). However, we do know that God has an eternal purpose in what He allows to happen to His faithful followers. We know that all things He works for their good (Romans 8:28).”
What if God asked you to do something that could possibly change your living conditions? What if God asks you to give up stability in your position to serve Him somewhere else? What if God asks you to give away something considerable that will change your financial status? What if God asked you to serve others in a capacity of great personal sacrifice? If you knew that it was God, could you do it?
There have been a few times in our lives when Mandy and I have made decisions that are contrary to conventional thinking. In each of these instances, we spent plenty of time in prayer and godly counsel. Each time we were able to confidently say, “We know God is asking us.” These are not easy moments. Which is why we need the Holy Spirit in our life to lead us and give us the power to do what God is asking us to do.
Application:
- Personal Application: God has purpose for us all. I believe that God has uniquely gifted us to do what He has called us to. There is a peace and joy that comes with embracing the call that God has for you and not comparing it to what God has called others to. The biggest task for us is to recognize the voice of the Lord and having the strength to respond.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Explain to them what it means to make God the Lord of your life. Help them understand that serving God is more than just attending church, it’s surrendering your whole life to His will. Ask them if they have any questions and chat about this topic. Pray with them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the sensitivity to hear His voice and recognize His call. Ask God for the strength and courage to fulfill His purposes for your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that the Lord will give your family wisdom to know His voice, courage to respond, and the ability to fulfill the task.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 1 – Sunday, November 8:
- Sunday, November 1: Jeremiah 20
- Monday, November 2: Jeremiah 21
- Tuesday, November 3: Jeremiah 22
- Wednesday, November 4: Jeremiah 23
- Thursday, November 5: Jeremiah 24
- Friday, November 6 Jeremiah 25
- Saturday, November 7: Jeremiah 26
- Sunday, November 8: Jeremiah 27
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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