Wed.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Trial

Read: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16 “Early in the reign of Jehoiakim” means “early” since he only ruled 3 months and 10 days. Jeremiah was told at that time to stand in front of the Temple and announce to all who had come to worship that God would destroy the Temple if they didn’t repent. *** When he finished speaking, the people, along with the prophets and priests mobbed him and wanted to kill him. The officials ran down to bring them to the court to hear their case. Jeremiah’s accusers said he was guilty of treason sine he prophesied against the city. *** Jeremiah defended himself saying everything he said was given to him by the Lord. If they stop sinning then they wouldn’t have to have the disaster he said would fall on them. But, if they kill him, they would be killing an innocent man. *** Some of the wise elders spoke up and reminded them of the prophet Micah had said the same thing during Hezekiah’s rule. They repented and the Lord didn’t bring the disaster he had prophecied. *** At the same time that Jeremiah was saying this, another prophet Uriah was also prophesying the same thing. They had wanted to kill him also but he learned of their plot and fled to Egypt. Jehoiakim had him brought back and him killed with a sword and buried in an unmarked grave. That might have been why the Lord only allowed him to rule a few months. *** Ahikam was the son of Shaphan who had been a scribe during the reign of Josiah. Shaphan had received the copy of the law they found in the Temple and gave it to the king which sparked a revival. His son, Ahikam stood up for Jeremiah and persuaded them not to let them kill Jeremiah. *** During the reign of the last king, Zedekiah, Jeremiah was told by the Lord to make a yoke and wear it around his neck. He was to send messages to the ambassadors of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon to tell their kings that God was giving their countries over to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Everything would be under him until the Lord decided it was time to conquer Babylon. Any nation that refused to obey him would be punished. *** Jeremiah also told this to his people and Zedekiah. He warned them not to listen to their false prophets who prophesied peace. It was true that all the treasures in the Temple would be carried away to Babylon and wouldn’t return until the Lord called for them. *** Paul was also praying that his message would spread to people everywhere. His message wasn’t destruction, but salvation. His enemies wanted to silence him just like Jeremiah’s wanted to silence him. *** Paul warned them to stay away from the ones who didn’t want to work and wanted the church to pay their way. He encouraged them to earn their own way and continue to always do good. *** Lord, may we make your footsteps our pathway. Lead us into truth, righteousness and your blessings.