Daily Devotional for November 19, 2015
Jeremiah 38
Scripture:
17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life will be spared and this city will not be burned down; you and your family will live. 18 But if you will not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be handed over to the Babylonians and they will burn it down; you yourself will not escape from their hands.’ “19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will mistreat me.” 20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.
Observation:
Peer-pressure doesn’t end when we graduate High School. Wouldn’t it be nice if a High School diploma came with an iron clad will and the confidence to do what is right no matter who is watching. Unfortunately, this is not the case for us. Regardless of how confident someone may seem, many men are influenced by the opinions of those around them. We see this in this chapter as Zedekiah knew what was right but was afraid of those around him. The Fire Bible study notes explain this well.
Jeremiah 38:20, “Zedekiah believed Jeremiah’s message, but his fear of others (v. 19), his weak character and his lack of faith in God kept him from obeying God. As a result, Zedekiah brought shame on himself and ruin on the nation. He was like many today who refuse to do right even though they know their actions will bring God’s judgment on them and cause trouble for others.”
As men, there may be times when we will be influenced by those around us. This is one of the reasons we must watch who we allow to speak into our lives. Don’t allow others to distract us from walking out this discipleship journey.
Application:
- Personal Application: Peer-pressure is real and it is powerful. As Spirit-Empowered Men, we must be able to overcome the pressures around us and to continue doing what is right. This may not be easy, however, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do it.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Remind them that serving the Lord will not always be popular or easy. There may be times when we need to follow the Word of God instead of the voice of the people around you. In those times, ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help you do what is right. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the courage and wisdom to respond to God’s voice when He calls.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will not be allow fear to hold them back from doing what is right.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 15 – Sunday, November 22:
- Sunday, November 15: Jeremiah 34
- Monday, November 16: Jeremiah 35
- Tuesday, November 17: Jeremiah 36
- Wednesday, November 18: Jeremiah 37
- Thursday, November 19: Jeremiah 38
- Friday, November 20: Jeremiah 39
- Saturday, November 21: Jeremiah 40
- Sunday, November 22: Jeremiah 41
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise marked, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblicia, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Fire Bible® elements including all Articles, the Bible Reading Plan, selected black and white maps and charts as noted, Book Introductions and outlines, color maps and the Color Map Index, footnotes, Study Notes, Subject Index, Themefinder™Index are the property of Life Publishers International, Springfield, MO U.S.A. All rights reserved.