Jeremiah 41-43
Jeremiah had instructed the remnant of Jews in Israel to stay, not fleeing Nebuchadnezzar’s army. He said they would be safe if they stayed. Arrogantly, their leaders disobeyed God’s advice and led the remnant into Egypt where they were ultimately destroyed as God foretold.
People think they know better than God what’s good for them. Their thinking is corrupted by their own self-preservation.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? [Mark 8:36]
Jeremiah 39, 40
When Jeremiah’s prophecy that Jerusalem would be overcome by the Babylonians came to pass, all the rich landowners were dragged off to Babylon. Left behind were the poorest of the land. To them was given “vineyards and fields.” In essence, those who had wealth were stripped of it. It was then given to the poor.
Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” [Matt. 5:3-5]
Through meekness comes inheritance. You don’t have to fight for it. It all comes to you through RELATIONSHIP TO THE OWNER.
Jeremiah 37, 38
Jeremiah’s suffering must have been severe. He was cast into both a dungeon and a mud-filled cistern for declaring God’s message to the rebellious king and the officials of Jerusalem. He was finally lifted out because of the merciful concern of some reasonable citizens. He paid a price for holding fast to God’s message, albeit a harsh one.
There is often a price to pay for digging in to obey God. The day may come in our nation whereby Christians are more severely persecuted for their faith. Already, patriots are discriminated against by power-hungry political zombies. (They are dead to reason and common sense) We must hold fast to God’s Word. We should just be glad God doesn’t require us to be as bold as Jeremiah (!?!?)
Jeremiah 33-36
Sorry I’m a day behind. Today you get two for the price of one.
Family Heritage: The Rekabites were known because their forefather, Jehonadab, imposed some family values upon his descendants. His offspring faithfully adhered to his mandate … take no strong drink and live a nomadic life in tents. Christian fathers can have this impact upon their families. Like Joshua who said, “As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord,” a Godly father is wise to lovingly yet firmly set the tone for his family. Early training and Godly habits in the home are the key.
God-resistant governments: We see and hear daily examples of how our government is removing Judaeo-Christian values from our culture. This is nothing new for God. King Jehoiakim burned God’s Words which had been written on a scroll and attempted to have Jeremiah and Baruch executed. God preserved them.That’s pretty strong resistance. We should faithfully continue to serve the Lord maintaining our daily devotional habits and the Christian culture of our homes. Meanwhile, God will unfold His end-time plan for the world.
Jeremiah 32
This classic passage contains some verses that we used to sing in a chorus. “Ah, Lord God … Nothing is too difficult for Thee!” It was yet another example of life-giving scripture passages that were essentially committed to memory through a song. (I think the contemporary worship movement is missing it by not using scripture in song) “What’s learned in song is remembered long.”
Jeremiah 30, 31
The prophet does refer to Christ’s Kingdom when he discusses a New Covenant which consists of born again believers as His constituency rather than just the Jews. There are no doubt references to the Millennial Reign of Christ in these passages where Jews will once again find a place of great favor and blessing from the Lord. In my opinion, God’s greatest promises are to The Church, the Bride of Christ. It is made up of Jews and Gentiles alike – all who have been purchased by Christ’s blood and given a place at the table of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. As Paul said, “A Jew is one who s a Jew inwardly.” [Rom. 2:29]
Jeremiah 27-29
Chapter 29 is power-packed with some chestnuts of our faith. Among the gems of truth is this verse: And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. [Jer. 29:7]
It is so easy to criticize the political climate of the government of our government. Sadly, I do it too much and I am going to stop it. Regardless, we are instructed to rather pray and invite God to bring His Peace. All we need to be critical is two ears that function and two eyes that can watch. God rules OVER IT ALL.
Jeremiah 25, 26
The Lord instructed Jeremiah to speak His Words … exactly as He dictated. God said, “Don’t omit even a word. Maybe they will listen.”
It was the prophet’s responsibility to declare what God had given Him … and not to add or subtract from it. God’s Word can speak for itself. This is why it is critical to memorize it to be able to speak it when the need arises. It is not our job to figure out how God will accomplish His Will through it. Our responsibility is to SPEAK IT.
When I was in the U.S. Army stationed in the Panama Canal Zone (where Julie was born) Patty and I were befriended and discipled by (Capt.) Will Duke and his wife, Patty. They belonged to The Navigators. This organization had a strong emphasis upon foundation scriptural teaching and memorization. The verses I learned in 1970 have been vital in my ability to witness for the Lord through the years. When we have the Word memorized, the Holy Spirit can bring a verse to mind when sharing with someone who needs more of God.
Jeremiah 24
God told Jeremiah He would again give His people a heart to know Him, the ones who obediently submitted to Babyonian captivity. Wow! Let’s consider what that looks like:
God can shape the hearts of men through His dealings. He can reveal Himself to them as He did when He let down the sheet filled with unclean animals to Peter. That day God changed Peter’s heart.
This can be a key to how we should pray for those whose hearts need adjustments.
Jeremiah 23
Shepherds who don’t really care for the flock and prophets who prophesy delusions and lies with selfish interests will be stiffly dealt with by the Lord. Often in churches where strong, charismatic leaders become so preoccupied with their own image and well-being, the saints are abused by the hypocrisy. God sent Christ Jesus as the perfect example of a leader. He was called The Righteous Branch.
Merely compare your leader with Christ. If they live to humbly serve Jesus and acknowledge when they are wrong, there’s hope.
Paul said, “Be ye followers of me AS I follow Christ.” [1 Cor. 11:1]
In Revelation, the seven stars (church leaders of the churches addressed) were IN the Lord’s hand. He imposed His control directly upon them. If they got off, He could put the squeeze on them.
TCS Daily Devotional 