Relationship Status is Complicated

Scripture: Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you may die. If the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we will kill you,’ then tell them, ‘I was pleading with the king not to send me back to Jonathan’s house to die there.’” Jeremiah 38:24-26

Observation: King Zedekiah hates what Jeremiah is saying, but trusts that Jeremiah is speaking the word of God. This is clear when he keeps asking over and over again questions about his own future. Yet, he never listens. He allows other men to arrest Jeremiah and almost starve him to death. He imprisons him so he can no long speak publicly. He burns Jeremiah's scroll instead of listening to its words.

Zedekiah never turns the people back to God, and in fact worships other gods as well. He will fall victim to Babylon, and lose Jerusalem in a manner that results in its total destruction, including the destruction of the temple and loss of the ark. Over and over he asks about this, is told it will happen, is advised about how to avoid it, apparently even believes it and seeks to protect Jeremiah from others who may kill him over this truth ... and fails to heed the advice.

Application: On a daily basis, I'm more like Zedekiah than Jeremiah. Even when I know God's instructions, I may or may not obey. I am where I am now ... at home, literally and figuratively alone ... partially to get my attention that I need to better obey God in all aspects of my life. This is where I am growing as a result of this trial.

Zedekiah grew to believe, but never to act. I believe, and I am growing into action.

Prayer: Lord, I am ready to act and think differently. Again, please empower me with your Spirit daily. I desire to hear from you, to be lead, to be taught. I am listening and learning. Amen.