But as soon as Jeremiah, whom the Lord their God had sent, had finished telling all the people all the words of the Lord their God—that is, all these words— Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You are not to enter Egypt to reside there’”. Jeremiah 43:1-2
Almost is a difficult concept. I prefer outright success. Much of life in reality is almost. Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet who had no real conversion or repentant responses to his message. This was a close one, the people ‘almost’ listened and obeyed. It appeared that a contrite remnant in Judah would turn and heed Jeremiah as he inquired of the Lord. But, no! Sadly, arrogant men would lead the people back to Egypt of all places. This was the place of suffering and slavery. Oh how tragic that we do the same thing today. As the dog returns to his vomit, so does the sow to the mud.
Is there any part of my life that is worldly? Am I rejecting any aspect of God’s Word or the prompting of the Spirit of God in changing my life? Am I remaining in the promised land or returning to Egypt?
God, for me, the promised land is knowing and loving You. Thank you for the grace You have displayed in my life. As I look ahead to this day, I am in need of Your wisdom and resources. I wonder who and what You have ahead for me. When I inquire, I pray that I might be found obedient and faithful to the answers You provide.
