Day 235

Jeremiah 21, 34; Ezekiel 24:15-25:17; 29:1-16; 30:20-31:18.  “Crime but No Time?”

         Picture the familiar scene:  A wrong has been done, a punishment must be made, and the offender is suddenly sorry.  It is possible to apologize for getting caught and not for the offense.  This was the case with King Zedekiah.  He had been warned time and again of God’s coming judgment if he would not change.  Now the judgment came and suddenly he wanted it taken away.  He requested of Jeremiah, “Please ask the LORD to help me… perhaps He will do this for me… and this…” (21:2).  He did not admit his sin.  He was only sorry for getting caught and having to reap the penalty of which he had been warned often.  And then he suggests a few things the Lord could do.
         Make it personal as you consider three of the factors in that situation: Have you been guilty of expecting God to get you out of the trouble you put yourself into?  Is it easier to ignore God’s warnings when things are going well?  Is it possible to just use God when it’s to our advantage? 

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?