SCRIPTURE
But you must say to this people, "This is what the Lord says: Look, I am presenting to you the way of life and the way of death." (Jer. 21:8)
OBSERVATION
Jeremiah was warning the people of the impending invasion by the Babylonians. There were two options. Stay in Jerusalem and die by the sword, famine and plague. Or, surrender to the Babylonians and live. I'm sure the options seemed counterintuitive. Why give yourself over to the enemy? Why not stay and try to survive? But that is the way God designed it. He wanted to see if his people would listen to his voice, even if it didn't make sense.
This is one example of many where God's judgment is preceded by a warning. Before God acts he gives his people a choice. He tells in advance what he is about to do and leaves it up to us to decide. Obey him and live--the way of life. Or, do it our way and die--the way of death.
APPLICATION
I'm not facing an invading army or the threat of exile but I'm well aware of the choices before me each day. If I listen to God and follow his voice it will lead to life. I have to admit, there are commands that don't make sense and I'm tempted to do my own thing. However, I need to walk by faith and trust that when I obey God will take care of the consequences. Life is not a game of "Survivor" where God has placed me on this island and I try to outwit, outplay, and outlast to the finish. The way of life means I surrender, cooperate, and persevere. That is the way of life. God warned me ahead of time so now the choice is mine.
PRAYER
God, give me wisdom to continually choose the way of life.
