I'm struggling to take anything away from this today. It reads very matter of factly, and dictates the happenings. The only thing that pops into my head is the vast difference between the people living for God and awaiting his instruction, vs the king and others that are not. Their actions look very silly and self-centered.
My hope is that some day when the story of Todd Parker is un-earthed.....it reads like a story about a man who follows the instructions of God and not the instructions that come from my own head.
tp
I had no insights either so I went to Tom's site. Funny both you and him talked about what people might remember when they look back on your lives and Tom points out what is not remembered is what all these false prophets said would happen. See below
ReplyDeleteSorry I've not been carrying my load, first I was on vacation then this week I have had calls to Singapore until 1am and generally busy and have simply slept in an extra 45min at times. I will be trying to better next week, thanks for keeping us moving. I with you!
FROM TOM V:
And tell me, whatever has become of your prophets who preached all those sermons saying that the king of Babylon would never attack you or this land?” Jeremiah 37:19 (MSG)
“Old Testament Persons for $800, Alex.”
“A contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah, he was a false prophet who told the King that Babylon would never attack.”
[cue sound effect: crickets chirping]
I doubt even Watson the robot could get that one. The reality is that history did not record the names or messages of the false prophets. Perhaps there’s a random name etched on the fragment of a tablet or scroll and referenced in some obscure archaeology dissertation. But, let’s be real, it’s far from general public knowledge. Jeremiah’s story, however, and his writing are read and referenced by millions to this day 2500 years after he lived and died.
What struck me in reading today’s chapter is the contrast. Jeremiah spoke what was true. And, while it was wildly unpopular and landed him in a dungeon, it has lasted the test of time. The other prophets spoke what was, in the moment, convenient and popular. Still, it was untrue. Even if history does record their names, it is nothing more than a tough piece of obscure trivia that would probably too tough for final Jeopardy.
Despite my many failures to this date in the journey, I really want my life, my words, and that which I produce to be marked by what is true. Perhaps, it will then have some lasting value.