The passage

1Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2“This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

Also referenced today

The shape of the message

1. God sends Jeremiah to speak plainly in the temple as a merciful warning
2. Shiloh as a warning against trusting the temple while ignoring God’s Word
3. Jeremiah seized and tried: resistance to the messenger and the message
4. Jeremiah’s defence: repentance urged and life entrusted to God
5. Elders recall Micah and Hezekiah: remembered Scripture and course correction
6. Uriah’s death and Ahikam’s support: real danger and quiet protection

Questions to hold while you listen

• Where have you mistaken a warning from God (through Scripture, a spouse, or a friend) as God “picking on you,” instead of mercy trying to spare you?
• What are some ways people can treat church life like a “lucky charm” while ignoring God’s Word, and what would repentance look like?
• What would “boldness is obedience, not arrogance” look like in your relationships (with kids, a friend, or a business partner) without being loud or rude?
• Who are the “elder voices” in your life who bring Scripture and remembered history into heated moments, and how can you listen to them?
• Are you more like Jeremiah needing courage to speak, or like Ahikam called to support and protect someone else’s obedience?

Notes

This week

Identify one habit, relationship, or attitude God has been putting His finger on, and respond instead of ignoring it. Listen, reform your ways, and get right with Him now rather than someday.