Day 221

By
That Burdensome Yoke

Scripture

August 8—Jeremiah 26-29: Judah in Opposition to Jeremiah

Observation

After delivering a message from God, it is always gratifying to see people moved to action. But in Jeremiah's case, the response is more than he bargained for! Filled with fury over Jeremiah's message of doom, the officials of Judah respond by seeking to put the prophet to death. Fearless, Jeremiah harnesses a yoke to himself to visualize for the authorities the need to submit to the yoke of Babylon as God's rod of discipline upon the nation. A false prophet named Hananiah arises, preaching a message exactly opposite to Jeremiah's, but he dies an early death for seeking to lead the people astray. Finally, Jeremiah encourages the deportees in Babylon to settle down and be content in their new home in exile.

Application

Think about the different relationships in your life. Can you name three people to whom you give casual attention, inconsistent attention, no attention or diligent attention?

Which of these four descriptions is an accurate portrayal of the kind of attention you give to God? Casual? Inconsistent? Diligent? None? How much time are you giving him in comparison to those activities or relationships you consider much less important?

If you are not satisfied with your answer, then on your appointment calendar for tomorrow reserve an extra half hour as an appointment between you and God. Spend those carefully guarded minutes in prayer, Scripture reading, hymn singing and meditation. You'll find it's wonderfully habit-forming.

Prayer

Oh Lord, according to the studying of today's Scripture we see the Yoke of Jeremiah was no joke. It was a burden for the prophet to bear but Your Yoke through Jesus Christ is easy, light and refreshing for us to carry according to Matthew 11:30; and while we wait for the sound of the trumpet. We are honored to be part of the kingdom forever and ever therefore we are proud to bear Your Yoke. Thank you in Jesus' name!  Amen!

At the Sound of the Trumpet


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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