Reliable Trust

Most do not spend time in the Old Testament, or at least don't really read it to gain lessons or personal growth.  The stories are interesting, often fast-paced, and enjoyable.  But, beneficial for learning?  How do we find the "So What" in these passages?

Jeremiah 37 is a great example of an Old Testament account that is complete with accurate history, compelling drama, and a life lesson to never forget.

Jerusalem is under siege by Babylon.  Egypt, not wanting Babylon to advance that close to its borders, sends out an army to deal with Babylon, not really defending Judah, but perhaps a bit indirectly.  Egypt was all about Egypt, and Judah being Babylonian was not in Egypt's best interest.  Babylon, seeing Egypt respond, withdraws the siege.

So what is the response of the people of Judah?  They put their trust in Egypt, and strengthen their belief in the false prophets who had been saying that Babylon would not invade and destroy Judah.  It was much easier to believe them than to believe one of God's true prophets.  The message was easier to swallow.

Historians have documented Babylon's siege, Egypt's advances, we do not have to doubt the authenticity of Scripture.  If we didn't already know the end of the story, we might think at this point that Jeremiah was mistaken, that Judah did get a reprieve.  But we do know that Babylon only re-grouped, and came back stronger to re-siege Jerusalem and overthrow Judah.

God is all about one thing...HIS glory!  He displays time and time again that He CAN and IS TO BE trusted above anything and anyone else.  Judah trusted Egypt more than they trusted the Lord.  Who or what do WE trust similarly?  Just as God showed Judah, and Israel before that, and just as He has written it down for us, we are to trust in Him with all our heart, yet too often, we lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3).

Perhaps you are going through a tough time right now, and think the easy way out is the way to go.  You might be tempted to trust someone or something, some solution that makes sense to you but is contrary to God's Word.  Let me encourage you to heed His advice, or seek it from Him if you have not already asked.  The biggest challenge I face is listening to Him, following Him faithfully.

Doing the right thing, always, may not make life here easier, but God's glory is reflected in our obedience to Him.

Holding Fast to the Name of Our Creator