Daily Devotional for November 21, 2015
Jeremiah 40
Scripture:
1 The word came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon. 2 When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The LORD your God decreed this disaster for this place. 3 And now the LORD has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the LORD and did not obey him. 4 But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please.”
Observation:
Jeremiah was found in chains but he was set free. His capture took place as part the exile caused by the sin of Judah. While Jeremiah was in physical chains, I couldn’t help but think of the emotional chains that bind many men. Just as Jeremiah was set free, we too can be set free through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Sin will bring bondage, guilt, and shame into our lives. If you find yourself bound by sin, turn to the Lord. True freedom can only be found in Christ.
Application:
- Personal Application: I encourage you to turn to the Lord and seek forgiveness for any sin you are struggling with. We can live in freedom through a relationship with Christ. Take today, Saturday, to spend some extra time with the Lord and seek his forgiveness and freedom.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Explain how Jeremiah was in physical chains but we sometimes get caught in emotional chains as a result of sin. Encourage them to seek the Lord’s forgiveness for any sin in their life. Pray with them to overcome any temptations they are struggling with.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for freedom from any chains that may be holding you back from fulfilling His plan for your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will walk in freedom with the Lord and avoid any bondage caused by sin.
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.
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