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Reflect
How willing are you to go where God wants you to go and do what he wants you to do?
As the refugees from Judah flee towards Egypt, they plead with God’s prophet, Jeremiah, to pray for them. They are “connecting the dots” and they realize they desperately need God’s help, so they turn to this man who faithfully prays.
Jeremiah agrees to pray and makes a resolute commitment to be fully transparent with all the people, once he has heard from God. Those asking for prayer make a serious commitment before the Lord, even before they hear the answer to their request, that they will be fully obedient. They are warned about the blessings of obedience and the serious results of defying God. God knows where they are headed and they will not escape his outpoured anger and wrath.
Are we prepared to make such a commitment? Are we honestly willing to say to God, “Have your own way in my life. I will go wherever you choose and do what honours you.” Throughout the pages of Scripture, we are warned about taking vows that we have no intention of keeping. It is better to keep one’s lips sealed than to declare words of commitment which we have no intention of combining with obedience.
Perhaps when we request prayer for a specific issue in our lives, we should ask for grace to be fully obedient. Thank God for real “iron-sharpening” friends who wound us with their words. Praise him for those who promise us, “I will pray to the Lord your God, and I will tell you everything he says.” We would do well to surround ourselves with such serious Christ followers!
Respond
Lord, thank you for those who pray for me. Please help me to listen to the counsel you give me through them. Help me to be obedient to your will in all things. By your Spirit, make we willing to do your will. Amen.
Keith Edwards
Keith was born and grew up in Thornloe, Ontario. He committed his life to Jesus Christ as a child. After sensing God’s calling, he attended Bible school where he met his wife Ruth. They served in pastoral ministry in various churches. He served as Registrar of Toronto Baptist Seminary and since June 2015 as Director of Church Initiatives & Internships at Heritage College/Seminary in Cambridge. Keith and Ruth live in Oshawa, ON and have two married daughters Carolyn (Alex) and Jane (Andrew) and three delightful grandchildren.