-Devotion by Jeffrey Seiders (MN)
Key verse: Jeremiah 37:9, Psalm 131:3, Luke 14:34
The most talented educators can communicate complex ideas/thoughts in simple words and have a unique ability to let their students fail gracefully (which allows them to learn from their mistakes). It is normal to have roughly 14.1 years of education for adults aged 25-54, and even we (because I’m included in that range now) still struggle to listen and follow the directions of our best educators. I encourage everyone to ask questions when they don’t UNDERSTAND the direction they’re given. However, that’s not usually why we ask questions.
A failure to LISTEN and FOLLOW directions is a problem we, as God’s creation, have almost always struggled with. The classic “what did you just say” or “sorry, can you repeat that, I wasn’t listening” questions come to mind. The first scriptural account that comes to mind is the “fall of mankind” found in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve do the one thing they were explicitly told not to do (eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil). Fortunately for us, God knew this would happen and set a plan in place for those who can’t/don’t listen very well (John 3:16-17).
The “right” words to speak are often convicting and few. In Jeremiah 37:9-10, God speaks to Jeremiah the prophet and tells him to inform the king of Judah that they should “not deceive themselves” for the army of Chaldeans “would rise up and burn this city with fire.” Jeremiah’s job wasn’t easy, and his gift of prophecy might seem more like a curse to many of us. Imagine telling your boss, leader, and/or president (insert those in authority over you) that something bad is going to happen (and they aren’t going to listen to you). Doesn’t sound very fun, enjoyable, or convenient, right?
Of course, what happens to Jeremiah as he shares God’s words with His people (vv.15, 38:6, 15-16) isn’t likely to happen to us, but the fear/anxiety we allow to plague our minds might lead us to think it is bound to happen. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Regardless of that, we should not fix our minds, eyes, and hearts on what might happen (anxiety) or has already happened (depression). David had a similar yet different experience with persecution, and yet he wrote and lived out Psalm 131 (to the best of his ability). Go ahead – read those short three verses. Imagine if we all aspired to live a Psalm 131 life. I’m sure it would be torture for lots of people in my community alone.
In Luke 14:26-35, Jesus teaches the true cost of following him, and if you thought living a Psalm 131 life was hard, Jesus wants us to go above and beyond that. If you love your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, or your own life more than you love the LORD, you can’t be Jesus’ disciple (v.26). If you don’t take up your own cross (or aren’t willing to suffer), you can’t be Jesus’ disciple (v.27). If we don’t orient our lives around God and His will (v.33), we can’t be Jesus’ disciple. God has spoken to us and given us His son, but are we willing to listen and obey His words?
REFLECTION Q’s
- Jeremiah was given some harsh words to speak to God’s people. What has God spoken to you? How can they be implemented (used) in your church, life, school, and/or work?
- Psalm 131:1-2 lists a few characteristics about David (ex: my heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty, I don’t concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful, I calmed and quieted myself, I am content). Which one do you struggle with the most? How can you work on your weakness? Which one do you do well? How can you bless others through that?
- Jesus teaches many intriguing things in Luke 14. Pick one idea/concept/phrase you like and dig deeper into what that idea/concept means in Scripture. For example: “Anyone who has ears to hear had better listen” (Luke 14:35), also found in Mark 4:9 and Matthew 11:15, is often used to warn listeners that what is said is very important. How can your research help you explain your chosen idea/concept/phrase better?
Prayer
Dear God Almighty – Thank you for being a great God of truth, righteousness and love. Help me to not be deceived. Show me how to live my life in accordance with Your Word and Your way. Help me listen well to You and the things You want me to learn – and then boldly speak what You want me to speak. In the name of Your Son Jesus I pray.
