The Park Forum

Links for today’s readings:

Sep 18  Read: Jeremiah 44 Listen: (6:10) Read: 2 Corinthians 4 Listen: (3:02)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Sep 19  Read: Jeremiah 45-46 Listen: (5:51) Read: 2 Corinthians 5 Listen: (3:14)
Sep 20  Read: Jeremiah 47 Listen: (1:21) Read: 2 Corinthians 6 Listen: (2:31)

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 44.15-18

15 Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present—a large assembly—and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, 16 “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! 17 We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm. 18 But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine.”

Reflection: Same Data, Wrong Conclusions

By John Tillman

From our perspective, Israel’s Old Testament idolatry seems inexplicable. How could they make a golden calf when the fire cloud was still on the mountain? (Ex 32.1) How could they resume worshiping Baal after the Mount Carmel showdown? (1 Ki 18.38-40) How could they continue ignoring prophets’ warnings after watching their previous warnings come true? How could they exchange the truth of God for a lie? (Rom 1.20-25) How could they be so foolish?

In today’s passage, Jeremiah confronts families engaged in idol worship while living in Egypt following Jerusalem’s collapse. Think about what these men and women had lived through.

They saw (or heard about) God’s blessings and favor on the nation during Josiah’s revival and elimination of idolatry. They saw the kings following Josiah return to idols and foreign gods. They heard the warnings of defeat and exile from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other prophets. They heard the promises of prophets like Hananiah (Jer 28.1-11), who predicted quick and easy victory over Babylon. They watched the false prophets’ promises fail and many of them, including Hananiah, be killed. They heard Jeremiah’s promises about restoration and peace if they stayed faithful to God.

With all this data, we conclude that Jeremiah had been telling the truth and the best course of action would be to follow the commands of God he related. However, these men and women observed the exact same data and came to the shocking (to us) conclusion that they should ignore Jeremiah and resume idol worship.

The people interpreted the data differently and wrongly. They defended idolatry as a reasonable solution to their problems. They concluded that idolatry had worked and faithfulness to God had failed them. Just like Eve and Adam, they saw something pleasing, desirable, and practical to improve their situation, and they took it.

When people in scripture make foolish decisions, instead of shaking our heads in judgment, we should examine our hearts in humility. Put yourself in their place and wonder what might entice you to make similar errors. We aren’t pressured to worship “the queen of Heaven,” but we are pressured to do “whatever works” for us regardless of what God’s word says.

Have the humility to admit that we have the same tendencies as ancient idolaters. When we think something will work for us, or is good for us, we find ways to justify it.

Remember that what “works” for you is not always what is good for you.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

O God, you know my foolishness, and my faults are not hidden from you. — Psalm 69.6

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Read more: Godly Silence

The Bible urges us to experience silence as a spiritual discipline. Don’t wait for a power outage in order to spend time in silence.

Godly Silence

Links for today’s readings:

Sep 17  Read: Jeremiah 43 Listen: (2:34) Read: 2 Corinthians 3 Listen: (2:25)

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 43.1-7

1 When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God—everything the Lord had sent him to tell them—2 Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’ 3 But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.” 
4 So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah. 5 Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers led away all the remnant of Judah who had come back to live in the land of Judah from all the nations where they had been scattered. 6 They also led away all those whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan—the men, the women, the children and the king’s daughters. And they took Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah along with them. 7 So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord and went as far as Tahpanhes. 

Reflection: We’re Going to Egypt!

By John Tillman

Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch, were taken against their will into the exact situation they advised against and knew was going to be a disaster.

Many leaders had come to Jeremiah (or other prophets) asking for a word from the Lord about their situation. Many disobeyed God’s instructions for those situations and many persecuted or killed the prophets who spoke for God.

In some ways, Johanan is similar to those previous leaders, but in one way, Johanan is unique. Few other leaders swore so boldly that they would follow what the prophet said (Jer 42.1), and then so quickly did exactly the opposite (Jer 43.1-2). Jeremiah said, “Don’t go to Egypt.” (Jer 42.19) Johanan immediately said, “We’re going to Egypt and we’re taking you with us!” (Jer 43.2-7)

Johanan didn’t get the answer he wanted to hear and concluded that Jeremiah was compromised by political motives. The truth was that Johanan wanted God to bless his decisions instead of submitting his decisions to God.

Have you answered someone’s question about a topic you are an expert on and then watched them do the exact opposite? And then, you had to suffer along with them the consequences of their foolish decision? I have. We all probably have. You might have experienced this as a parent, a teacher, a friend, an employee, an advisor, a therapist, or even as a voter.

Johanan is not the only one to ever swear to do something and fail to do it because of fear. Peter is a New Testament example. Despite his oath to never fall away (Matt 26.33-35), Peter folded under the pressure of his fears and fled the servant girl’s questions, weeping (Matt 26.69-75).

Jeremiah and Baruch are faithful and follow their principles, no matter the consequences. We’d all do well to follow their example. However, we must also consider when we might be in Johanan’s or Peter’s positions rather than Jeremiah’s.

Like Johanan, we are likely to be tempted to reject facts, teachings, or advice that we are inclined to disagree with. Like Peter, we are very likely to find our commitments difficult to keep.

Perhaps great oaths are not a sign of great faith but of great fear. A greater sign of faith might not be pledging that we are brave, but confessing that we are afraid. Great faith doesn’t require great oaths. Jesus tells us to simply let our “Yes” be “Yes.” (Matt 5.37)

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

My eyes are upon the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me… — Psalm 101.6

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Read more: Only Through Christ :: Worldwide Prayer

If we have confidence in our own competence, we are destined to accomplish only what is possible by human effort.

Only Through Christ :: Worldwide Prayer

Links for today’s readings:

Sep 16  Read: Jeremiah 42 Listen: (3:44) Read: 2 Corinthians 2 Listen: (2:13)

Reflection: Let Go and Let God?

By Erin Newton

One thing that has worked well in my marriage (and I would assume that nearly all relationships would benefit positively) is that when one spouse complains, the other pauses before giving any advice and asks, “Do you need to vent or do you need advice?” Usually for me, I only want to vent. I know what to do, but I need to get all my feelings out there.

There are times when I genuinely have no idea what to do. Do I take this teaching position when I already feel too busy? Do I write a letter to a former church explaining the pain they caused? Do I stay? Do I go?

Our lives are filled with a multitude of decisions, and decision fatigue is a real thing. Sometimes we are simply out of our depth or out of energy. We need advice. I’m grateful for the pastors, mentors, friends, and family that have often been a solid source of guidance.

In chapter 42, Johanan comes to Jeremiah asking for advice. He even vows to take the advice no matter what. That is a strong commitment.

Ten days pass before Jeremiah returns with the words of God for Johanan. I really like this slow approach. It’s not Jeremiah’s opinion given at a drop of a hat. It’s advice that’s been sought after and slowly gathered. Jeremiah is the “God-expert” so to speak. His role as a prophet meant he was the right person to ask advice from. Johanan made a good choice there.

Asking for advice is a humbling experience. One has to let go of control and pride, admit a deficiency in experience or ability, and then hold oneself to the guidance of another. Sometimes our pursuit of wisdom stops there. But what does Johanan promise next? He commits to taking the advice.

Johanan realizes in his vulnerable request that he has relinquished control of the situation and he cannot guarantee the outcome of God’s advice. That can be a scary place.

Sometimes we ask for advice and hope for a particular outcome. We feign commitment by promising to listen and take heed of whatever response is given.

But we will see in the next chapter that asking for advice is one step. Committing to follow is another step. But following through will be the ultimate litmus test of one’s faith.

Are you willing to seek advice? Now are you willing to take it?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Let us make a vow to the Lord and keep it; let all around him bring gifts to him who is worthy to be feared. — Psalm 76.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Read more: The “Ideal” of the New Testament Church

Rather than one “ideal,” when we look at what the different churches actually did, we see many variations. 

The “Ideal” of the New Testament Church

Links for today’s readings:

Sep 15  Read: Jeremiah 41 Listen: (3:36) Read: 2 Corinthians 1 Listen: (3:52)

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 41.4-15

4 The day after Gedaliah’s assassination, before anyone knew about it, 5 eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh and Samaria, bringing grain offerings and incense with them to the house of the Lord. 6 Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When he met them, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” 7 When they went into the city, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the men who were with him slaughtered them and threw them into a cistern. 8 But ten of them said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have wheat and barley, olive oil and honey, hidden in a field.” So he let them alone and did not kill them with the others. 9 Now the cistern where he threw all the bodies of the men he had killed along with Gedaliah was the one King Asa had made as part of his defense against Baasha king of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the dead. 
10 Ishmael made captives of all the rest of the people who were in Mizpah—the king’s daughters along with all the others who were left there, over whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set out to cross over to the Ammonites. 
11 When Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him heard about all the crimes Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed, 12 they took all their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah. They caught up with him near the great pool in Gibeon. 13 When all the people Ishmael had with him saw Johanan son of Kareah and the army officers who were with him, they were glad. 14 All the people Ishmael had taken captive at Mizpah turned and went over to Johanan son of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and fled to the Ammonites.

Reflection: Sin Disguised as Virtue

By John Tillman

Johanan warned Gedaliah about Ishmael’s plot, but he didn’t listen (Jer 40.13-14). Jeremiah warned Johanan not to go to Egypt, but he didn’t listen (Jer 42.19).

Whether out of principle or naivete, Gedaliah spared Ishmael’s life when Johanan accused him of an assassination plot. But Johanan was right. Ishmael and his men assassinated Gedaliah in a scene much like Absalom’s assassination of Amnon (2 Sam 13.28-29).

Could Ishmael (and Absalom) have had good motives but misguided tactics? Some might think Absalom sought justice and Ishmael was a patriot. Ishmael was a descendant of David and may have viewed Gedaliah as a Babylonian puppet, a tool of “the oppressors.” Ishmael could have claimed that he was called to restore the throne and kingdom and preserve God’s promises to his ancestor, David. However, Ishmael proved to be just as wicked a traitor as Absalom.

Before anyone knew what Ishmael had done, worshipers approached Jerusalem, repentant, weeping, and calling out to God. Ishmael deceived them by weeping as they did, then had his men slaughter them, filling a cistern with their bodies. He stole their gifts for worship and only stopped killing them when some survivors promised him more goods. 

Ishmael thought only of enriching himself. Instead of freeing anyone, he took them as captives to a different foreign power, the Ammonites. Johanan set out to free the captives and succeeded, but Ishmael escaped. Then Johanan ignored God’s direction and led the people into another disaster.

These messy, confusing, and complex stories from scripture prepare us for the world we live in. So-called “patriots” will commit atrocities. So-called “justice advocates” will reject God’s commands. Self-appointed “heroes” will commit acts of villainy. Sin looks for the best things to corrupt.

Since the garden, sin has crouched at our doors, seeking to devour us (Gen 4.7). Sin seeks to twist good things into evil things. Sex, food, and money are easy examples of good gifts that cause great damage outside of God’s purposes. But there is nothing good that sin cannot and will not twist. Sin’s claws, such as greed, violence, and jealousy, are often disguised as noble things, such as patriotism, justice, or loyalty.

Remember, the worst of villains are those who think they are the hero. We must be ready and willing to confront them, as Jeremiah did, but we must also guard ourselves from becoming them. Watch out for sin disguised as virtue.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

I will bear witness that the Lord is righteous; I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High. — Psalm 7.18

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Read more: The House God Desires

Christ, the true son of David, is building the house that God desires—with rooms for all his children…

The House God Desires

Links for today’s readings:

Sep 14  Read: Jeremiah 40 Listen: (3:50) Read: 1 Corinthians 16 Listen: (2:54)

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 40.7-12

7 When all the army officers and their men who were still in the open country heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the land and had put him in charge of the men, women and children who were the poorest in the land and who had not been carried into exile to Babylon, 8 they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maakathite, and their men. 9 Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, took an oath to reassure them and their men. “Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians, ” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. 10 I myself will stay at Mizpah to represent you before the Babylonians who come to us, but you are to harvest the wine, summer fruit and olive oil, and put them in your storage jars, and live in the towns you have taken over.” 
11 When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom and all the other countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as governor over them, 12 they all came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, from all the countries where they had been scattered. And they harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit.

Reflection: What’s The Point of Faithfulness?

By John Tillman

When Jerusalem fell, Jeremiah was offered a choice. He could stay or go.

A Babylonian commander pulled Jeremiah from a line of captives and struck off his chains. Jeremiah could choose to live with him in Babylon or stay with the Babylonian-appointed governor.

Which would you choose? Exile from the land or oppression within it?

Scripture is not clear about which choice was wrong or right. Jeremiah chose the harder, and perhaps wiser, thing. One contributing factor was probably that Jeremiah had little reason to trust the commander, but he knew the governor.

Gedaliah was the grandson of a faithful official, Shaphan, who helped with Josiah’s revival. One of Shaphan’s sons carried Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles (Jer 29.3) and another, Gedaliah’s father, protected Jeremiah from execution for his prophetic warnings (Jer 26.24).

Gedaliah took his job seriously and faithfully. He cared for the people and helped them prosper. For a short time, they had good harvests of wine, fruit, and oil but danger bloomed in the wilderness.

Gedaliah was warned about an anti-Babylonian assassination plot against him. He didn’t believe the warning and refused to preemptively kill the accused rebels. The men whose lives Gedaliah spared killed him. This brought a brief post-exile bright spot to an end and plunged the region into more death and destruction.

When nations crumble, collapse, or are conquered, there’s a lot of collateral damage and not very many good choices for those caught in the consequences. Even though Gedaliah and Jeremiah chose (I think) wisely and bravely, things ended badly.

What is the point of being faithful in times such as these? When caught between a violent government and violent rebels, where can we turn? When the foundations are shaken, what can the righteous do? (Ps 11.3)

To compare our lives to Jeremiah and Gedaliah would be a drastic exaggeration. However, there are always pressures and threats that force difficult decisions and choices. Being faithful will always come at a cost and the return on that investment is often not obvious.

The point of faithfulness is not winning battles or blessings. Faithfulness is an end, not a means to an end. Christian faithfulness means conforming to the image of Jesus, including his sufferings, death, and resurrection (Rom 8.17; Phil 3.10; 1 Pet 4.13). Faithfulness is transformational, not transactional.

Remember—hard choices are easier when your goal is faithfulness, not victory or blessings. Because even if we lose now, ultimately all Christ’s blessings and victories are already ours (Rom 8.35-37; 1 Cor 15.57-58; 1 John 5.4-5; Isa 54.17).

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.
— Psalm 96.2-3

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

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