Old Testament: Jeremiah 39-40
Poetry: Proverbs 23
New Testament: 2 John
Once upon a time, a certain daughter and niece of mine chose to go play in the street. When my son, husband, and I saw them heading towards the road we tore across the yard and pulled them off the road as quickly as we could. I rarely ever spanked my kiddos, but in that moment, I did swat both of their bottoms. I wanted them to experience a little pain so that they would not do it again and possibly experience great pain and/or death.
In today’s reading, the writer of Proverbs 23:13 points out that if we discipline our children we may possibly save them from death. In today’s Old Testament passage, Jeremiah as the de facto parent, tries to discipline and instruct King Zedekiah and the people of Judah, to save them from death. Unfortunately, in the fairly “rated R for violence” chapter 39, the king disregards wisdom and instruction (as spelled out in Proverbs 23). It is utterly sad and gruesome to read the fate of this family and the end of lineage of Josiah. If only King Zedekiah
had known the consequences of his choices. Oh wait a minute! He did! Jeremiah told him exactly what would happen if he did not listen to the Lord!
Similarly, in 2 John, John tells the anonymous church the consequences if they listen to those teaching false ideas and doctrines. It is a short letter, and we don’t get all the details as the conversation was later carried on in person. But it is long enough to know this was a problem in this church.
Many of the consequences of the choices we make are not clear.
Become a teacher or an accountant = ???? Unknown consequences
Date Mark or Luke = ????? Unknown consequences
Take the job at the grocery store or McDonalds = ???? Unknown consequences
But in all these instances above, the choices and consequences are clear,
Run into the street = get hit by a car (or at least get a spanking)
Disregard a prophet = get your eyes gouged out and be killed
Listen to false teachers = be pulled away from God
You are going to have many choices in life where the consequences are not clear. But you will also have choices that are clear. Choose obedience. Choose faith. Choose life.
And stay out of the street!
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: This day I call the heavens and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to Him.
-Maria Knowlton
Reflection Questions
- When have you made a bad choice even though you knew ahead of time what the consequences would be?
- How can discipline save from death? As a parent, child, teacher, youth leader how can this be applied to your situation?
- In what ways have you made choices leading to life and blessings, away from death and curses? How well are you listening to His voice and holding fast to Him?
Seek Grow Love 