Approval or Direction? — Jeremiah 43:1–13

The recording, chapter markers and searchable transcript appear here once the Sunday video is available.

In this message

Seeking God’s endorsement of plans already decided is different from asking for his direction.
Faith means trusting that even when you cannot see where God is leading, he still sees you.
God’s definition of success is faithfulness and obedience, not results like numbers, responses, or applause.
Running to a “safer” Egypt does not escape God’s word or the consequences of disobedience; it only relocates rebellion.
Peace is not found in escape but in surrender and obedience, even when it is uncomfortable.

The passage

The verses Lee stops on. Read Jeremiah 43 in full.

Jeremiah 43:2

2Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’

Azariah.. Johanan.. and all the proud men spoke: “Johanan and his men did not come to Jeremiah seeking God’s direction. They came seeking God’s endorsement. And church…there is a difference. A lot of people pray: ‘Lord, show me Your will.’ But deep down…they’ve already decided what they want.

Jeremiah 43:8–9

8In Tahpanhes the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 9“While the Jews are watching, take some large stones with you and bury them in clay in the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes.

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes: - Jeremiah was not longer in the Promised Land, and God commanded His people who remained after the Babylonian exile to remain in that land. By force, Jeremiah was taken to Egypt – yet, the word of the Lord still came to him. He was still God’s prophet, and God did not count him as disobedient because of the unique and strange circumstances of his presence in Egypt.

Johanan and the people came to God for approval of their plan, not for God’s direction, and running from God never leads to freedom.

What we have seen

how true this is. We often look to the results, the head count, the raised hands, the baptisms of the success of our ministry, however this is not God’s definition of success.

Why did the people in Jeremiah 43 call Jeremiah a false prophet?

The people rejected Jeremiah as a false prophet because God’s word contradicted what they had already decided to do. They denied the message despite the evidence of Jeremiah’s past accuracy and the tragic results Judah had already lived through. Their posture treated God as a power to enlist rather than a Lord to obey. Pride closed their minds to the possibility that God’s will could be radically different from their own.

What is the difference between seeking God’s approval and seeking God’s direction?

Seeking God’s approval means asking God to bless what you already want, while seeking God’s direction means being willing for God to change your plans. The leaders came to Jeremiah wanting endorsement, not guidance. It is not good to make plans unless you are willing to have God change them. It is not good to pray unless you are willing to accept God’s answer.

Why did they go to Egypt in Jeremiah 43 if God told them not to?

The people went to Egypt because Babylon terrified them and Egypt looked safer than obedience. They were tempted toward what felt familiar and controllable when the future felt uncertain. They had promised to do whatever God said, but they did not keep their promise and chose Egypt for protection and provision. Fear made them prefer escape over trust.

Does running from God ever bring freedom?

Running from God never leads to freedom. Running only changes the scenery of rebellion, whether the destination is money, relationships, comfort, success, distractions, or “Egypt.” The chapter’s warning is that what you run to instead of God will eventually fail you. Peace is found in surrender, not escape.

What does Jeremiah 43 teach about success and faithfulness in ministry?

God’s definition of success is faithfulness to what he has called you to, not visible results. Head count, raised hands, baptisms, and applause are not the measure of faithfulness. Jeremiah kept speaking truth for decades even when people mocked him, accused him of lying, and rejected him. Obedience is the measure of faithfulness, while God is responsible for results.

What does it mean that God’s word still came to Jeremiah in Egypt?

God’s word coming to Jeremiah in Egypt shows that the people had not escaped from God or passed beyond the reach of his word. Jeremiah was taken there by force, and God did not count him as disobedient because of those unique circumstances. Jeremiah remained God’s prophet even outside the Promised Land. The message continued to confront and warn them even where they ran.

What was the point of Jeremiah burying large stones at Pharaoh’s house?

The buried stones were a physical sign meant to illustrate and memorialize a prophetic word. God used them to mark the place where Nebuchadnezzar would assert sovereignty over Egypt and set up his throne. The sign made clear that the power the people feared would follow them into the place they thought would protect them. The act showed that their chosen refuge would not shield them from what God had said.

Why does Jeremiah 43 say Egypt would be judged too?

Egypt would be judged because the Babylonians would bring comprehensive devastation there as well—death, captivity, and the sword, along with destruction and looting of temples. The message was that fleeing to Egypt would not escape the wrath and power they feared; it would follow them. Egypt was not a safe alternative to obedience. Trust was meant to be in God’s protection and provision, not in a different location.

What does Mark 7:37 have to do with guidance and obedience?

Mark 7:37 is used to underline that when Jesus works, he does things well. Guidance from God does not produce chaos and confusion left behind. If God is leading, things will be done decently and in order. The contrast is with running in a way that leaves disorder and wreckage.

What should someone do if they feel like they need a new start—away from a situation or people?

A new start is not the deepest need; a new heart is. Leaving an area, a marriage, or a church can become a way of changing scenery rather than dealing with rebellion. God’s call is to stop running, trust him, stay where he has called you, and obey even when it is uncomfortable. Partial obedience is still disobedience, and delayed obedience is still rebellion.

Where else scripture speaks

Every passage Lee reaches for. The ones he teaches from open here; the rest link out.

Take this with you

Running from God never leads to freedom.