The Platypus

Jeremiah 43:2  Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the other proud men said to Jeremiah, “You lie! The LORD our God hasn’t forbidden us to go to Egypt!

Josh McDowell writes, “People refuse to believe that which they don’t want to believe, in spite of evidence. When explorers first went to Australia they found a mammal which laid eggs; spent some time in water, some on land; had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck. Upon their return to England, they told the populace of this, and all felt it was a hoax. They returned to Australia and found a pelt from this animal and took it back to England, but the people still felt it was a hoax. In spite of the evidence, they disbelieved because they didn’t want to believe.”

Someone once called the platypus “God’s ultimate prank!”

The people of Judah came to Jeremiah asking him what God wanted them to do. Ten days later, God gave the answer; don’t got to Egypt, stay put.

This was not the answer they wanted, so they called Jeremiah a liar. Later, they would wish they had listened.

When we read the Bible there are times when we read something and it rubs us the wrong way. Why should I pray for my enemies? Do I really have to give up (insert your pet sin here)? I refuse to love my next-door neighbor, the guy is a jerk!

Here’s the thing. The fact that we don’t like them or want to do them doesn’t change the fact that God expects us to obey. You may not want to believe in the poor platypus, but God made him. Your lack of belief doesn’t change that. And you can’t ignore God’s commandments just because they hurt your poor little feelings.

Today’s Readings: Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

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