Scripture texts are Jeremiah 43.1-13 and 1Peter 5.1-11 from the thought, “Don’t Make It Worse”.

Gedaliah was appointed governor of the remnant of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar. He told the people to serve peacefully under the Babylonians. Some plotted to take Gedaliah’s life. After the assassination, they asked Jeremiah to pray for God’s guidance. They were afraid of what the king might do. Should they stay or flee to Egypt? We shall examine three traits that made things worse for the remnant of Judah.

1. PRIDE (Jeremiah 43.1-3) says I know more than others. At worst it says I know more than GOD or I want the position of GOD (Isaiah 14.12-15). God RESISTS the proud but gives GRACE to the humble. Things get worse when we are prideful.

2. DISOBEDIENCE (Jer 43.4 4) Things get worse when we disobey God. This happened to the people of Judah. The same happens to us. Remember Lot's wife, Jonah, Judas? All disobeyed God and suffered the consequences. Obedience to God brings blessings and covering from God! Sometimes it may look like your obedience is not bringing results...but wait, don't give up, GOD is not done. You will see God's blessings and covering!

3. UNGODLY INFLUENCE (Jer 43.5-7) will make things WORSE! Ungodly people with ungodly influence WILL lead people astray. We ought not want to be like everyone else, especially those who are ungodly! Ungodly influencers ignore God and do not care about others.

The remnant fled to Egypt. They would have survived had they obeyed God and remained in Judah. Pride, disobedience, following ungodly people can lead us astray! Be humble. Be obedient. Be a godly example. Proverbs 3:5-6 says it all! Amen!