Is it Information or Truth That You Want?

“Medical science recognizes that emotions such as fear, sorrow, envy, resentment and hatred are responsible for the majority of our sicknesses. Estimates vary from 60 to 100 percent.” (None of These Diseases, Dr. S.I. McMillen) … More

Fear

Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah again and met him in secret at the entrance to the temple (vv. 14-16). Zedekiah wanted to ask Jeremiah something, and he told the prophet not to hide anything from him. Jeremiah said, if he did answer with a message the king did not want to hear he had no guarantee that the king would not kill him. Second, any counsel Jeremiah gave was wasted because the king would not listen to him. Zedekiah promised that he would neither kill Jeremiah nor hand him over to people who were seeking his life . But the king made no promise to heed Jeremiah’s message.

Jeremiah’s message remained the same as before (vv. 17-23). If Zedekiah would surrender to the Babylonians his life would be spared, the city would not be burned down, and his family would live. However, if he would not surrender, the city would be handed over to the armies of Babylon who would burn it down; and Zedekiah would not escape from their hands. Zedekiah refused to heed Jeremiah’s advice because of fear. He was afraid of the Jews who had already gone over to the Babylonians because he thought the Babylonians would hand him over to those Jews.

Zedekiah refused to follow Jeremiah’s advice (vv. 24-28). Instead he warned Jeremiah not to let anyone know about their conversation. Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard as a political prisoner till Jerusalem was captured by Nebuchadnezzar. The account goes on to say how King Zedekiah, aware that Jeremiah indeed was a true man of God, sent for him and asked for a word from God. Jeremiah assured him of safety if he would but surrender to the Babylonian army. But the king was afraid. He was too afraid of those around him. So he sent Jeremiah back to the guard.

Application

If I am doing what God wants me to do I don’t ever need to be afraid.

Jeremiah 38:14-28 (English Standard Version)


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