Bible Chapter: Jeremiah 41 & 42

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Ishmael killed Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.  It is possible that he believed Gedaliah endorsed the cruel way the Babylonians treated King Zedekiah.  Ishmael also slaughtered 70 of 80 pilgrims coming to worship.  He probably wanted their supplies and money.  We see here that he killed many people.  He must not have feared God or cared about doing the right things. He neglected to acknowledge that the Lord would judge his actions and punish him for his sins.
After Gedaliah was murdered, the people were afraid.  They asked Jeremiah for a word from God.  They promised to obey what God said.  But, they had already made up their minds to go to Egypt. God told them to stay in the land. They rejected the message and went to Egypt anyway.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I was reading these chapters, one part jumped out to me.  It is when they said to Jeremiah whether we like it or not, we will obey the LORD our God.  If we obey him, everything will turn out well for us.  That is a true statement that things are better when people obey.  They promised to obey whatever God said.  It must have been that they planned to reject God if they didn’t like the things He said.  What good does it do to promise to obey if you don’t do it????  God expects obedience and that is the only response that makes sense for eternity.  As I am writing about these chapters I find myself talking lots about obedience.  These chapters show the results of obedience and disobedience.  Note to self: learn the lessons here.

3.  How can I help someone?
People: learn the lessons of these chapters.  God is powerful.  God is wise.  God is loving.  Listen and learn and apply.