What can we learn from the people's request to Jeremiah about humility in prayer? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 42 opens after Jerusalem’s fall. A small remnant approaches Jeremiah: “‘May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on our behalf, on behalf of all this remnant—for we are few who remain out of many, as you can see with your own eyes.’” (Jeremiah 42:2) Recognizing Our Smallness before God • “We are few who remain” —acknowledges weakness and dependence • Comparable confessions: – Gideon’s words: “my clan is the weakest” (Judges 6:15) – Hezekiah’s despair: “this day is a day of distress” (2 Kings 19:3) • Humility invites grace: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Seeking a Faithful Intercessor • They ask Jeremiah to pray, admitting they need spiritual help • Picture of Christ’s ultimate intercession: “There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) • Encourages mutual prayer today: “Pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16) Submitting to Whatever God Says • Implicit promise: they will follow the word Jeremiah brings • Parallels: – Samuel’s instruction: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9) – Mary’s surrender: “May it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) • Genuine humility keeps the heart ready to obey, whatever the cost Echoes through the Rest of Scripture • Broken spirit as God’s delight: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart... You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) • National repentance: “If My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn... then I will hear.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Jesus’ parable of the tax collector: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner… this man went down to his house justified.” (Luke 18:13-14) Practical Takeaways for Today • Admit need openly—no pretense before God • Invite others to intercede; humility welcomes help • Approach prayer expecting God to speak, not just to listen • Commit in advance to obey the answer, whether comforting or challenging • Remember: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) |
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