Jeremiah 27: How to Prosper Anyway
HIKING ALONG A narrow ledge on path in the Alps, a tourist slipped and fell. Just before sliding off a cliff and down into the deep ravine below, he caught hold of a tree root. About five minutes later, across the ravine, he heard a voice calling out, "Let go of the tree and swing to the left." That didn't sound like a good idea, so he continued to cling to the tree although his hands were beginning to ache and his grip was slipping. The voice called out again: "From where I am standing I can see a ledge about twenty feet below you and just off at an angle. If you drop down, you can get back to the path and walk down." The hiker had to make a decision: did he trust the voice or not? From where he hung it looked like a straight drop of hundreds of feet down to certain death. But he couldn't hang on much longer. Finally, he asked, "Is anyone else up there?"
Judah was in a difficult situation and getting strange advice from Jeremiah. Like the voice from across the ravine his message went against common sense and everything they understood about being the special people of God. Would they believe him and let go?
Warming Up to God
How do you handle advice when you don't agree with it or it comes from someone you are suspicious of?
Read Jeremiah 27. »
Discovering the Word
- Jeremiah continues to function as a prophet to the nations. What is his message and who is he speaking to in verses 1-11?
- Jeremiah also continues his use of images and object lessons. What was the purpose of giving the leaders in the Jerusalem counsel an object lesson with the yoke and a message about the coming power of Babylon?
- How do you think the counsel of kings and envoys would have responded when Jeremiah walked in with a yoke on his neck?
- Zedekiah received the same message as the nations. Why would this be especially upsetting and confusing to the nation who considered themselves to be God's chosen people (vv. 12-15)?
- What challenge does Jeremiah issue to the prophets (vv. 16-18)?
- How does God communicate that he is in charge of the whole experience of Judah's defeat (vv. 21-22)?
Applying the Word
- When you are going through difficult times, what comfort and wisdom does the knowledge of God provide for you?
- Jeremiah called the counsel members to risk going against common sense to receive God's deliverance. What risks has following God meant for you?
- How can Jeremiah's courage be an example for you in the challenges you face?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you courage as you face difficult and challenging places in your life.
For Further Study
Courage & Calling by Gordon T. Smith