Jeremiah 21 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Jeremiah 21:8,9

“Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives.’”

Our God is still setting this choice before us today, and just like back then, life is found in obedient surrender! The LORD told them plainly the way to life; He said, “Obey my words and surrender, and you shall live.”

This, of course, is counter-intuitive to what we think would save us. I’m sure they looked around at the high walls that surrounded the city, the guards who patrolled it, and the temple that was in it and felt mighty secure, but in reality, none of that could save them but only the LORD! We are no different today; we live in an amazing country that has been blessed by God. But we can’t trust in this country over our God. We must trust and obey the God who gave us this country more than we trust in the things of this country.

Just like back then, it’s counter-intuitive; it goes against everything we know or have been taught. What do you mean I must surrender to Christ to live? What do you mean I have to deny myself and pick up my cross and follow Christ if I want to live? These truths are not mainstream, nor are they easily accepted. They are difficult, they are hard, but they are true none the less. Each one of us must make a choice, just as the people back then did. Will we choose to listen and obey what the LORD says, leading us to surrender and live? Or will we trust in the things we can see and refuse to listen to the LORD, and in doing so, forfeit our lives?

Luke 9:23-25- Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

God bless! I love you all, but His love tells us the truth and the only way to life! Praise, glory, and honor both now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!