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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRIP (10/18/18)
Give glory to the Lord your God before He brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. Jeremiah 13:16

The people Jeremiah was speaking to were twofold. Some had been taken into exile by King Nebuchadnezzar and Jeremiah had also told them to be fruitful; grow crops, take wives and maintain the standards they had been taught.

Others were those who had been left behind in Jerusalem and were refusing to listen to the prophecies he had spoken, warning that they, too, would be captured and sent into exile. He spoke of the other countries that Yahweh had warned and then carried out His promises “The swift cannot flee, nor the strong escape,” Jeremiah told them, “In the North by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall.” Why should Judah expect anything else? They had continued in their disobedience by serving other gods, making sacrifices to them and listening to lies of future relief rather than warnings about the consequences of their rebellion. Hananiah had been one of the most divisive, accusing Jeremiah of being the lying prophet rather than himself as he concocted what he claimed to be messages from Yahweh.

It is so easy to trip over misguided ideas, presented in a believable way, unless we are grounded in the Word of God. A fall follows for a lack of balance can be dangerous. Today, false teachers abound, many speaking from their own confused thoughts. We need to be sure footed, alert, for when we walk securely in the path the Lord sets for us we cannot trip or stumble.

When Jesus walked the earth the Pharisees tripped over themselves in their efforts to discredit Him and bring false accusations against Him. The people were led into confusion so that even one of Jesus’ own disciples was led to betray Him. Perhaps he had faltered over the rumours and taken his eyes from his Lord.

Are we so different? I remember when I was in a dark place and hope was an open wound in my heart. I thought God couldn’t possibly love me if He could allow such pain and heartbreak. I almost tripped over my long lip of frustration and resentment. Then I read Habbakuk 3:17,18 and echoed his words. No matter what, I would rejoice in the Lord, I would be joyful in God my Saviour.

Another memory is the counselling of a friend who had lost her husband and was looking for hope. She considered going to a medium as Saul did when he was confused. I quoted the story of Lazarus and the rich man and together we looked at the eternal implications of the lost. We are all eternal, for our Creator God made us in His image. Where we spend eternity depends on our not being misled by false notions which can cause a fall into the abyss of hell. (Luke 16:19-26)

As believers, we are under attack from scoffers, unbelievers, doubters and the followers of modern ideas contrary to the Word of God. Barriers are erected for it is easier to rest in peaceful unawareness of Truth; why listen to those who had “got religion” and become holy rollers? We walk securely while they relax in supposed self-satisfaction of their superior understanding.

Jeremiah warned, in his account of nations who had assumed they were safe, strong and invincible, but what happened to them! “They will stumble repeatedly; they will fall over each other,” he said (46:16) and want to return to those of like mind rather than turn from their evil ways.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light ..." Let us walk in His way.
Jesus said, "I am Truth ..." Let us stand firm in Him.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Claudia Barrington
10/29/18
It is obvious you are a good student of God's Word. I love reading anything from one who loves His word. Although Truth is certainly woven throughout this article, I had a hard time connecting the ideas. I know that you know EXACTLY what you're saying but it was a little bit confusing for me.

One part that made me scratch my head and say, "Huh?" : "why listen to those who had “got religion” and become holy rollers? We walk securely while they relax in supposed self-satisfaction of their superior understanding."

I think a tightened up re-write might help clarify your message. I did still enjoy it though because I love reading what my brothers and sisters in Christ write. So thank you!