Jeremiah 40-42
We see in our modern times how a vacuum of leadership is a dangerous thing. When dictators are removed from their position, there is rejoicing for a season, and then confusion seems to set in. All of the different factions are vying for the top spot. Some principles remain the same throughout history.
When Judah fell to Babylon all of the rich, educated, and productive people of the community were taken away. The only people left behind were the poorest of the land. Nebuchadnezzar’s choice of king, Gedaliah, was put in place, but only for a short season. As usually happens, the one who was easily controlled by Nebuchadnezzar was also easily fooled by Ishmael. The result: a slaughtered king and all of his cohorts, and many who were ready to run to Egypt because of the slaughter.
This is a spiritual lesson for our day. Of course, we need strong, godly leadership in government, but I am talking about a lesson for us personally.
When Jesus is truly our leader, we will stay focused on our purpose and continue on the path of God. We will have the peace He promises us.
However, if we put down our guard, get too busy, and allow His headship to become vacated in 0ur lives, we are in trouble. There is no such thing as a vacuum in the spirit. As soon as that place of authority in our lives goes untended, Satan moves right in. He has his own plans for our lives, and they are not good ones.
Over the years, in pastoring, I have seen some sad cases of people turning to the Lord, being blessed, and then becoming too busy or distracted for Him. Before they knew it, the enemy was at the door. Sometimes healed marriages would revert back to disarray and divorce. Sometimes addictions would rise up in greater force than ever. Sometimes financial chaos would develop.
Jesus put it this way,”When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”(Matthew 12:43-45)
We can’t afford to have vacuums of headship in our lives. Either we will continue with Jesus, or demonic forces will come and take that place.
However, you and I are dedicated to filling up our lives – our thoughts and attitudes – with the Word of God. As we develop the mind of Christ, the enemy has no chance with us!
That’s the way I want to live! I know that you do too.
Hebrews 2
Hang on! Here goes a big one.
“Inasmuch as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (V. 14)
God’s Son became a man and walked the earth as we do. It’s hard to imagine that our Jesus went through the same temptations that we do, but He did. He not only knows what it means to be a man because of His all-knowing aspect, but he experienced it first hand.
So not only did Jesus take on the form of a man, but he walked in our footsteps just as we do, and He came out totally victorious. He was tempted, but He never, never sinned. And through His perfection He had the right to overcome death which the devil brought His way.
Not only that, but in taking on the form of man, He was able to become a merciful and faithful High Priest. (V.17) He knows what we are going through.
The bottom line is this: are you in need? Run to Him. Are you overwhelmed? Run to Him. Have you sinned, and do you feel unworthy? Run to Him.
As long as we keep Jesus as our High Priest, we will be just fine.
Of course, things will not always go our way, and we won’t always do things just right. But there is nothing which can separate us from God’s love for us.
If we run to Jesus and spend time with Him, we will find ourselves growing in our confidence – and our ability to overcome our obstacles.
He is an Overcomer, and so are we!
