Jeremiah 40. Where do I go?
In todayamprsquos passage, with Jerusalem burned and its walls broken just as God said would happen if the king and his people remained unrepentant, Jeremiah is freed by the Babylonian commander. He is offered a choice: go to Babylon with the captives and be cared for or go back to Judah. Jeremiah chooses Judah. When the news of Jerusalemamprsquos fall with a remnant left in Judah reaches the neighboring countries, the Jews living there return.
Because I am a Canadian of European descent, most Koreans I meet assume I will return to Canada. No one thinks I will live out my life and die here in Korea. Itamprsquos an attitude that says one of two things to me. One side says, Because youamprsquore a Westerner, you donamprsquot belong here, and the other side says, Because you come from a country with clean air and lots of space, why are you here?
When ordinary Koreans ask me why I am here, I have my testimony ready to tell them why. Clean air and lots of land are irrelevant to salvation. Life is more than clean air, more than clothes, more than food and drink (Matt 6:25-34). When my church members ask me why I am here, however, Iamprsquom surprised. If they donamprsquot know Iamprsquom in Wooridle for the same reasons they are, then we have a problem. Iamprsquom here for repentance and spiritual training.
For me Wooridle is Korea. The English speaking school where I work is similar to English speaking schools anywhere in the world. Wooridle Church, however, is unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
When many disciples were deserting Jesus, he asked those who remained if they wanted to go too. Peter gave his famous answer: ampldquoLord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal lifeamprdquo (John 6:68). Jeremiahamprsquos choice in todayamprsquos passage is my choice too. Do I choose the beautiful place of worldly security or do I stay where I receive the living Word no matter what the outcome and threat to worldly security? Do I trust in Godamprsquos promise to care for me or not?
Jeremiah never failed to preach Godamprsquos word of repentance. Recently I have failed in my duty as small group leader by not keeping up with my group reports, not continuing in the training of my assistant leaders who are new to the position. I have not followed my churchamprsquos rules but let fatigue and worldly work get in the way. I lost my focus on my spiritual community. I went to Babylon instead of staying in Judah.
Application: catch up on my reports and help my assistants
Lord, thank you for my community members to remind me of my duties. Forgive me my lapse and help me repent, in Jesusamprsquo name.
