The Judean officials threaten to kill Jeremiah for prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem. They ultimately decide not to put Jeremiah to death, but it was a close one.
“Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, ‘The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city… mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster… But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.. if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon… this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.’ ” (v12-15 abr)
I’m not sure about you, but sin can blind me. Being sinful can seem good at first, and when someone mentions “Um, that’s not a very Christlike way to behave”, the truth can be infuriating. Like a small child being told “no” and then throwing a temper tantrum, those caught in sin can sometimes be unappreciative of God’s warnings.
The twisted attitudes of this world include one that says “Nobody can tell me what to do, that’s infringing on my rights and freedoms; I get to do whatever I want.” That form of pride is inherently dangerous, especially to those who claim Jesus as King and Savior. We don’t lose our freedom of choice when we follow Him, we’re choosing to follow Him and His way of life. We could choose to follow Satan instead, which ironically leads to fewer rights and freedoms (even though he wants us to think it’s the less restrictive path).
Let’s embrace God’s loving and compassionate correction when it comes. If another Christ follower offers a word of guidance or correction, we should carefully and prayerfully consider any truth to their words. We shouldn’t “shoot the messenger” – they (like Jeremiah) might be trying to save us from sin that has blinded us.
Father God, our Wise Counsellor and All-Knowing Creator You alone are deserving of our praise. We wish to honor and glorify You with our words and actions through our own freewill and power of choice. Please open and our hearts and ears to any corrections You may have for us. May we prayerfully consider each word of scripture, and every word of teaching from Your people. May we happily and joyfully receive correction, knowing it brings us into closer alignment with You. In the name of Jesus our Lord and Leader, our greatest example of loving behavior, we praise Your holy name. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training