耶利米书［第四十章］
Book of Jeremiah 40
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耶利米书 第四十九 |Book of Jeremiah 40【三‘对’：听对、选对、跟对】
一、三‘对’的耶利米：蒙恩典得自由 (V1-6)
耶利米因着神的看顾，虽然经历国家的灭亡，却被巴比伦的官员释放。尽管他有机会前往更安稳的巴比伦，他却选择留在破败的犹大，与穷苦百姓同住。这是因为他心中记得神的应许——虽然神会拔除、拆毁，但最终祂会建立、栽植（耶利米书1:10）。因此，耶利米选择放弃个人的舒适与安全，留在犹大等待神的复兴。
耶利米先知听对了神的呼召，选对了与百姓同住的道路，跟对了神的旨意。有时我们也会面临选择：选择走一条更容易、更舒适的路，或是留在困境中帮助那些在需要中的人。就像耶利米，他选择了与那些被忽略和受压的人同在，这是他回应神的信心。
二、‘对不准’的基大利：提升中有破口 (V7-12)
基大利被巴比伦任命为犹大省长，他得到耶利米和逃亡军长们的支持，并鼓励他们留在犹大地，积蓄资源，服事巴比伦王。这似乎是一个重建的好机会，但他缺乏辨别危险的智慧，未能看到内部潜伏的威胁。
当我们在新的领导岗位上时，有时也会遇到挑战。基大利试图带领人们走向和平与重建，但忽视了潜在的反对力量，导致了他的灭亡。领导者不仅需要有远见，还需要有敏锐的洞察力。基大利选对了服从巴比伦、重建犹大的策略，但他没有听对提醒，也没有跟对神的指引，最终导致他的死亡和犹大的再次陷入混乱。
三、‘反对党’以实玛利：得破口得灾难（v13-16）
以实玛利是反对巴比伦的，他计划杀害基大利并联合埃及对抗巴比伦。这种选择违背了神通过耶利米所传递的信息。约哈难曾警告基大利关于以实玛利的计划，但基大利选择不相信，这直接导致了他被杀。
以实玛利没有听从神的呼召，选错了与埃及联合的立场，跟错了自己设计的反叛之路，最终导致了巨大的混乱和悲剧。他的选择是三“错”的典型：不听神的声音，选错方向，跟错了人。
总结：时时刻刻警醒，不做反对派
当我们听对、选对、跟对神的引导时，我们的生命将会得到神的祝福，并且成为他人的祝福。而当我们偏离神的道路，选择错误的立场时，结果将会带来混乱和毁灭。愿我们都能在每一个决定上依靠神，做出符合祂心意的选择，走在蒙福的道路上。
Jeremiah Chapter 40: ‘Three "Rights’: Right Listening, Right Choice, and Right Following
GK611 Morning Devotion
25/10/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: IP Asher
Introduction: TV antennas
1. Three‘rights’of Jeremiah: set free by grace (V1-6)
Because of God’s care, Jeremiah experienced the destruction of his country but was released by Babylonian officials. Although he had the opportunity to travel to the safer Babylon, he chose to stay in dilapidated Judah and live among the poor people. This is because he remembers in his heart God’s promise that although God will uproot and tear down, in the end He will build up and plant (Jeremiah 1:10). Therefore, Jeremiah chose to give up his personal comfort and security and stay in Judah to await God’s restoration.
The prophet Jeremiah heard God’s call correctly, chose the right way to live with the people, and followed God’s will. Sometimes we are faced with a choice: choose to take an easier, more comfortable path, or stay in a difficult situation and help those in need. Like Jeremiah, he responded to God’s faith by choosing to be with the neglected and oppressed.
2. ‘Misaligned’Gedaliah: There are gaps in the ascension (V7-12)
Gedaliah was appointed governor of Judah by Babylon. He received the support of Jeremiah and the fleeing army commanders, and encouraged them to stay in Judah, accumulate resources, and serve the Babylonian king. This seemed like a good opportunity to rebuild, but he lacked the wisdom to discern danger and failed to see the threats lurking within.
When we are in new leadership positions, we sometimes encounter challenges. Gedaliah tried to lead the people toward peace and reconstruction, but ignored potential opposition, leading to his demise. Leaders need not only vision but also insight. Gedaliah chose the right strategy of obeying Babylon and rebuilding Judah, but he failed to listen to the right reminders and failed to follow God's guidance, which ultimately led to his death and Judah's fall into chaos again.
3. ‘Opposition Party’Ishmael: Get a breach and get disaster (v13-16)
Ishmael was anti-Babylonian and planned to kill Gedaliah and unite Egypt against Babylon. This choice goes against God’s message through Jeremiah. Johanan had warned Gedaliah about Ishmael’s plans, but Gedaliah chose not to believe it, which directly resulted in his death.
Ishmael failed to listen to God’s call, chose the wrong position to unite with Egypt, and followed the wrong path of rebellion that he designed, which ultimately led to huge chaos and tragedy. His choice is a typical example of the three “wrongs”: not listening to God’s voice, choosing the wrong direction, and following the wrong person.
Conclusion: Be vigilant at all times and do not be an opposition
When we listen to the right words, choose the right paths, and follow God’s guidance, our lives will be blessed by God, and we will be a blessing to others. However, when we stray from God's path and choose the wrong stance, the result will be chaos and destruction. May we all rely on God in every decision, make choices that are in line with His heart, and walk on the path of blessing.