This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.

Jeremiah 46

Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile.  Jacob will again have peace and security,
    and no one will make him afraid. Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you, declares the Lord. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.  I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished. v27-28

God had made a promise to David that someone from his lineage would rise to the throne and this kingdom would last forever.  Although God's anger had grown and He would punish Israel, He would not wipe out Israel - Israel would be punished, but enough of a remnant would survive to create the basis for Christ to rise from Judah.  

We must understand that God holds us accountable for our sin either in this life or at the time of our judgement when we face Him at our death. Also, today's scripture is another example of how God always keeps His promises.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose promises ALWAYS come true - I am grateful for the promises You make to me and for the fruit of these promises when I remain faithful to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I often lack trust in You and lose faith.  Please forgive me Jesus for my worry and lack of trust!  Help me turn from such sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand—mine or theirs.

Jeremiah 44

For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand—mine or theirs. v27-28

Notice how God admonishes those in Judah who elected to flee to Egypt - in direct disobedience of God's command that the remnant not flee to Egypt.  He uses similar language as He did in Jeremiah 29 regarding a promise to those going into exile to Babylonia.  He vows not to harm those in Babylonia while He vows to harm those fleeing to Egypt.

God does not make threats - He makes promises...and He keeps His promises. 

At the same time, we may not understand God's justice - although we know it is a perfect justice.  Why did the disobedient in Babylonia not get destroyed as those in Egypt did?

Perhaps it is because of a more willful disobedience.  I am not certain on this question but I am certain that I do not want to willfully disobey God...and I am thankful that I have Christ who is full of grace because I know I am far from perfect.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace for me...even though I am quite undeserving.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me as I know I miss the mark many times a day.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind, and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Remnant of Judah, the Lord has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, ‘Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you. So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.”

Jeremiah 43

“Remnant of Judah, the Lord has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, ‘Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you. So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.” v19-22

Just as Jeremiah prophesied, Babylonia sacked Jerusalem, took King Zedekiah captive (Jeremiah 39), left a remnant behind in Judah: "some of the poor people, who owned nothing; and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields" (Jeremiah 39:10).

In chapters 40-42, we see fear in the eyes of the remnant as Ishmael son of Nethaniah kills Gedaliah, the appointed governor over Judah.  Many begin to flee Judah to Egypt (Jeremiah 41) and in chapter 42 we see Jeremiah deliver a message from the Lord warning the remnant not to flee to Egypt.  This warning goes from verse 7-22.

In chapter 43 we see Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah accuse Jeremiah of lying to them regarding the Lord's message (see v1-7) and in direct disobedience to God lead the remnant to Egypt.

The question in my mind is when fear strikes do we trust in the Lord or in man?  

For the leaders of the remnant here it seems a bit more clear cut in that Jeremiah was clear in his words from the Lord that going to Egypt was a bad idea - and Jeremiah has a track record of being on the up and up.   

For the rest of us, we must a reverent fear of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who leads me when times are good and when times are bad - thank You for carrying me through valleys of darkness.  You are truly a great God.  Yet I am undeserving of such love.  I often fall down in my faith and trust in myself, others or in idols.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my faith.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept Jesus as their Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the Lord?”

Jeremiah 37

Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the Lord?” v17

We know from elsewhere in the Bible (2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah 52) that Zedekiah did not do what is right in the eyes of the Lord:

He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God’s name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel. Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:12-14

Yet, at the same time we see Zedekiah inquiring about the Lord's will from Jeremiah - there can be no other explanation than Zedekiah was misusing the name of the Lord.  

We all rebel against God at various times and points in our life, including any time in our life when we we are not believers.  We have a God - in Jesus Christ - who want us back and who welcomes our return to Him.  While we are not immune to any punishment for our sins, either during our time on earth or at our judgement day, we can return to Him and He can redeem our lives for something new.  This is true even for those who feel like they are the worst of the worst.

Think of the Prodigal Son, Paul (Acts 7:58-8:3, Acts 9), Franklin Graham and Chuck Colson to name just a few examples. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is always there to welcome me back - no matter what I have done.  Thank You Jesus for so much grace!  I am not worth such love.  I miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet.

Jeremiah 36

The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. v24-26

God confronts Jehoiakim though Jeremiah and Baruch - much like God uses Nathan to confront David.  Yet unlike David's response of repentance, Jehoiakim, denies truth.  There will be people in the world that deny truth - Jesus implies as such in Matthew 7:13-14 with the wide and narrow gate.  

God wants us to proclaim truth. Much like Peter and John stand firm in Acts 4:20, we must not hesitate to speak truth.  

Yet it is not up to us who accepts Jesus into their heart - this is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me - not through anything I have done - but entirely through grace.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of such grace.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.

Jeremiah 35

Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me. v19

Having no knowledge of the Rekabites, I did a bit of digging and found they appear elsewhere in the Bible (search Jehonadab, Rekab) and found this commentary on "Discerning Disobedience".  God tells Jeremiah to invite Rekabites to drink wine but does not command them to do so.  The Rekabites decline this invitation, citing law passed on from their descendants as their basis to decline (see v6-11).  The commentary claims that discerning disobedience is the proper response when a prophet commands someone to do something when such a command is not explicitly identified as a command coming directly from God. 

The Bible is full of commands (some references indicate 600 or more) and we know that without God it is impossible to live as God intends for us. That is why He had to send His Son and Jesus had to die on the cross for us. Jesus wants us to focus on at least two commands as all law and the prophets hang on these two commands (Matthew 22:34-40).  

John Piper has at least two posts (here and here) discusses the distinction between moral and ceremonial law in the Bible and the extent to which ceremonial law applies with the covenant believers make with Jesus Christ.

It is sometimes difficult to discern truth - that is why we are to STUDY (not just read) God's Word as we must have both a head and a heart understanding.  Proximity to God, corporate worship at church, and fellowship with other Christians is also important as "iron sharpens iron".  Through these spiritual disciplines and others (prayer, fasting, etc.), we can be transformed by God through the renewing of the mind and better able to live as God intends for us (Romans 12:2).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps me discern truth - thank You Jesus.  I need truth - I need you - desperately.  I am broken and I sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces.

Jeremiah 34

So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces. v17-18

In verse 9, God through Jeremiah makes a covenant with the people that they are to free their Hebrew slaves.  It did not take long for the people to renege on their commitment and re-enslave those Hebrews previously freed.  At least of couple of takeaways:

1. God offers an amazing covenant through His Son Jesus Christ - God will forgive us of our sins and give us eternal life in Heaven if we accept Christ as our savior and believe in Him (John 3:16-18).  As part of this covenant we must follow his commandments - see also Matthew 22:34-40.  We should not renege.
2. We may have an earthly definition of freedom - but it is not for us define.  If we choose not to believe in Him, we will have no freedom at all as we all are slave to one sin/idol or another.  For those of who believe, we can have true freedom - freedom in Christ and freedom from the sting of sin and death.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who provides freedom in Christ and freedom from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. v3

Jeremiah is often referred to as the weeping prophet for the loneliness he feels as others conspire against him as they feel angry over the message he delivers regarding impending punishment God has in store for the Jewish people.  Yet Jeremiah gains strength through God and continues to delivery truth.

In Jeremiah 29-35 God uses Jeremiah to give the Jewish people hope for a restoration. They will return from exile, God will be there for them, and God will keep His promise to delivery a Savior from David's line (see Jeremiah 33:14-16).

As He communicates this message of hope to both the Jewish people and to us as we read it now, we must focus in on the awesomeness of God's promises and today in particular the promises God makes in chapter 33.

Verse 3 is one of the great promises we should lock away in our heart - we all want wisdom - just as Solomon had wisdom.  God promises a divine wisdom if we just "call to [Him]".   This "unsearchable" wisdom can only be found by God and God in His greatness will tell us unsearchable things - of course the next question becomes how will use such knowledge.  We must glorify Him with all that we do - that is why we exist. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love You and You have divined unsearchable things to me and I am grateful Lord.  For this and so much more You have been so amazing to me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them.

Jeremiah 32

I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. v39

God wants all of our heart and mind to be directed towards Him - Jesus identifies this as the most important commandment.  Jesus then says to love others as He loves them (first as yourself, then in John 13:34 as He loves us).  In Jeremiah, God identifies this singleness of heart as critical "so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them".  One follows the other.  Jesus then reinforces this when He says in Matthew 22:40 "[a]ll the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments".

However, our hearts wander in many directions - that is why time with the Lord (in its many forms) is so important.  We cannot have this singleness of heart and action without God (Ephesians 2:8).  God can renew our hearts and mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful beyond what my words can express.  I am not worthy of such love and blessings.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart.

Jeremiah 30

The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. v24

God has a plan and He has made promises.  Nothing can stop God's plan and God will always keep His promises.  God's plan includes exile, punishment and restoration of His children.  It also includes sending His Son (see v21) and reconciling us to Him through the cross.  God created and designed us to glorify Him and this could only be accomplished through Jesus who gives us the power and freedom to serve.

See also John Piper message here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death, and freedom to serve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and such a gift.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Jeremiah 29

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” v10-14

Like any good father does for his children, God comes to His children who are being carried into exile to Babylonia. They deserve this punishment.  Yet God offers words of encouragement - this punishment is designed to be for your good and my glory. This is unconditional love - God may not approve of what we are doing and He may be disappointed in us, but He never stops loving us any less and all that He does is out of love for us. 

See also post from a few days ago. 

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God and I love You.  I know that all that I do is out of love for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, You will not serve the king of Babylon,for they are prophesying lies to you. I have not sent them, declares the Lord. ‘They are prophesying lies in my name.

Jeremiah 27

Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, You will not serve the king of Babylon,for they are prophesying lies to you. I have not sent them, declares the Lord. ‘They are prophesying lies in my name. v14-15

The world is full of lies - planted by great deceiver - Satan. We must be aware of this.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Satan made his presence known throughout the Bible.  We are warned repeatedly about false prophets.  We must surround ourselves with Truth by reading the Bible, understanding what it says (in both an absolute and a personal sense), by worshiping corporately on Sunday at church, by participating in Bible studies, and by surrounding ourselves with others so that "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17).

Submit to God and the Word, (Romans 12:2).

Live and breath the word (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 11:18-20)

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  Deuteronomy 6:6-9

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God who has given me Your Son and Your Word - Truth - so that I may have a path to righteousness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am in desperate need of Your cleansing and Your Word.  I am unclean - I miss the mark daily. I worry WAY too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

Jeremiah 26

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. v14

Do I have confidence in God's justice, protection, etc.?  Jeremiah does - although just like us he has not always had such confidence in God.  

God describes this confidence earlier in Jeremiah:

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

Peter and John spoke of this confidence as they faced the Sanhedrin:

 

 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

 

Jesus also spoke of this confidence:

 

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and I know You laid down Your life for me, drinking from the cup of wrath for me...and for all of mankind.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such an act and of such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.

Jeremiah 25

Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you. v5-6

The Lord sent many of his servants (v4) to deliver this message to the Israelites who had turned away from God.  Yet they did not listen (v7). God is extremely patient with us, full of grace and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in love, yet He does NOT have unlimited patience.

What is great is that we DO have a God who sent His Son to drink from the same cup of wrath taken by others before Him such as those who did so as described here in Jeremiah 25 and elsewhere in the Bible.

We all have earthly fathers we love but we none of us have an earthly father who can do what Jesus did for us at the cross.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You have done for me what no earthly father can or could ever do.  Thank You Jesus. Thank You for my earthly father and thank You for being so full of grace, mercy, and love for me.  I am not worthy of such love.  I miss the mark daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Jeremiah 24

Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. v5-7

 
The Lord reveals to Jeremiah that those exiled to Babylonia should remain hopeful - that their affliction and punishment is for their own good and of course God's glory.  These people - as is the case with us - need further refinement as part of God's plan to use us for His glory.

See also punishment as training, discipline as training, and the refiner's fire.

"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:5-6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and Your discipline and punishment has produced fruit - thank You Jesus that You love me such that You desire to refine me versus throw me away.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of such love and grace.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23

The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. v5-6

In the midst of Israel's sin and God's anger, we can also see God's grace and His faithfulness as He tells them of a coming savior - Jesus Christ.  God never stops loving us and He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us.

See also post here about how God is slow to anger and abounding in love.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE an amazing God - slow to anger and abounding in love.  Thank You Jesus that You are so full of grace.  Of course I am not deserving of such grace.  I miss the mark and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 21

I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the Lord. v14

Jeremiah continues to warn the Israelites of impending punishment.  He reminds us of God's perfect justice.  We need not concern ourselves with how others should be punished for their sin - they will as all are subject to God's perfect judgement. Yet at the same time, we must be aware that God is full of grace and in this respect we get what we don't deserve - His forgiveness.  We may see that others get grace when they don't deserve yet we must realize that NONE of us deserve as we all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

All of this said, many of us may feel "punished" as we experience difficulties (see also post yesterday).

On this count, two of John Piper's posts are helpful.

Why God Doesn't Fully Explain Pain 
Response to Rabbi Kushner

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, forgives me and who reigns with perfect judgement...thank You Jesus for the gift of grace.  I am undeserving.  I miss the mark and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

Jeremiah 20

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. v11

Jeremiah is attacked by the Israelites for delivering the Lord's warning to them - warning of an impending punishment for turning their back to the Lord.  Jeremiah is even put in the stocks.  Yet even in his own punishment, we can see glimpses of his faith.  When we feel the world is against us, all we have that we know is for us is our faith, our Father in Heaven - Jesus Christ our Savior.

We can lean on Him during times of trouble.


Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

See also John 16:33.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, who helps carry my burdens - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such a God because I daily miss the mark - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does? declares the Lord. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

Jeremiah 18

Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does? declares the Lord. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. v5

Regardless of how we come down on the question of free will, we can agree that we are unable to blunt God's designs and plans - God is in control.  

We must look at our circumstances as a glimpse into His plans. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is always with me - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I miss the mark and am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. v7-8

God contrasts the fate of those in Judah who turned from Him with those who stood firm in their faith.

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. v5-6

All of us from time to time have trusted in ourselves or others more than we have trusted in God - we all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) - indicating the need for all of us to have a Savior.  Of course Jesus is that Savior.

What an amazing promise by God (and God keeps His promises) here for those who remain faithful.

Our confidence must rest in God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me - I have seen the fruit in my life - that is from You alone.  Thank You Jesus for the many, many blessings.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I miss the mark and too often trust in myself or others.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Therefore I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.

Jeremiah 16

“Therefore I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord. v21

Jeremiah passes on a difficult message to the Israelites that God will punish them.  However, once again God keeps His promises that a savior will rise from among Judah. All of us, whether at our day of judgement or at the end of times, will know Jesus as the King of Kings.

[T]that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11

Yet we must also recognize of course that not all will recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior and many will come to Jesus at different times in their life - God knows all of this.   Just as Jesus demonstrates grace to Israelites time and time again, I must demonstrate grace.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO forgiving of me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love as I fail to be who You intend for me as I SO often miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.

Jeremiah 15

Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. v19

Jeremiah is weary of warning the Israelites of impending harsh punishment and has moments of doubt.  Yet God wants us to trust in Him and endure.  When we don't trust in Him fully - this is contrary to God's command (Exodus 20, Mathew 22:37-40).  God wants Jeremiah - and all of us - to turn away from our doubt and place our trust in Him.  We must endure and keep running the race.  God is with us.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

 

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Acts 4:12-13

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love for me and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.

Jeremiah 14

No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this. v22

As God continues to use Jeremiah to deliver a message of impending punishment (exile) to the Israelites, God points  the Israelites to Him as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the King of Kings.  The Israelites have placed their hope in the world and the creator of the world and all that is in it (creation).  Of course we do this as well - worship what is created neglecting who and how something is created - ALL comes from Him.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 

As David offers up all the gifts pledged to built God's temple, he acknowledges the source of all things:

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:14-16 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You are the creator of all things and every good thing in my life comes from You - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings as I worry.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Moreover, the people are saying, “He will not see what happens to us.”

Jeremiah 12

Moreover, the people are saying, “He will not see what happens to us.” v4

Jeremiah complains to God about how people around Him sin and Jeremiah feels they get away with it and that they deserve judgement and punishment.  We should know that sin is not unnoticed and that nothing is hidden from Him.  God's justice is also perfect - and that all are subject to His judgement as He reigns.

We should not concern ourselves with others' sin (unless we need to confront sin of a brother or sister in Christ).  We should focus on our own sin and the greatness of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You have transformed my heart and life to make me more like You - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Jeremiah 11

But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. v20

Jeremiah serves as God's messenger to the Israelites - warning them of coming punishment.  Yet the Israelites plot against Jeremiah.  This reminds me of the townspeople's reaction to Jesus driving demons from pigs (and restores two men) - see Matthew 8 - "they pleaded with Jesus to leave their region".  When confronted with truth, including truth about my own sin, do I repent or do I run?  Just like the townspeople and Jesus, the Israelites plot against Jeremiah.

We all need brothers and sisters in Christ to call out sin in our lives and to be with us to support and pray for us in our time of need. We need the Nathans, Jeremiahs, etc. in our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides me with brothers and sisters in Christ who support and pray for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the people of his inheritance—the Lord Almighty is his name.

Jeremiah 10

He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the people of his inheritance—the Lord Almighty is his name. v16

God is admonishing the Israelites - and us as well - for our focus on the idols we make, including the energy we expend to create and tend to these idols.  We are commanded to love God and love others as He loves us (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:27-40, John 13:34) - yet, speaking for myself, I know I cannot do this without God and so I am driven into His arms to give me faith (Ephesians 2:8).  Romans 12:2 comes to mind as I must be transformed by the renewing of the mind.

I am thankful for a God who provided not just His Son, but also the Holy Spirit, and His Word - and that God never leaves or forsakes me.

Without a doubt, there is no god like the One True God - Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great god, the One True God - there is none like You.  I cannot live without You.  Thank You that You give me life - to the full!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.