Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of
the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah
the prophet.
King Zedekiah, however, sent Jehucal son of
Shelemiah with the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with
this message: Please pray to the Lord our God for us. Jeremiah
37:2,3
Footnote: King Zedekiah and his officials did not want to
listen to Jeremiah's words, but they wanted the blessings of his prayers. They
wanted a superficial religion that wouldn't cost anything. But God is not
pleased with those who come to him only for what they can get rather than
seeking to establish or deepen a relationship with him. We would not accept
that kind of relationship with someone else, and we shouldn't expect God to
accept it from us.
38:6 Footnote: Judah's leaders persecuted Jeremiah
repeatedly for faithfully proclaiming God's messages. For 40 years of faithful
ministry, he received no acclaim, no love, no popular following. He was beaten,
jailed, threatend, and even forced to leave his homeland. Only the pagan
Babylonians showed him any respect. God does not guarantee that his servants
will escape persecution, even when they are faithful. But God does promise that
he will be with them and will give them strength to endure (2 Corinithans
1:3-7). As you minister to others, recognize that your service is for God and
not just for human approval. God rewards our faithfulness, but not always
during our stay on earth.
Keep reading -- 137 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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