Perceptions #200037

"IS THERE A WORD FROM THE LORD"

by Dr. Eddie Randolph

Jeremiah wasn't popular with the kings of Judah. Several things worked against him in these political relationships. First, he was a reluctant prophet (Jer. 1:6). (Hmmm...Did he know what was in store or was he just filled with youthful trepidation?) On top of that he was called to speak for God. It didn't matter if Jeremiah wanted to preach or not. God's word was like "a fire shut up in my bones" that could not be contained (Jer. 20:9). God's message didn't contain any "feel goodism." In addition, Jeremiah preached to a contented people who thought the very presence of the Temple guaranteed immunity from the wrath of Yahweh (Jer. 7:1-29). To complete the picture, the message ("surrender to the Babylonians and don't look to Egypt for help") and the messenger were held in contempt by the assorted kings and their officials.

Zedekiah was the last of the kings under Jeremiah's watch. In one curious event (see Jer. 37), Jeremiah was arrested as he tried to leave the city. The Babylonians had had Jerusalem under siege, but the siege was lifted when the army of Egypt approached. The guards recognized Jeremiah and had been privy to his message that Judah must surrender to Babylon and not look to Egypt for assistance. The assumption was that Jeremiah was deserting to the Babylonians. With so many reasons to be angry with the prophet, he was beaten and put into a dungeon. Jeremiah was saved from prison by a weak-willed Zedekiah who was so insecure that the king met with the prophet in secret. Zedekiah had a single question. "Is there any word from the Lord?" (Jer. 37:16).

Yes, there was a word. No, the king wasn't interested in obeying it. He was hoping that the word was good news for a change.

Sound familiar? A good word from the Lord is heard with pleasure. God's message communicates his deep desire to bring good to his creation. However, wayward creation is often called on to make tough choices to keep themselves in line with God's standards. A call to repentance, reformation and revival - all of which implied obedience to God's standard - is harder to swallow. If Judah had obeyed the message of Jeremiah, they would not have suffered their horrible fate.

When you seek a word from the Lord, be prepared to listen and obey. It is for your own good.

Eddie's email address is: erandolph1@aol.com

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