Jeremiah 44: Self-Destruction
THE HOUSE NEXT door to us is sinking. Not very fast, but it is definitely leaning—fortunately away from our house. It was built years ago where a ravine had been filled in. At the time the spot must have looked like a fine building site. Slowly but surely, the land has settled out from under that house.
We persist in our self-destructive habits because they offer some immediate payoff. But eventually they catch up with us when our shaky foundation starts to go.
Warming Up to God
What destructive habit have you had the greatest struggle with?
Read Jeremiah 44. »
Discovering the Word
- What example is Jeremiah told to remind the exiles in Egypt about (vv. 1-6)?
- How are they in danger of bringing destruction on themselves (vv. 7-14)?
- What reasons do the people give for persisting in their idolatry (vv. 15-19)?
- Through Jeremiah, how does God warn them again (vv. 20-25)?
- Because the Jews in Egypt failed to listen to the Lord's warning, what fate will they bring on themselves (vv. 26-30)?
Applying the Word
- When has the Lord warned you about things in your life which harm you?
- How might the Lord be warning you now about some self-destructive practice or attitude?
Responding in Prayer
Open your life to the light of the Lord's searching. Confess any excuses you make for harmful attitudes or habits. Thank the Lord for his warnings which come because he loves you.
For Further Study
Temptation by Tom L. Eisenman