Scripture Union Daily Guide 28 April 2020
Topic: Jeremiah’s deliverance from a cistern
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Jeremiah 38:1─13
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 28 April 2020
Outline: Jeremiah’s counsel of surrender branded him as a traitor in the eyes of many (vv.1–4). Had Jeremiah not had a divine commission, he might justly have been accused of treason; but having one means he was just a compassionate interpreter of God’s will for the nation. Observe Zedekiah’s weakness and inconsistency. He was afraid of his princes. He hides his dislike of their arrogant power, which prevented him from shielding Jeremiah as he should have done (vv.5–6). Such a leader is not good, especially in the time of crisis.
Notice the person God used to bring Jeremiah out of the cistern (vv.7–10). God can use the most unlikely person as his instrument of goodness to his people (1 Corinthians 1:27─29). “Thirty men” (v.10) were not merely to draw up Jeremiah, but to guard Ebed–melech against any attack from the princes in executing the king’s command.
Ebed–melech was rewarded for this act of faith, love, and courage, exhibited at a time when fear of the wrath of the princes prevented even the king from doing the right thing (see 39:16─18).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• So what? Reflect on practical steps you would need to take in order to tell the truth at all times, and what you will do if it lands you into trouble.
Prayer
• Oh Lord, make me an instrument of salvation to someone in need today.
• Pray for the conversion of unbelieving members of your family and extended family. Pray that God will send them witnesses they can believe.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Nahum 1:7
Read the Bible in one Year
Numbers 5–6; Revelation 16
