S) "14 Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster."
Jeremiah 11:14 (NASB)
O) It was very common for prophets to take up a cry for the people to whom they were sent. God would give a warning of destruction, and the prophet would be moved to lament, and would cry out for mercy for the people. It was almost as common as the very repetitive up-and-down nature of the nation of Israel in following the LORD. Here, we see something different, though. Jeremiah was sent at the last days of Judah, the last days of a physical kingdom for God's people. They had finally found the end of God's patience in the Promised Land. The LORD was certain in His judgment, and prayer for mercy would have been outside of His will, out of place.
A) God has not changed, but there is a temptation to think that since Jesus came, He doesn't judge people. I think that the story of Ananias and Sapphira (see Acts 5:1-11) pretty well puts that to rest. Beyond that, we know that God the Father will still discipline His children (see Hebrews 12:10-11). I think the wrath/judgment/discipline of God is still put forth, but we don't always understand it the same way. So, how does this apply to me? First, I think I can pretty easily discard the notion that I am a prophet who might need to prophesy destruction. However, I am asked to pray for people often. Sometimes, I think people ask for prayer to alleviate a struggle that might actually be a discipline from the LORD (I know I have prayed through many of those times for myself, and in hindsight saw that they were clearly discipline from my Father all along). So, the key is to follow the lead that Jesus gave us, regarding how we ought to pray (see Matthew 6:7-13). "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," is perhaps the most powerful thing we can pray. Like Jeremiah, sometimes I think I'm not supposed to pray for people - at least not for what they're asking - and so I shall pray for His will to be done.
P) Father, Your wisdom is far, far beyond my comprehension. I thank You for the infallible truth of the holy Bible, though, and the assurances it gives. Thank You for the example of prayer that we were given by Your Son. Remind me of the power, and freedom, and accuracy that is established when I humbly subject my prayers to Your will being done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment