PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 39-40
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.” (Jeremiah 40:9)
Through history there have been ungodly rulers in charge of our world.
What does it mean to “serve the king”, when that kings is evil or unjust?
It obviously cannot mean to join the king in their ungodly behaviour.
We submit to God while we submit to our leaders, even bad ones.
We don’t support them, but we do not rebel against them either.
As ‘servants’, like Jesus we go beneath in order to help.
We win them over by graciousness and humility and servanthood.
It is evident to them that we are different, that we have integrity and honesty.
We pray for our leaders, and we live good, honourable lives before them.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12)
We will speak the truth, but we speak that truth in love – not rebellious defiance.
What does it mean for me to ‘serve’ my local, provincial and national leaders?
How does this ‘serving’ show itself in how I speak and act towards them?
PRAYER
Lord, may my attitude towards leaders and rulers reflect your humility, grace, justice and mercy, and may they sense you through us as Jesus followers.
“Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go.” God takes care of his messenger and provides for him. He is now under Gedeliah’s protection – but that is threatened. Gedeliah is obedient to the Lord’s prophecy and the remnant Jews are able to harvest an abundance of food and grapes for wine. Yet, Zedekiah gets what he was warned and sees his family get killed before they take out his eyes. It makes me think – what am I not seeing? I can only live in the hope that I have in Jesus – I don’t know what is to come – but I do know my Saviour lives. So if catastrophe comes my way or prosperity derails me – I must be resolute in trusting my Lord!
Listen to the voice of the Lord. God is with His people. Even during the difficult times, He continues to lead and guide. Even in hard times, when pressed on every side, He continues to give His people peace. Our lives are in His hand. Serve Him. Listen to His voice. Stay in tune with His Word. Prayerfully live in His presence.
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one