Jer. 42, 43

The remnant of Judah inquired of Jeremiah to ask the Lord what they should do for fear of the Babylonian king and army. He complied. In ten days, God answered, “Stay in Judah and you will live.” However, the Jews disregarded God’s instructions and fled to Egypt. There, sadly, Nebuchadnezar’s army destroyed them and much of Egypt.

The moral; obey God and live. (Even if it is contrary to your human inclinations)

Jer. 40-42

It is so disheartening to consider how cruel and murderous men can be to each other. Evil men start wars which slaughter millions of young fathers and mother’s sons. For what? Power. Authority. Someone else’s land. Bragging rights. Someone else’s treasure and money. It’s RIDICULOUS!

When Christ Jesus sets up His earthly kingdom, the lion will lay down with the lamb, and “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” [Is. 2:4]

Jer. 38

Jeremiah told the king – “Stay here and die … or go into exile and you will live.” Jesus said, “Live for YOURSELF and you will die. Die to yourself and you will LIVE.”

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [Jn. 12:24]

Jer. 38

My health-conscious son wears me out when he sees me eat bread. He says it’s bad for me.

Jeremiah was given one loaf of bread a day when he was imprisoned. He lived on it. I guess … not too bad to live on. Jesus said, pray this … “Give us this day our daily BREAD.”

My daughter, Julie, bakes my favorite bread. Sourdough.

Jer. 36,37

Jeremiah had Baruch write down his messages from the Lord on a scroll. They were read in the Temple, but were torn up and burned by the king when he heard them.

The prophet pronounced an untimely death and fate upon the resistant king and the demise of his family.

Let’s be hearers AND DOERS of God’s Word.

Jer. 35

The Rekabite clan refused to drink wine because their forefather, Jehonadab, commanded that they abstain. Jeremiah tried to tempt them, but they honorably held fast to their family’s tradition. Because of their obedience, God declared that they would always have members who would serve the Lord.

Family obedience and Godly traditions are rewarded.

Jer. 32

Nearly 50 years ago, my church sang , “Ah, Lord God … Nothing is too difficult for Thee.” It was a peppy chorus that always brought life and encouragement to the congregation.

“What’s learned in song is remembered long!”

Jer. 31

:Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” (v. 31)

“JESUS is here! He is the one who makes God’s new agreement (covenant) with us, and His sprinkled blood says much better things than the blood of Abel.” [Heb. 12:24]

Jer. 31

When God’s Children wander, His compassion longs for their return. His position is, ““I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” [v. 3]

What mother doesn’t long to have her children around her dinner table? What father doesn’t ache to see his children succeed?

Come home.

Jer. 31

Edison David Persons, my first greatgrandchild, was born last evening to our oldest granddaughter, Sydney.

New life is one of the greatest miracles in the universe. Mother and baby are doing WELL. Patty and I are doing EXTREMELY well.