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Every now and then when I get the chance, I like to watch National Geographic's cable channel. There's just something about wildlife that stirs me. It's raw, aggressive, unpredictable, and most often deadly. I sometimes want to yell at the unsuspecting antelope, "Hey! Don't just stand there chewing that grass" But it doesn't hear me... and whoosh... the chase is on! The antelope sprints away from the hungry lion, but realizing it can't outrun her, darts to the right, then to the left, and then to the... oof! The lion is on it's prey, tripping it up, jumping on its back, and giving it a lethal bite on the neck. In less than 20 seconds, it's over. But, not wanting to see the subsequent family reunion around the dining table serving medallions of antelope, I switch the channel.

There's a verse which says, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Gal 6:1,2).

The Greek word for "overtaken" is "prolambano" which doesn't mean "being caught with your hand in the lolly jar," but does mean that you were running too slowly (or forgot to walk by faith), and have allowed that sin to overtake you, trip you up, jump on your back, and bite your neck! The continuing thought is that if someone who loves you sees that you've been attacked, he should come to your rescue, but watch that he may not be eaten up, too!

The more I watch National Geographic, the more I see the necessity of the Church.

 

...for thy names sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3. References from  Jeremiah 41:16-43:13.

Born in 1906, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a noted theologian, gifted writer, and compassionate pastor. As Nazism spread throughout his native Germany, Bonhoeffer worked to shelter Jews and assist their escape. Bonhoeffer could have easily fled to the United States or England, but he chose to remain in Germany throughout Hitler's rule. He eventually ended up in a concentration camp. Finally, he was executed, just days before Allied troops liberated Germany.

Perhaps it's fitting that one of Bonhoeffer's most widely read books is 'The Cost of Discipleship', for his life illustrated the cost of following the Gospel. Similarly, Jeremiah's life showed just how high the cost of discipleship could be.

Jeremiah chose to remain with the remnant in Judah, although he could have had protection and provision in Babylon. Given the instability of this time, Jeremiah must have realized his choice was risky. Only a few months later, rebels assassinated the governor of Judah, Gedaliah, and fled to Ammon. Rather than facing Babylon's wrath, those remaining in Judah fled to Egypt, taking along Jeremiah. Jeremiah eventually died in Egypt.

Interestingly, this same remnant had not hesitated earlier to ask Jeremiah to pray for them (v2). At first their prayer seems sincere, until we notice the personal pronouns here. Instead of asking Jeremiah to pray to your God (v3), they should have said our God. Their prayer revealed how far they were from God. Yet Jeremiah gently reminded them that God was still their God (v4). Notice how Jeremiah waited patiently for God's reply to come to him... he was in no hurry.

Once again, the Lord's word seemed to defy logic. To remain in Judah seemed like certain death, so these people relied on their own wisdom and chose Egypt. Throughout the Old Testament, Egypt was a picture of natural wealth and human strength. By fleeing, the people kept themselves from experiencing God's supernatural rescue and provision that occurred in the Promised Land. All appearance of security and splendour was deceptive, as Jeremiah's final enactments showed.

It might seem that Jeremiah was taken to Egypt against his will, but this isn't really so. Jeremiah had so aligned his will with God that he willingly served wherever that might lead. In the same way, Jesus obeyed completely the Father's will, even being led to crucifixion.

We can find a similar principle working in our own lives. Once we have yielded our lives to serving the Lord, we may be led to circumstances we didn't choose, but we can rest in His power to bring about His purposes.