Jeremiah 38 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Jeremiah 38:19

King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will mistreat me.”

The LORD gave a decree through Jeremiah that Judah would fall, and only those who would obey and surrender to the King of Babylon would be spared. This verse is King Zedekiah’s response to that offer of life and salvation. His fear of man would prove to be a deadly snare for him and those around him. God had offered him life, but in order to attain that life, he had to obey and trust God; unfortunately, he did not. He could not get past his fear of man to rightfully fear God and obey.

We face this same offer of life through obedient surrender to Christ, and just like Zedekiah, our fear of man will stop us from doing it. If we are too focused upon what others think or what they will do, then we will miss God’s offer or even refuse it. It is impossible to please both the flesh and the Spirit; they are direct opposites and in constant conflict.

Imagine how Zedekiah must of felt a few years later when the wall came down and the enemy army poured in just as the LORD had said. At that point, he knew it was too late and there was nothing he could do to change it. He had made his choice, he had chosen wrong, and now he would suffer the consequences. Don’t be like Zedekiah; don’t wait to accept the LORD’s free offer of life through humble and obedient surrender. Instead, take it while you still can! Never forget that we will never know when our day will come, and once it comes, it will be too late! While today is still today, come and be set free!

Jeremiah 38:20- “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.”

Proverbs 29:25- Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

God bless! I love you all, but His love is reaching out today; will you accept? Praise, glory, and honor both now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!