Eavesdropping
"The following message came to Jeremiah from the Lord...Jeremiah 32:1
"At that time the LORD sent to me a message...
Jeremiah 32:6

"Then this messages came to Jeremiah from the Lord...Jeremiah 32:26

I have been taught since I was a young child that eavesdropping is rude and inappropriate. Many times you hear part of a conversation that may cause you to make assumptions and wrong conclusions leading you to act or react differently to the person you were listening to. In today's reading we are privileged to do a little eavesdropping on conversations between Jeremiah and God. I confess, I have loved listening to these conversations. It is my prayer that that what we heard will cause to act and react differently to the Lord.

Scripture reminds us that Jeremiah is still in the palace prison. He receives instruction from the Lord to purchase some land. I find this utterly amazing. Jeremiah knows the land the Lord is instructing him to purchase is going to be destroyed by the Babylonians, yet he does what the the Lord tells him to do. Then he prays a prayer that could make a mute man shout:

“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day.
Jeremiah 32:17-20

What a God we serve! He does not forget His children when they are in captivity. There was no misunderstanding or wrong conclusions through our eavesdropping today. I "heard" some valuable information:
  • The Lord speaks to His children even in captivity.
  • The Lord expects our obedience in captivity.
  • The Lord is worthy of praise when we are in captivity.
  • The Lord is looking out for our future when we are in captivity.
What did you hear?

P.S. For fun, read Jeremiah's prayer aloud. The hair on your arms will stand up with holy goose bumps.






7 Comments:

Blogger Joyful said...

Wendy, thank you for highlighting the good in this passage. To be honest, I read it and my heart ached reading lines like, "you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next" and "You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve." Watching a family member walking away from God right now, my heart is so troubled and I'm worried for them. They are blatantly turning their back on God and acting in disobedience, refusing to listen to any counsel. Thanks for helping me see that nothing is too hard for God!!!

Karen, thank you for your words of encouragement on my blog yesterday as I shared my heart for this dear one. You brought me to tears, but encouraged me. God is good.

This morning I focused on Jeremiah 32:39, "...and I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever..." Jeremiah 32:39

Father, I desire passionate worship. Not just on Sundays. Not just when I'm singing or praying. Lord, my heart longs for my life to be my worship.

Jon Bauer sings a beautiful song, "Life of Worship". May it bless you all today if you choose to listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kukgWgg9dQE

In other news...a note of praise!!! My Dad was moved to a hospital a little closer to home at the end of last week. (Sorry I couldn't share earlier - I've been having Internet issues.) He is now East of us instead of West, but we don't have to travel the Highway to visit him!!!!! We'd still love to see him back in our city...but trusting God's timing. He is suffering with a lot of pain. He is going to have more tests done as they see spots around his spine. Dear old Dad. Just love him so much. Thank you to all of you who have still been praying.

Praying my life will be my worship today,
Joy

Anonymous Lori said...

"Yet he does what the Lord tells him to do." Without hesitation he paid for the land. How many times did the people hear Jeremiah warn them about the upcoming destruction and captivity? Yet, still - he faithfully obeyed God.

Our faith in the Word of God can be observed by the way we allow ourselves to act. In the middle of our circumstances do we act stable, knowing God is merciful and will protect and provide for our every need? I wish! Now, more than ever, we have such an opportunity to be a witness to those around us. Daily the news reveals people living in chaos, and panic; even those very well taken care of getting caught up in the frenzy.

How I want that unshakable faith that Jeremiah had! To know without a doubt that no matter what the trial, no matter what the situation, to feel peace in my heart, knowing, "I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?" (32:27)

Lord, Thank you for putting a desire in my heart to worship you. Thank you that you will never leave me. (32:40)I am undeserving of your unfailing love; I'm in awe over your power. I seek to know You more today than I did yesterday. I love you with all of my heart. Amen.

Thank you, Wendy! Love & Prayers,
Lori - AZ

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi girls,

Still waiting on little Thumper to make his/her arrival...38.5 weeks now.

My prayer right now is for a healthy delivery and that God shows me how to continue to stay connected with Him with a newborn. I am not sure if I will be able to keep up with you online. Trying to discern if continuing to read the blog is my own expectation of myself or whether He has a different plan for that time in my life.

Again, feeling so grateful for all the blessings God is bringing into my life at this time. Starting to feel like maybe someone actually "hears me" up there :) For so long, I felt as though I was just talking to myself!

Many thanks to those of you who continue to pray and ask after our little one. I am just so anxious to meet him/her now. Everyday feels like forever!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

xoxo
Jodie

Blogger Chanan said...

Goodmorning all,

What did I hear?

I heard that obedience to God births our earthly blessings!!!

I incline my ears today,listening for that still soft, sweeet voice to sound its instructions that I may be obedient to the call!!!

Be blessed all!
Chanan, Freeport, Bahamas.

Anonymous Jan Hobbs said...

Not long ago Wendy had a commentary on the names of God, and posted a link with all of them. I copied it. Then someone mentioned they wanted to get the book on praying the names of God.

Well, last week I found on Crosswalk a link for Praying The Names Of God, it is a daily commentary. This is week 9, but I hope when they get to the end they will start at the beginning so I can look at them all.
Here is the link.
Praying_the_Names_of_God@crosswalkmail.com

Sorry I couldn't get it all on the same line.

Keep reading God's word, sisters.

Jan Hobbs

Blogger Wendy Blight said...

I LOVE this name of God...Lord of Heaven's Armies. When I fear or doubt a situation, I just remember, the One on my side is LORD OF HEAVEN'S ARMIES!! At His feet everyone and everything must bow. He is the Great I AM, and He is on my side!!

AMEN!!!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jodie, I am praying for you..I enjoyed this blog and just cant help but say please remember to tone it down.. cell phones users.. in public place because I have no desire to eavesdrop in your conversation.. silence can be golden sometimes...

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