S) "17 And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, which is beside Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt 18 because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land."
Jeremiah 41:17-18 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 41
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 41
O) The previous chapter lays the groundwork for the treachery in this chapter. Gedaliah was a prince in Jerusalem, allowed to survive the exile and remain in Judah (along with a few other princes, namely Johanan and Ishmael). Gedaliah had been elected to govern the remnant left in the region. Ishmael wanted to rebel, and planned to kill Gedaliah (presumably for his submission to Nebuchadnezzar). Johanan learned of it, warned Gedaliah, and wanted to kill Ishmael for the planned assassination, but Gedaliah didn't believe the report. In this chapter, we see Johanan was right, and Ishmael killed Gedaliah, some other Jews with him, some of the Chaldean soldiers who were left there, and even some refugees from Shechem. Johanan arrived too late, but pursued Ishmael, who had "rescued" some of the other royal family left behind (that he essentially took hostage). Johanan rescued them, but Ishmael escaped. At the last, Johanan had to flee with the people he had legitimately rescued, because of the rebellion that Ishmael had started. This entire story is a tragedy, as an extension of the refusal by Zedekiah to submit to the discipline of the LORD, and simply go into exile under Nebuchadnezzar. It is no surprise, then, that one of his descendants would choose to rebel, too, even after the exile was finished. Obviously, it's sad that Gedaliah died, since he was trying to do the right thing, but in my estimation, the most tragic life of these princes, is Johanan. He was submissive to God's discipline, willing to accept his new rulers. He was willing to follow the lead of Gedaliah, and remained loyal to him, offering help when he was threatened. He was ignored. His leader was murdered in the midst of a slaughter. Then, when things went from bad to worse, he struggled to pick up the pieces and ended up as a fugitive.
A) This is a lesson in perseverance. Johanan seemed to do just about everything right, but his story ended with him on the run for his life, while being responsible for who-knows-how-many people. Sometimes, life moves very quickly. Decisions must be made, and the outcome is impossible to see in advance. This is why two disciplines must, must, be part of my daily life. I must be in prayer constantly. I also must seek godly wisdom whenever I can, wherever I can. I need to ask God for it, I need to read from godly men. I need to be awash in Scripture. When things are chaotic, moving too quickly for deliberation, I must be able to use the wisdom that God has already given me (directly, or through Scripture, or from others), and I must be trained to pray while I move. Certainly, I have an immeasurable advantage over Johanan, in that I have the Holy Spirit upon me, because of the works of Jesus Christ. Still, I should aspire to be more like him, in his decisive reactions and willing responsibility.
P) Father, thank You for the grace You have already shown me. I may never have to be a refugee, on the run for my life, with dozens of people relying on my leadership. But, some form of that, whether physical or spiritual, may still be coming. I know that I am not wise enough. Please continue to mature me, Lord. Please continue to impart wisdom that only comes from You, by the Holy Spirit. Discipline me to follow Your lead, God. Lead me also into fellowship with wise, godly men. Help me learn from them, everything I can. Help me to learn disciplines from them, to take advice from them, to follow their example of following Christ. And also open my eyes to behold wonderful things from Your law. Teach me from Scripture, and continue to give me understanding and insight. Draw me, inspire me, to prayer throughout my day. Guide me into devoted, undivided, attentive prayer. But also, continue to lead me into prayer throughout my day, while I perform other tasks. While I work, while I drive, while I do chores at home. Give me the discipline to pray constantly. Give me perseverance to never grow weary of talking with You, of seeking You. When I face challenges, and I have no time to pause for deliberation, let me react with godly discipline, so that the people I may be leading will be following You, as I follow You. In everything I do, be glorified. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) This is a lesson in perseverance. Johanan seemed to do just about everything right, but his story ended with him on the run for his life, while being responsible for who-knows-how-many people. Sometimes, life moves very quickly. Decisions must be made, and the outcome is impossible to see in advance. This is why two disciplines must, must, be part of my daily life. I must be in prayer constantly. I also must seek godly wisdom whenever I can, wherever I can. I need to ask God for it, I need to read from godly men. I need to be awash in Scripture. When things are chaotic, moving too quickly for deliberation, I must be able to use the wisdom that God has already given me (directly, or through Scripture, or from others), and I must be trained to pray while I move. Certainly, I have an immeasurable advantage over Johanan, in that I have the Holy Spirit upon me, because of the works of Jesus Christ. Still, I should aspire to be more like him, in his decisive reactions and willing responsibility.
P) Father, thank You for the grace You have already shown me. I may never have to be a refugee, on the run for my life, with dozens of people relying on my leadership. But, some form of that, whether physical or spiritual, may still be coming. I know that I am not wise enough. Please continue to mature me, Lord. Please continue to impart wisdom that only comes from You, by the Holy Spirit. Discipline me to follow Your lead, God. Lead me also into fellowship with wise, godly men. Help me learn from them, everything I can. Help me to learn disciplines from them, to take advice from them, to follow their example of following Christ. And also open my eyes to behold wonderful things from Your law. Teach me from Scripture, and continue to give me understanding and insight. Draw me, inspire me, to prayer throughout my day. Guide me into devoted, undivided, attentive prayer. But also, continue to lead me into prayer throughout my day, while I perform other tasks. While I work, while I drive, while I do chores at home. Give me the discipline to pray constantly. Give me perseverance to never grow weary of talking with You, of seeking You. When I face challenges, and I have no time to pause for deliberation, let me react with godly discipline, so that the people I may be leading will be following You, as I follow You. In everything I do, be glorified. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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