Zedekiah is a puppet king that was set up by Nebuchadnezzar. His real name was Mattaniah but as a show of his domination, Nebuchadnezzar changed his name to Zedekiah. He was a puppet of others. According to Jeremiah he was later swayed by the King of Egypt to rebel against Babylon.
Dilday, speaking of this king, says, “There is nothing more pitiful than a weak character who cannot resist the temptation to “go with the flow,” follow the lines of least resistance, and cater to the majority.” It seems that Zedekiah’s major concern was his own role and position in the kingdom, not right and wrong. He wanted to be popular, that’s what caused his downfall.
I think we all struggle with that. Peer pressure is a real issue for most of us whether we’re 14 or 64. We want to fit in with the crowd. But for us too that can be our downfall.
Jesus asked his apostles in Matthew 16 “who do men say that I am?” They came up with a variety of answers, but then Jesus pointed at them and said, “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly answered that question right as he sat around the fire with his friends. But around another fire with people of a different persuasion he denied that he even knew Jesus.
Max Lucado prayed, “Father, help us realize that you have truly set us free—free from the lures of status and materialism and peer pressure. Remind us that when the Son sets us free, we are free indeed. And Father, show us when to sacrifice our rights out of love for each other. Fill us with your Spirit, so that our actions build up the church and bring glory to your name.”
Chuck
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2(NLT)