Ventriloquist Gods (Jeremiah 42-44)

Ventriloquist Gods
Jeremiah 42-44

The true God, because he is the creation of no man, cannot be controlled and will always surprise you.

I. Requesting (and Rejecting) God’s Help (42:1–6; 43:1-3)
A. The Request (42:1-6)
B. The Rejection (43:1-3)

II. Stay Put (42:7-22; 43:8-13; 44:11-14)
A. The Command—“Stay Put” (42:7-17)
B. How God Works (Luke 22:42; John 12:27)
C. The Consequences (for Disregarding God) (42:18-22; 43:8-13; 44:11-14)

III. False Gods and Ventriloquist Dummies (44:20-23)
A. What Egypt Offered (44:20-23)
B. The God Who Won’t be Controlled
C. A Surprising Celebration

Discussion Starters
1. Monday—What is the appeal of ventriloquism? Why do the “dummies” always say things that most people wouldn’t be willing to say?
2. Tuesday—Why do you think the Israelites asked God if they should continue on their way to Egypt? Did they ever intend to listen if God said “no”?
3. Wednesday—What was so terrible about God’s instruction to stay in war-torn Jerusalem? Why do you think God told them to stay?
4. Thursday—What was appealing about going to Egypt (and the gods of Egypt)? Why do false gods never surprise us?
5. Friday—What is the danger with a God that can be controlled? Why is a comfort to have a God that can’t be manipulated?