Jeremiah 36 - Day 686 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 361-7 Commentary (workingpreacher.org): ...the Book of Jeremiah, like Isaiah and Ezekiel and many books of The Twelve, juxtaposes judgment and hope. This juxtaposition is very significant theologically because it suggests that God’s “anger and wrath” (verse 7) do not involve God’s attempt simply to punish or get even. Rather, as chapter 36 makes clear, God’s will is for things to be set right by the people’s repentance and obedience (verse 3; see verse 7). In short, God’s actions are always motivated by love. Punishment is never what God wants to do or what God wills to happen. Rather, punishment is what results when God’s will is not done. Of course, the Book of Jeremiah (along with the entire prophetic canon) makes it clear that the people and leaders of Israel and Judah frequently do not do God’s will; and Jeremiah 36 is a prime example of Judah’s leadership choosing not to follow God’s word (note that “word” or “words” occurs sixteen times in chapter 36). Application: Like any good parent who loves their children, YHWH disciplines the Israelites for their disobedience. The challenge is, and always will be, to help our children understand that we love them and are trying to help them. Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me... Jeremiah 35 - Day 685 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 35:18-19 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): The clan of Recab had been asked to live a completely different lifestyle than others. Generation after generation grew up and adhered to the requests of God as to how to live. They were to live in tents and have no wine touch their lips. They were not to follow after the gods of the land. For 200 years they followed these instructions to a T. Application: It only takes one person to make a difference. Rechab made a choice to obey YHWH's instructions and because of his commitment and example his descendants were blessed. Choose to be that person that will influence your future generations. Prayer: Lord, who am I that You care to know my name... Jeremiah 34- Day 684 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 34:8-9 Commentary (melissabeaty.com): 8-9 Zedekiah, after hearing the prophet proclaim the true message of God, demonstrates a renewed commitment to the Mosaic law. God forbade Jews from causing other Jews to be bondsmen, and Zedekiah is finally righting this wrong (Lev. 25:39-42). Zedekiah even obeys the command to not exact usury from the Jews, and graciously extends this to all inhabitants of the cities (Deut. 23:19-20). This is a particularly wise move to gain loyalty from the people in the face of an invading army. Application: It's never too late to "repent" and turn to God. That's the reason why we should never give up on someone, even when they are not interested in knowing Jesus. Prayer: Lord, only by Your grace am I saved... Jeremiah 33 - Day 683 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-15 Commentary (workingpreacher.org): One of the chief tragedies of the Babylonian Exile, of course, was the end of the Davidic dynasty. For nearly four hundred years, descendants of David had occupied the throne of Judah, and God had promised that it would always be so (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89). But the Babylonians destroyed David’s city, burned Solomon’s temple, and took David’s heirs into exile. The promises of God seemed to have come to an end. To a people devastated by loss, Jeremiah’s prophecy offered hope: “The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (33:14). All might seem lost, but God still is faithful. The house of David might be cut down, but God is able to bring life out of death. A branch will sprout. Application: The hope that the Israelites held on to thousands of years ago has become our reality. The branch Jeremiah spoke about was Jesus, so God's promise was fulfilled. As the apostle John foretold in the book of Revelation, our Lord Jesus will return again (2nd Advent), so have faith and live as if you believe what was promised. Prayer: Come Lord Jesus, come... Jeremiah 32 - Day 682 (link to reading)
Scripture: Jeremiah 32:9-10 Commentary (truthaccordingtoscripture.com): This was, in every respect, a very extraordinary transaction. Remember that the Chaldeans were already besieging Jerusalem, and they were all over the land, carrying fire and sword into every part of it. Jerusalem was straitly shut up, so that none of the inhabitants could get out of the city; yet here is Jeremiah, himself a prisoner, buying land which was virtually worth nothing whatever; but he believed so firmly that the Chaldeans would yet permit the Jews to live unmolested in that land that he paid down the purchase money for the field, and saw to the legal execution of the deed of transfer, just as you or I might have done if we were purchasing a plot of land in our own country. This is a notable instance of the triumph of faith over unfavourable surroundings, and also of the prophet’s obedience to the Word of the Lord. Application: The bible reveals to us that "faith" is putting action to our intentions. Jeremiah believed that God would take care of the situation so he purchased his uncle's plot of land while Jerusalem was under siege. What is God asking you to do? Prayer: Lord, help my unbelief... |
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