Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Your Choices Show Your True Character


Jeremiah 40:5-6 -  However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, "Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please." Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go.  So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left behind in the land.

 

The Babylonian king had searched Jeremiah out among the captives. He declared the truth of Jeremiah’s prophecies and gave honor to God for the victory of his army.  Then he set Jeremiah free.  Jeremiah could have gone anywhere.  He was even offered a comfortable place in Babylon…protected and cared for by the king.

 

Jeremiah chose to go back to a hard life with the remnant of poorest Jews that had been left to care for the land.  The king gave him provisions…and extra money to serve as a gift…then told him to search out the commander he had left in charge in Judah.  I am sure that he was not welcomed back with tears of joy...but rather looks of judgment and concern.

 

Jesus modeled for us this concept too.  When the easy choice was to run and hide from the nails that would help him save the world…he chose to let his father’s love give him the courage and strength that he needed to finish God’s plan for his life.

 

It is a reminder to me that the choices we make in the hardest times of our life show our true character. The easiest choice is not always the right choice.  Sometimes it is the harder path that shows our loyalty to God.  Jeremiah chose to continue to be loyal to God…..even though the life he would have would be full of new doubts and concerns. He resisted a cushy life of ease …cared for by the king… at a time when I am sure he prayed for rest and peace.

 

Father…thank you for the reminder that loving you means always considering what is right over what is comfortable and easy. Forgive me for the times that I let my tiredness and confusion make my decisions.  Help me to always consider what you want me to do…then give me the strength and wisdom to carry through with your plans. Amen.

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