So today I have given you His answer, but I can see that you have no intention of obeying the Eternal your God, regardless of what He sends me to tell you. So you will surely die from war, famine, and disease in that place where you are determined to go.
Observation
The remnant left after Babylonian capture had hoped for peace, but sin and destruction continue when the official put in charge, Gedaliah, along with all in his house, as well as innocent worshippers in the city are slaughtered at the hands of Ishmael.
Those who were spared and saved are terrified of Chaldean wrath, and they are now seeking God's direction through Jeremiah. They promise Jeremiah that they will do whatever God tells them to do, good or bad. However, it is clear that they already have a plan set in their hearts and they are just looking for God's blessing over it.
Application
Conditional surrender, that is what the Judean's are offering God. Oh how I have done the same so many times. My conditional surrender sounds something like this, "Oh God, help me please, I will do anything you ask of me as long as you do this, this, and this." The problem is that we convince ourselves that we are seeking to please God, but the truth is we are just trying to get what we want through God.
I see this in ministry all the time as well, and it just breaks my heart. People are in a pit, they want out, but they want out the quick and easy way. Or they just want God to bless their sinful lifestyle or decisions, when that blessing doesn't come they leave the church. I empathize with Jeremiah's pain. I seek God in prayer in how to advise others, and after that counsel is given I watch their far fall, because it is not what they wanted. Not long after that they begin to drift away.
Prayer
Father, I know that I have used You and have broken your heart numerous times. For that, my heart saddens terribly. Please reveal if there is any remnant of that behavior left in me, and cleanse me from this lack of faith and love. Father, I lift up those who are seeking You conditionally right now. Please show them Your truth as well as Your goodness and grace to both hold and carry them through whatever trial they are facing.
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