Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 41:2
Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land

Reflections: After the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and exiled the people of Israel, they appointed Gedaliah as governor over the small Jewish population left in Israel. The appointment of Gedaliah was a great encouragement for the remaining Jewish population. He led them to start rebuilding the ruins. His efforts, however, did not go well with another Jewish man named Ishmael. Ishmael was jealous of Gedaliah’s successes and wanted the position for himself. Gedaliah’s men saw through this and sought to take Ishmael’s life, but Gedaliah rebuked them because he did not believe their reports. Later Ishmael, under the guise of friendship, joined Gedaliah at table and struck him dead as they ate. It was a sad end for Gedaliah just because he belittled what jealousy in people can drive them to do. To keep safe to continue serving in any assigned role, take note of those who exhibit jealous tendencies towards you. Don’t ever trust them or open up wholeheartedly to any act of support they give you. Indeed you must be careful of those you find jealous of you!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to discern and guard myself against those who are jealous of me.

Confession: I guard myself against those who are jealous of me.