Jeremiah 38:24-28 – Stay truthful in God

We know that Zedekiah was an indecisive man and one that lived on the opinions of others. He had a meeting with Jeremiah to ask him what the future of Jerusalem would be. Yet at the same time, he did not want the people to know what really transpired in his meeting with Jeremiah. So before they parted ways, Zedekiah warned Jeremiah saying, “Let no man know about these words and you will not die.” Jeremiah 38:24-28 capture that warning he gave and how Jeremiah responded.   

He knew his officials who knew about his meeting with Jeremiah would want to know from the latter what he had said to the prophet. So he literally wanted Jeremiah to lie. The prophet was to tell the officials who would enquire of him that he came to petition and plea with the king not to make him return to the house of Jonathan to die there. As Zedekiah had anticipated, the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. And Jeremiah literally did as the king had instructed. He lied. To get them off his back he did as he was told. So they left him alone in the guardhouse until the day Jerusalem was captured.

This account shows the imperfection of the prophet. His life had shown that he was passionate, patient and had a deep love for God as well as for His people. His prophecies show how fearless he was even in the fact of death. However, admit it or not, the prophet was far from perfect. He was still human after all and had trepidation like anyone else. At this juncture, he had allowed his faith to be overcome by fear. This is not an excuse for a man we respect and have learned much from. He was true to God in so many ways but for this one time, he chose to go along with the lie of Zedekiah. What do these verses teach us?  

Like Jeremiah, we too will face moments in life where we need to take a stand for God.  In those cross-road moments, will we remain firm and not fear for our personal reputation? Can we trust God to see us through the hardship? Will we allow fear to take the better of our faith in God? These are real questions we need to confront at some point in life. This is where we need to be circumspect and stay faithful to God. This is where we need to practice Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:15-17. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”