The Daily Word: Wednesday, October 21st, 2020
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
1 Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.” – Jer. 38:18
Jerusalem was in serious trouble. The army of Babylon was coming to attack the city. Zedekiah, the king of Jerusalem, was terrified. So he asked Jeremiah – the prophet of God – what the future would hold. Jeremiah told him he had a choice: if he surrendered, he would live; but if he tried to fight, he would die. The whole city would be burned with fire, and everyone in it would be compromised.
King Zedekiah had a choice. Would he listen to his pride and insist on fighting? Would he listen to his “friends” who thought it would be ridiculous to surrender? Or would he honor the word of the Lord and do what God said? It seemed like God was asking Zedekiah to surrender to the enemy! But God was really asking Zedekiah to surrender to God’s will.
Sometimes what seems like defeat is actually the path to victory. Sometimes what seems like giving up is really the path to blessing! Will you surrender your pride, and live for God’s will? Will you stop caring what other people think, and do what He says?
Prayer:
Father, I want to know Your will. I want to know Your word! And once I know it, I pray Your Holy Spirit would make me strong enough to walk it out. I want to live for you like never before, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.