Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2021 14:37:29 GMT -5
Who Needs Your Support? By: Mike Wittmer
Click here for the Audio Message
Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
Jeremiah 26:24
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 26:12–15, 20–24
Clifford Williams was sentenced to die for a murder he didn’t commit. From death row he vainly filed motions to reconsider the evidence against him. Each petition was denied—for forty-two years. Then attorney Shelley Thibodeau learned of his case. She found that not only was there no evidence to convict Williams, but that another man had confessed to the crime. At the age of seventy-six, Williams was finally exonerated and released.
The prophets Jeremiah and Uriah were also in deep trouble. They had told Judah that God promised to judge His people if they didn’t repent (Jeremiah 26:12–13, 20). This message angered the people and officials of Judah, who sought to kill both prophets. They succeeded with Uriah. He fled to Egypt, but was brought back to face the king, who “had him struck down with a sword” (v. 23). Why didn’t they kill Jeremiah? In part because Ahikam “stood up for Jeremiah” (nlt), “and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death” (v. 24).
We may not know anyone facing death, but we probably know someone who could use our support. Whose rights are trampled? Whose talents are dismissed? Whose voice isn’t heard? It may be risky to step out like Thibodeau or Ahikam, but it’s so right. Who needs us to stand up for them as God guides us?
Reflect & Pray
Whom can you stand with? If you voice your support, what do you think might happen to them, to you, and to others?
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jeremiah, a truly tormented soul, was born the son of Hilkiah, of the priestly line, and grew up in the village of Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1), to the northeast of Jerusalem. Often referred to as “the weeping prophet,” his season of ministry came at one of the darkest hours in the history of the people of God. Jeremiah prophesied and then witnessed the devastation of Jerusalem and the taking of much of its citizenry into captivity. Historians speak of the savagery of the conquest; Jeremiah’s reaction to those atrocities forms the substance of his second Old Testament book, Lamentations.
Bill Crowder
Jeremiah 26:12-15
King James Version
12 Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.
15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.
Click here for the Audio Message
Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
Jeremiah 26:24
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 26:12–15, 20–24
Clifford Williams was sentenced to die for a murder he didn’t commit. From death row he vainly filed motions to reconsider the evidence against him. Each petition was denied—for forty-two years. Then attorney Shelley Thibodeau learned of his case. She found that not only was there no evidence to convict Williams, but that another man had confessed to the crime. At the age of seventy-six, Williams was finally exonerated and released.
The prophets Jeremiah and Uriah were also in deep trouble. They had told Judah that God promised to judge His people if they didn’t repent (Jeremiah 26:12–13, 20). This message angered the people and officials of Judah, who sought to kill both prophets. They succeeded with Uriah. He fled to Egypt, but was brought back to face the king, who “had him struck down with a sword” (v. 23). Why didn’t they kill Jeremiah? In part because Ahikam “stood up for Jeremiah” (nlt), “and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death” (v. 24).
We may not know anyone facing death, but we probably know someone who could use our support. Whose rights are trampled? Whose talents are dismissed? Whose voice isn’t heard? It may be risky to step out like Thibodeau or Ahikam, but it’s so right. Who needs us to stand up for them as God guides us?
Reflect & Pray
Whom can you stand with? If you voice your support, what do you think might happen to them, to you, and to others?
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jeremiah, a truly tormented soul, was born the son of Hilkiah, of the priestly line, and grew up in the village of Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1), to the northeast of Jerusalem. Often referred to as “the weeping prophet,” his season of ministry came at one of the darkest hours in the history of the people of God. Jeremiah prophesied and then witnessed the devastation of Jerusalem and the taking of much of its citizenry into captivity. Historians speak of the savagery of the conquest; Jeremiah’s reaction to those atrocities forms the substance of his second Old Testament book, Lamentations.
Bill Crowder
Jeremiah 26:12-15
King James Version
12 Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.
15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.