Day 218

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A Depiction of Jeremiah in Benjamin Stocks

Scripture

August 5—Jeremiah 16-20: Pots, Bottles and Stocks

Observation

As with the loincloth incident of chapter 13, God again asks his prophet to do the unusual in order to dramatize the unpleasant. Jeremiah is commanded never to marry, attend funerals or celebrate feasts. Thus his life becomes a constant reminder of coming horrors for Judah's parents and children. Dashing a clay jar at the feet of the elders and priests, Jeremiah further illustrates the southern kingdom's unhappy future. For his trouble, he earns a hearty beating and an overnight stay in the Benjamin Gate stocks.

Application

Cherish is a word that comes from a root meaning "to hold dear." Using that definition, what five things (apart from your salvation in Christ) do you cherish above all others? Write them down. Perhaps you thought of things such as your spouse, family and freedom, close friends.

Now read 16:2, 5, 8. These were the very things the prophet was asked to give up in order to follow God's will for his life!

Jesus Christ told his disciples, "If you love your father and mother, son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine" (Matthew 10:37). Was he saying "Run away from home, divorce your spouse, and give up your children to follow me"? Not at all! Rather, "If there is something anything even the thing you cherish most in life that is more important than following me, then don't follow me. If I cannot be first with you, then you are not truly available to me."

Look over your list of five things that you wrote down again. Is over commitment to any of these cherished items robbing God of your undivided loyalty? Matthew 10:37 is where you need to begin. As Jeremiah learned, the cost of following God is high, but the rewards are eternally worth it.

Prayer

Almighty God, guide and direct our thoughts and actions to be about you at all times so that we are able to set examples and be inspirational in turning people to your Word so that your name may be glorified on earth through our works. Since you have become first in our life, the promise of eternality to reign with our Lord and Savior is more than worth it. Thank you for the Word! In Jesus name we pray! Amen!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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