How does Jeremiah 38:15 demonstrate Jeremiah's trust in God's protection and guidance? Setting the Scene • Jeremiah has just been rescued from the cistern (38:7-13) but is still a prisoner in the court of the guard. • King Zedekiah secretly summons him, hoping for a private word from the Lord (38:14). • Jeremiah 38:15: “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “will you not surely put me to death? Even if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me!” Trust Shining Through Jeremiah’s Words • Honest boldness—He speaks truth to the king knowing the risk; only confidence in God allows such candor. • Realistic assessment—He recognizes the king’s past pattern of ignoring God’s word yet still delivers it, trusting God more than human response. • Willingness to die for obedience—Jeremiah’s concern about death does not silence him; he counts his life under God’s sovereign care (cf. Jeremiah 1:17-19). • Dependence, not despair—His question “will you not surely put me to death?” reveals vulnerability, but his actual choice to answer Zedekiah (vv. 17-18) shows he rests in God’s protection rather than the king’s promises. Anchored in God’s Promises • Jeremiah 1:8—“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.” • Jeremiah 15:20-21—God pledges to make Jeremiah “a fortified wall of bronze… I am with you to save and deliver you.” • Jeremiah 20:11—“But the LORD is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble.” Jeremiah’s behavior in 38:15 mirrors these assurances: he expects danger yet believes the Lord will guard his life until his mission is complete. Guided Step by Step • God directs the content—Jeremiah waits for the king’s request before speaking, showing he will not act on impulse but on divine instruction. • God directs the timing—Though imprisoned and weak, he trusts that any moment God opens is the right moment to speak. • God directs the outcome—Whether Zedekiah listens or not, Jeremiah leaves the result to God, confident that obedience is success. Takeaways for Today • Speak truth even when it seems fruitless; trust God with results. • Courage grows from rehearsing God’s promises, not ignoring danger. • Obedience may invite opposition, yet God’s protection is ever present. • Our calling, like Jeremiah’s, is to follow God’s guidance step by step, believing He guards our lives and purposes to the very end (cf. Romans 8:31-32). |
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