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Jeremiah-16

The Cost of False Hope: A Devotional Study on Jeremiah 16​

Introduction​

The book of Jeremiah is a captivating narrative that chronicles the journey of a prophet through the tumultuous times of the reunification of Israel. This passage, Jeremiah 16, is a speech that God gives to Jeremiah, highlighting the need to avoid false hope. Let's delve into this passage and explore what God's call to abandon false hope means for us today.

Section 1: The Shaking of the Nations (Jeremiah 16:1-4)​

Devotional Thought: God predicts the shaking of different countries as a warning to Judah, urging them to repent. False hope might seem like a saving solution but the events will reveal otherwise. Today, consider the warnings God gives through various events around us and reflect on the need to heed His commands.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does God warn you through events and circumstances in life?
  • Are you quick to dismiss His warnings or do you heed His commands?

Section 2: Remember Affliction and Discharge the Medium and the necromancers (Jeremiah 16:14-21)​

Devotional Thought: God stresses the need to abandon false hope through the false promises of fortune-tellers and spiritists. The accessibility of such services may seem alluring, but God's call to remember affliction speaks of the emptiness of such practices. Today, consider the lure of quick-fix promises and reflect on the need to rely on the guidance of God alone.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you respond to the promises of quick fixes and quick results?
  • Are you willing to put your faith solely in God's guidance?

Section 3: A Deception from Within (Jeremiah 16:19)​

Devotional Thought: God reveals a deception from within, warning Judah of political turmoil that is self-induced. The call to false hope may come from within our own minds. Today, consider the need to avoid the deception from within and seek true hope in God's guidance alone.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you guard yourself from the deception from within?
  • How do you seek true hope in God's guidance?

Section 4: The Reality of History (Jeremiah 16:22-24)​

Devotional Thought: God concludes the speech with a warning against false hope and a proclamation of the reality of history. Just as He spoke in earlier prophecies, He stands by His word. Today, consider the certainty of God's words and reflect on the need to base our faith on His truths.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you respond to the certainty of God's words?
  • How do you base your faith on God's truths?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional study on Jeremiah 16, let's stand in awe of the cost of false hope. God's call to abandon false hope speaks to our human tendency to prefer quick fixes over God's guidance. May we learn to trust in His words and rely on His truths in the midst of the challenges we face. Let's have the courage to put our faith solely in God's guidance and avoid the deceptions within us and outside us.