Today in Jeremiah 35-37 I was struck by three distinct scenes which are played out. The first one is the contrast of man's obedience to a forefather in stark contrast to man's disobedience to God.
The second one was the fear of God by only 3 men to the lack of fear on the part of the king and his court to the Word of God
The third found in Jer 37:11-21 was the false arrest,imprisonment and placement of Jeremiah in the king's house. This chapter brought to mind the spiritual principle: God uses any and all circumstances to bring about His intended purposes. Even when times are bleak and dark if we open our spiritual eyes we can see that He has a plan and He is using this circumstance to glorify Himself.
Josh McDowell wrote some time ago a book on decision making and those principles he laid out came to mind.
1. Consider the Choice before me
2. Compare the choice to what God has written
3. Choose God's way
4. Count on God for His provision and protection.
We are not told how Jeremiah lived out the first three steps but that the 4th step was resoundingly placed here for us shows us that the first three had been considered. God touched the heart of King Zedekiah to gain Jeremiah's release from prison. Why would a king do this to Jeremiah? Jer 37:17 tells us why. He wanted to know if Jeremiah had a word from the Lord. Jeremiah then applied the principle of appeal as he petitioned the king for his provision and protection and it was granted. Not only did the king listen to the words Jeremiah spoke, but he also provided for Jeremiah's protection placing him in the court of the guardhouse and gave him a daily ration. In this place Jeremiah thus had free access to all who came and went. He had the opportunity thus to speak for God in ways he would not have had otherwise. He had a daily ration that he neither had to work for nor pay. He had the protection of the palace guards!
So what is the point in all of this dialog? Two thoughts and one spiritual principle come to mind which are found in the words of Joseph in Gen 50:20 and the words of the Apostle Paul in Rom 8:28. God will give us wisdom to make choices, we can trust that He will bring about His way to glorify Himself and in the midst of all He proves His trustworthiness to provide for us and to protect us.
The test thus is before us/me. How will we/I view circumstances? Can I see God using today's circumstance to open doors of divine opportunity that otherwise might not happen if my present circumstance did not occur? Will I have spiritual eyes to see that with each circumstance God will use with my compliance or without my compliance to bring about His plan and purpose.
May I today have spiritual eyes to see beyond my circumstance to the greater plan that God has for me and for those with whom I interact.
