The Family That Worships Together

Jeremiah 7:16-27

If family or friends you share Gospel truth or biblical principles with don’t listen / heed what you say, take heart – are in very good company. God told both Isaiah and Jeremiah the Jewish people would not listen to them. Even Jesus, how could all who heard him not pay attention to him, yet overwhelming majority of Jews did not. Yet Isaiah and Jeremiah and Jesus persevered in declaring truth even though no one wanted to hear it… and so can we.

What is more surprising, shocking, is although at quick glance appeared people were doing good family-togetherness things, God told Jeremiah not to pray for them. Obviously they needed it or so we would think yet God said “DON’T DO IT!” Jeremiah was good prophet, sensitive pastor, one who would be quick to pray on behalf of those he cared about. Must have been hard / painful for Jeremiah to hear what God had to say.

Yes, Jeremiah God’s prophet to the nation, particularly Judah; at same time, were Jeremiah’s family. Went well beyond patriotism, love of country – Jewish people were one people, distinct from all other peoples for generations. Shared heritage beginning with the fathers – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob – made for bond not easily ignored. For these reasons, God’s teaching of Jeremiah has application from national to personal level, from 7th century before Jesus until now.

A. do not intercede  v.16

how not to pray

to be no doubt in Jeremiah’s mind what God forbidding him to do – pray, lift up cry or prayer, make intercession for the people

given what God has threatened (not empty threats, btw), what can expect to happen in near future, caring person wants to pray

naturally want to ask God to do good things: help, protect, relieve, defend, heal, raise up, all what we want for those we love

why not to pray that way

first reason, God said “don’t”, followed closely with “I will not listen” – at least clear to do so inconsistent with God’s will/purpose

want to ask God if he’s being mean, stubborn, even vindictive – are Jews so far gone no longer any hope for their recovery?

all of promises God made haven’t been fulfilled yet – if rest, incl. Redeemer, are to be kept requires continued existence

how to pray instead

suffering/hardship/calamity God sends always has purpose – if people can “dodge the bullet” God’s purpose short-circuited

rather than helping avoid consequences or asking God to relieve/relent, should pray outcome would serve good purpose… incl. bring glory to him

B. do look carefully  v.17-18

family togetherness

God challenges Jeremiah to look at culture, get below surface, grasp what really going on that has impact on next generation

appears right, mom / dad / children doing things together – will assume are cooperating, willingly pursuing common goal

doing good things

each doing what is most fitting for age / skill / ability – basically what you hope for in a well-ordered family, Christian or not

children not playing but working, engaged in useful / productive activity – developing physical emotional social skills

all what would appreciate seeing more of in children now, sure to be beneficial to future family / church / state

but for an evil purpose

but… a sinister side removes much of good in all of this – is what is most important for Jeremiah / us to recognize

not only teaching/developing good life skills in children, are actively teaching them to worship idols, intentionally do what displeases / provokes true God

many parents not consciously acting badly, are just doing what comes naturally… but doesn’t largely change end result

C. they hurt themselves  v.19-20

angry at God

typical mindset of rebel: whatever authority wants/says, do just the opposite, clearly show independence to do as you please

natural man naturally a rebel, enemy of God, angry b/c God doesn’t do/give/allow what they want so… fight back

even w/o thinking try to provoke God, aggravate him into acting and maybe can manipulate outcome… or have more to blame God for, be angry about

rebounds on them

actions prompted by evil desires often ricochet, cause even greater harm than intended… on perpetrator, not victim

when God is object (intended victim) never turns out as hoped – ends up bringing more hardship on themselves, to their shame

followed by God’s anger

since Jews responding to God’s efforts to do them good, repeated resistance only turns up heat of consequences God will bring

not vengeful but righteous anger poured out on people and land – not intended to destroy but rather to purify, bring repentance

b/c God is merciful and gracious, when anger has achieved his purpose it immediately ends – no more or less than what is necessary, true for individuals as well as nations

D. there was help but…  v.21-27

they make their own rules

from beginning God has expected more than outward ceremony – much more important to God was their way of life 24/7

instead decided on own initiative could pick and choose which rules to follow, which they thought could be safely ignored

acted on same basis as first parents, thought they knew better than God what they needed, what would work for them

they ignore God’s rules

couldn’t see how obeying God would be to their advantage – often argument against Christianity, all things you can’t do

result always regress not progress – progress of Gospel brings civilizing influence, progress of sinfulness return to barbarism

serious crimes becoming more evil, barbaric whether practiced by individuals or nations – should not be any surprise

they become more hardened

not only behavior that descends into increasing evil, become more determined / belligerent in opposition to what is good

God directing his criticism against Jews in particular but is characteristic of all peoples who are enemies of God

like Jews, won’t even listen to God’s truth, will not respond to calls for change/repentance – will instead get angry and change subject or walk away

Think about gods parents are teaching children to worship – self, stuff, and the like. Pray God would bring them to their senses and be glorified in it. When you pray for those experiencing hard times, be sure to pray as he brings them through hard times his purpose will be accomplished. And pray for wisdom to know how you can best help to bring that about.

And rest in this: regardless of circumstances, child of God who sincerely seeks to please him can be sure of God’s tender care. He will give joy to accompany sorrow, strength for hard situations, wisdom and understanding to do what pleases him. #7 song of 1972, “Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” Yes, need others to lean on but… make sure to lean first on everlasting arms.

 

What the Church Needs Now

Jeremiah 7:1-15

507 years ago Martin Luther, 95 theses… in writing… in Latin… on purpose. Did not want everyone to know details of his controversy w/established church. Did not have result Luther wanted, only minimal change in Roman Catholic church. Greatest changes took place outside church, God used to provoke Protestant Reformation. Church of Jeremiah’s day in at least as great need of reformation as Luther’s church. Not far behind today event though specific issues may have slightly different details.

Approach God directed through Jeremiah more “in your face” than early reformers of 15th and 16th centuries. Intention that be no excuse for anyone being in dark about what God expected. God not in hurry yet… not fooling around either. cf. 26:1ff – “at the beginning of the reign of Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim of Judah”, then follows same(?) sermon, 608 BC, 22 years before overthrow. God still inclined to be merciful but not forever – people will stop listening / responding if only threats, no action / follow through.

Had been some mending of their ways during time of Josiah but… had come to end, people falling back into old ways following Josiah’s needless death in battle. Jeremiah one of remnant, minority still faithful to true God. Answered God’s call to perform hard task for sensitive fellow – publicly rebuke crowds gathered for festival, calling them to repentance while door of opportunity still open. Not popular or well-received message – majority not interested in hearing, would take great offense at Jeremiah’s boldness and plain speaking.

A. listen up  v.1-3

call to attention

standing in gate of temple, not gate of city – intended to be heard / heeded by churched, “believers”, more than un-churched

didn’t need to go inside “church” to hear God’s challenge – impossible to ignore, no room to misunderstand what is meant

effective spiritual revival begins first with hearts of those in church – political change should be result/support, not cause

unpopular message

imagine being met at church door and told “you’re not coming the right way, it shows in how you live each day of week”

believed, actually had been convinced checking boxes all that was necessary – but… meeting outward performance standard w/o changed life worthless, even offensive to God

wonderful promise

God makes clear what is wrong, what must change, how he will respond if they have change of heart and please him

remember dedication of Temple, God’s overwhelming glory – really saying if they do right, they can remain close to him

B. don’t trust the lies  v.4-7

false hope

trusting in external performance to make them acceptable to God, trusting external evidence from God to show all was ok

had been assured by religious leaders “the Temple still stands, we’re safe, we’re ok” – God called that untrustworthy lie

clear bullet points

underlying problem: Psa 115:4-8 “Those who make them [idols] are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.”

if they want God’s blessing, must become like him in daily life – iow, Mic 6.8 “to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God”

promise repeated

God’s kindness on display, repeats promise made earlier – ensures they didn’t miss hearing it, assures he is serious about it

at same time, before conversation is over God makes clear promise/land gift not w/o conditions – true always of promised blessing

God w/o question is faithful, keeps his promises but… has no obligation, even desire, to reward persistent sinful behavior

C. you’re trusting them  v.8-11

no profit

examples abound, words that do not / can not deliver what they claim – favorite tactic, always true of what devil says

people really expecting more of the same, if they kept doing the same things, ought to get same results – if not, must be God’s fault, not result of sinful behavior

no change

actually didn’t want to change, instead wanted to keep doing what they wanted and wanted better results from same practices

were behaving deceptively/treacherously toward others including God, outraged/offended when gods treated them same way

same taking place in our own culture… and others – not really surprise, is natural result of sin nature less and less restrained

no hiding

were presumptuous enough to think regular practice of formalities justified, even made fully acceptable their offensive behavior

no secret to God what they were doing – he sees rainbow on sign/over entrance, he hears his word distorted and misused/misapplied to enable acceptance of sin

D. you really need to trust Me  v.12-15

take a trip

v12 along important road (parallel w/King’s Highway and Int’l Coastal Highway) due north 8mi Jerus to border, 12mi further to Shiloh

not only willful rebellion against God, also willful ignorance of his actions toward fellow Jews doing exact same things

take a close look

God expects them to see and understand – evidence is there, their ignoring won’t change it, surely their future unless…

doesn’t matter how long/carefully look at evidence – wrong worldview guarantees wrong conclusions

connect the right dots

can see from what happened to Israel they in grave danger of same… esp. when God says plainly he will do it

God doesn’t say Jewish people will be destroyed/annihilated, instead would be given over to foreign oppressors

Church in our land, many other parts of world needs to learn from ancient Israel. If any culture to “improve”, must begin with new life (reformation) in the church. Need to stop listening to lying words, promises made by those who are not friends of God, instead listen to God and heed his words. Need to be serious about living as child of God, trusting him, doing church and life his way.

Hard at times to do that, esp. when outnumbered, when trends going in unfavorable direction. With his help we can stay true to him, trust him in all circumstances, and remember he “has overcome the world”! (John 16:33)

 

At the Crossroads

Jeremiah 6:16-30

Yogi Berra, “when you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Examples throughout Bible of God’s people coming to fork in the road. Usually presented as choice for people / nation as group – toward end of life, Joshua told people they were at crossroads similar to one in Jeremiah’s day. At same time Joshua made clear individuals not compelled to follow the group: Josh 24:15 “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Could say our nation at similar point: when day comes next November, will have opportunity to choose as much as voters can what direction nation will take for next period of time. Same true for individuals that make up our nation, will make choice for what direction they will pursue. Have before us clear example of what not to do. Jeremiah also gives insight into God’s thinking and purpose, principles with application to nations and individuals in all times and places.

Jeremiah’s message absolutely correct, precisely what his people needed to hear – came directly from God to be faithfully delivered to people of Judah. Jeremiah did so, received disheartening response he knew would lead to greater troubles, more painful suffering for people he loved. Whether defiant rejection or more discreet “I’ll think about it” response, we have received similar from friends and family. Don’t give up, let God attend to results, learn from Jeremiah’s words and actions.

A. get your bearings  v.16-17

ask for directions

your road and mine has more than one fork – most important to take what you believe to be right path, don’t be afraid to ask

both paths have dangers, wrong one has far more (Bunyan) well-worn path often the safest; new paths not always right, may lead to Giant Despair

signs aren’t always clear, may be little to distinguish between choices – shouldn’t be hasty, remember not deciding is a decision

listen for the answer

if asking question, need to not only listen but also act – being teachable essential, otherwise waste of time to ask, try teaching

for places / times when choice not obvious, God appointed watchmen to signal the right direction – are expected to signal clearly

they speak with prophetic voice, not always foretelling future events but often warning of future consequences unless…

the wrong response

are those who cannot see or hear, not ones primarily in view here -we will not go, we will not listen – “will not”, not “cannot”

shows they have basic understanding of who is really speaking, what his intent is, which path they should choose yet refuse

wasn’t really Jeremiah they rebelled against, refused to hear… was God – same true when we try to encourage, warn of danger

B. pick a path  v.18-26

trees bear fruit  (18-20)

tree rotten at heart produces fruit rotten at heart… regardless of how it looks, will taste bad, eventually fruit entirely rots

thoughts lead to actions – expression “do w/o thinking” rarely possible – anything but reflex action purposeful in some measure

reinforces importance of carefully filtering what influences thoughts/minds – be sure will lead to godly actions

actions (fruit of thoughts) lead to consequences – God’s just response to willful rejection of what he has said

2nd rabbit trail: were doing right things but with wrong thoughts/desires unacceptable to God – motive counts

God adds hardship  (21-24)

the wrong road gets rough… and narrow… b/c God makes it that way – not simply “is what it is”, is God’s action

he directs desires and intentions of ungodly people/nations to accomplish his purpose, not always entirely what they want

just b/c instruments have no mercy does not mean same for God – showing great mercy by warning, incentive and opportunity for repentance

turn back  (25-26)

God continuing to plead with his people, don’t barrel ahead into danger – may look safe now but can/will change quickly

God has a point to hardship/suffering for both lost and saved – reason dictates if getting harder, lost should turn around – saved grow more like Jesus

problem is lost person not viewing situation rationally… and doesn’t want to be close to God – rather pursue promised goodies

is what gives strong motivation to worship false god(s) – think they can have benefits w/o needing to deal w/God

C. hardship runs its course  v.27-30

a weak alloy

task of assayer to evaluate sample to determine properties and value of metallic sample, ore for example

possible to make bronze/iron alloy but will have different properties from each base metal – may look like bronze but…

of lesser value / integrity than pure bronze, like fool’s gold – does not live up to promise of its appearance, needs purifying

full of impurities

different materials have different density, melting points – furnace even heated 7x and impurities still there, cannot be separated from one another

purpose of making alloy, mixture of metals, to have something with greater value/better properties than individuals

the assayer perceives no improvement in value – syncretism, mixing 2 religions, never improves religious worship

worshiping false gods in any amount doesn’t just diminish, it completely takes away value from worship of true God

impossible to decontaminate

dross refuses to rise to the top and be skimmed off – iron will not separate from bronze, stays encapsulated, doesn’t belong b/c it has same effect as impurity

more heat simply diffuses contamination more thoroughly – makes individual blobs smaller but more thoroughly dispersed

holds true for individuals/nations that are corrupt at heart – cannot be purified w/o radical change of heart

Not only decisions with national importance people face these days – reaches down to choices made at personal level. Demand for access to Physician-Assisted Suicide on the rise, death with dignity, euthanasia, different designations but all have same concept in view – all represent way for person to escape overwhelming and painful circumstances at time and in way of their own choosing. Fundamental idea is death and anything that might follow must be better than present. No room in their minds for different option – suffering from God with a purpose, that they turn to Him not some way of escape.

To be equipped to offer good help to those who are suffering, must be choosing right path for our own walk first. Then we can encourage others to accompany us, follow path of truth and life. Even when is hard, child of God has perfect guide and helper… God himself. At same time, should warn others following different path what it leads to. May be overwhelmed by hard circumstances but next life apart from God unimaginably worse. God and not death is a genuine refuge.

What Will You Do?

Jeremiah 5:20-6:15

This portion reinforces idea that “nothing new under the sun” – much sounds so very familiar, can perhaps assign names/faces to certain issues God brings up. At same time reveals much about character of both God and Jeremiah. God doesn’t cut any slack, calls things as they are from his perspective, says what needs to be said whether popular or not. During 40 years of ministry, Jeremiah saw no lasting improvement, only continued rebellion and wickedness. As frustrated as he got with his countrymen, never abandoned them or his God-given ministry.

God seeing everything Jeremiah did… and more. Yet he kept reasoning with the people, pleading, working to persuade, warning, threatening, all to no apparent avail. 40x God refers to them as “My people” – his love never wavers even though they repeatedly do what is hurtful / insulting / offensive to a holy God. By own foolish actions, one people became divided nation in generation after Solomon. God brought chastisement on Israel at hands of Assyrians but not Judah. God continued to pursue His people in Judah, held door open for Israel too, doing everything but using his power to make them return to him.

We regard prophets as God’s mouthpieces, is how they are portrayed: “word of the Lord” >50x in Jeremiah alone. Yet keep in mind only 10% of verbal communication rests in actual words, rest in how words are delivered… iow “body language”. Jeremiah chosen by God to carry God’s word to the people in way that would prompt same response as if (e.g.) Jesus spoke to them. Was genuine sympathy of feeling along with the words… in both directions! Feelings and emotions present in Jeremiah as he responded to people’s hardness of heart, wickedness a reflection somehow of way God viewed them. Jeremiah not perfect, didn’t always get that part right and God corrected him for it.

A. awful symptoms  v.20-28

without understanding (21)

not without intellectual ability but marked by superficial and badly broken reasoning especially relative to spiritual matters

professed to believe contradictions; assigned wrong causes to events, wrong results to actions… and more serious faults

blind and deaf (21), defiant and rebellious (23)

senses had far more potential than what they were using – were seeing / hearing / reasoning from physical perspective only

truly a heart issue, would violently push away any who tried to help/redirect… like rebellious child in difficulty, all feet / fists

unmoved by God’s pleas (22)

reminded of evidence all around of his power and goodness, their limitations and wickedness… and great dangers (fat cats, 28)

all these symptoms and hardship/frustration they faced was b/c of sin and its corrupting influence through all of life

if man both material and immaterial, physical and spiritual in his being, for them one half was dead – could see/hear w/only one eye/ear, completely unable to recognize spiritual stuff and interpret surroundings accordingly

B. an astonishing thing  v.29-31

serious concern to God

two questions with obvious answers: of course God must do so… unless people repent of sin against him – God’s warning at same time a call to return to him

horrible, shocking, appalling, terrible, grievous – powerful words about things that stir up strong response – things not only bad but unexpected… how can they do this?

corrupt leaders

priests to be examples of right living, doing and declaring what is right and pleasing to God while acting under his authority

prophets primarily guardians, on lookout for danger, warning of calamity based on current conditions and direction of trends

people pleasers

fault on both parts here, people / leaders – prophets / priests acting contrary to God, gratifying own desires for power/influence

people were loving it, were being given license to do what they wanted while giving no attention to God and prophets’ pleas

C. be warned  v.1-8

disaster is coming

place of safety/security will be no longer – Jerusalem no longer to be a stronghold, will instead be weak and defenseless

will be irresistible attackers who come and prevail according to God’s command – his reason not secret, is punishment for wickedness

wickedness abounds

rich keep getting richer, poor getting poorer b/c of increasing evil and violence pouring out in every direction toward one another

like snowball going downhill gaining size / speed / momentum and crushing all in path – must be stopped or nation self-destructs

not too late

even though those who will besiege Jerus. there by God’s purpose, God has not abandoned his people – enemies must act w/i boundaries established and maintained by God

once again God through his prophet warns, gives hope to any who will heed – even though nation persists in rebellion and are punished, all who love/serve God can rest in his care

D. check again  v.9-15

who will listen

God surveys the crowd, looks for those whose ears are open – sees none to encourage him to speak more words of warning

keep in mind God’s motives – not looking for reason to punish but reason to show mercy, hold back on impending hardship

determined ignorance

instead sees those who have no taste for truth, to whom God’s word is offensive – consider what prophet says hate speech

not simply that they cannot hear truth, they will not – ears are closed and they refuse to open and heed God’s warning

God has restrained his anger and so has Jeremiah but… rebellious intentional wickedness through all the culture has gone over the top, can no longer hold back

too proud to blush

have gone beyond point where conscience can have good effect – have convinced themselves evil is good, good is evil

words and example fail to impress when conscience is seared – must be something far more painful to have influence

5:31 “what will you do in the end?” “What will happen to you when it is over?”  6:14 “They say, ‘Everything will be all right!’ But everything is not all right!”

Considering actions on world stage and in natural world, the question bears serious consideration, by us and so many around world. Conflicts of one kind or another abound in nearly every nation and universal response seems to be greater use of force. True regardless of size of conflict, whether one-on-one or nation against nation. If any are publicly promoting return to God and seeking his help, not making the news.

At same time seems earth’s labor pains coming closer together – major meteorological events, earthquake interrupts airline schedules NYC, volcanic eruptions. Does that mean birth of new heaven and new earth near? Factor in serious famine, pestilences among people and creatures, and we must be wise and act wisely. Be sure our confidence not in horses and chariots but in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7)

Immediately after that, next should be active encouragement for others to do same. Many may be like those of Jeremiah’s day but… he never stopped talking and neither should we. Whatever else godly wisdom and prudence suggests should come after that. Regardless of specific situation, when you are weary of holding in discouragement/frustration/disappointment over current conditions, tell Jesus. Let him carry the cares, rejoice in what you know he has ready and waiting for you.

 

Find A Good Man

Jeremiah 5:1-19

During period of Jewish history leading up to fall of Samaria and northern Israel in 722 BC, divide between rich and poor growing, middle class shrinking with no end in sight. Like other of God’s messengers, Micah prophesied severe consequences for Israel. At same time, gave clear instruction how to avoid disaster, make God’s righteous judgment unnecessary:

Micah 6:6-8 “With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

A century has passed, Israel governed by Assyria, Judah with less than 1/3 area of original country surrounded by potential enemies on all sides.

“During the time of King Solomon, the area of Israel was approximately 10,000 square miles. 1 Kings 4:21. During the time of King Hezekiah, the area of Judah was approximately 3,000 square miles. 2 Chronicles 11:23.” biblemate

Long-term security of Judah growing more uncertain by the day, God has continued to give both reasons for people to turn to him and opportunity to do so. Might think answer to their troubles obvious and it is… to us… who genuinely love God but not to them. Instead, conditions have worsened and so has character of the people – issues of Micah’s day far worse, more pervasive as end of God’s longsuffering approaches. No wonder Jeremiah known as weeping prophet, continually confronted with evidence of how hopeless people’s condition appeared.

A. I will pardon if…  v.1-6

is there a just one

Sodom / Gomorrah poster child for evil city so desperately wicked God had no choice but to act – would not have for sake of 10

lowers numerical bar all the way – if Jeremiah can find only one righteous man God will withhold punishment of Jerusalem

matters not whether prince or priest or prophet or person of no means – one committed to doing right would be enough

is there one truthful

find one whose words match deeds, no hidden agenda, no desire or intention to deceive either God or fellow man

looking for person with integrity, who loves God and neighbor, keeps their word, can be trusted to seek and promote truth

thinks perhaps since are poor, disadvantaged, must be acting out of ignorance – no opportunity to be taught so they know better

perhaps there if not here

Jer. frustrated in his search, finds only those who have been hardened by God’s discipline – refused correction, even more set

directs search to leadership, hopeful still remember what they learned in school about God, retaining some shred of goodness

disappointed there also, just as wicked as average citizen – have fully rejected God’s authority, refuse to repent / submit to him

B. they don’t love their neighbor  v.7-9

they pursue idols

not accidental, was active purposeful rejection of God, intentional pursuit of idols – worshiping, sacrificing, devoting loyalty

God generously supplied all their needs, did not supply their wants – traded God for idols promising to meet wants, not needs

they steal from their neighbor

idols they worshiped legitimized their satisfying wicked desires however they could even when it meant stealing neighbor’s wife

actually stole far more than that – every individual rebellious act contributed to profound loss for all including ones who stayed true

God would more than “make up the difference” for genuine believers, they never lost anything of eternal significance… still…

why should they hope

begins with “how can I leave you unpunished? why should I forgive you?” and ends with “I cannot do that”, would be unjust, expecting people to live up to standard God didn’t

truly was either-or: either genuine lasting repentance from wickedness and forgiveness -or- more rebellion, serious consequences

C. they don’t love the Lord  v.10-13

treacherous

God issues orders but same pattern as Job – invaders could do as they planned but… w/i limits, destruction not complete

didn’t see need to keep promises they made to God yet expected him to keep his, got angry with him when thought he didn’t

false

not only tried to believe wrong things about God, his existence, etc., tried to convince others of same false beliefs

encouraged everyone else to continue behaving badly, claiming no consequences – God didn’t say it, God won’t do it

people and prophets

wicked behavior not limited to one category, included both average citizens and those in positions of great responsibility

ones who should be trustworthy and declaring truth instead “full of wind”, speaking words empty of real meaning and significance

D. they will be punished  v.14-19

God will do it

will not only give his prophet words, will surely bring about what he declares – is God himself who brings invader who overpowers

God can just as easily equip nation with power enough to resist as to invade – have own motives God uses to achieve his purpose

just as Hebrew children God’s agents to punish Canaanites for centuries of wickedness, Assyria and Babylon, perhaps later Rome also God’s means of just punishment

no escape

invader’s purpose to subdue to remove future threat of trouble – “scorched earth” practice plus foreign captivity to bring about

would thoroughly consume all blessings promised (Deut. 7:13) by covenant, likewise keeping promise of curses for disobedience (Deut. 28)

northern tribes, in part b/c of corrupt leadership, led the way – Judah now follows, entire people w/o exception under God’s judgment

mercy promised yet again

is mercy, yes, and necessary to fulfill prophecy by Micah 100 years earlier – promise of future king born in Bethlehem required some kind of “restoration” at least for a time

definitely in keeping with God’s character to show mercy to individuals if not nations – does so graciously whenever possible

NT clear; no citizenship, gender, economic or social status requirements for adoption into God’s family – all welcome to come to Christ

Would not have changed eventual outcome but could have delayed judgment on nation had Jeremiah succeeded in his search for one godly man in all of Jerusalem. Evidence continues to pile up against Israel, experiencing great hardship while making little if any concerted effort toward return to God. Pick any location in world, natural disaster or one brought about by human effort, most if not all follow same pattern as Jews of Jeremiah’s day – harder it gets, more hardened people become – “But they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to return.” Jer. 5:3 

As little cause for hope as is evident in our country, hope through faith in Christ remains until he comes back. If one godly man would be enough in Jeremiah’s day, many godly men can make a difference in our day. Not a popular or politically correct idea to have strong men who stand up for truth and justice, Satan working hard to ensure that doesn’t happen. Thank God for faithful women, plead with God for faithful men to fulfill their calling to serve him faithfully.

 

Punishment Preview

Jeremiah 4:5-31

Jeremiah had helpful vantage point, enabled him to see / know things from perspective few of contemporaries had. He loved God, had spiritual insight that gave him, also direct communication with God relative to prophetic office. Recognized much of what was wrong with his people / country, God added “special revelation” that increased understanding of his character and plan for future.

Can think of it as standing at top of peak near international border – looking inside country could see much that broke his heart. Looking across border could see brutal invading armies on the move. Meanwhile God pleading with wayward children to come back, repent of sin, be restored to place of fellowship and honor. Is like God speaking language none can understand in tone none can hear. Instead of running to God, just like Adam and Eve are running away but not because afraid of God. Instead majority believe God is of no consequence, not worth their time / attention.

God had not given up on rebellious children, faithful prophet had not either. Jeremiah adds his voice as God’s chosen spokesman warning of danger, informing of consequences. Even though God must act, he is not without mercy. If door to his favor has automatic closer, God has propped it wide open… will keep it open until the end. Thank God for Jeremiah, both the prophet and his book that cost him so much effort. A rich treasure of insight into God’s character, displaying traits toward rebellious people we find difficult or impossible to copy.

A. sound the alarm  v.5-18

disaster is coming

sound alarm, run for cover – find closest place that offers protection, bring only what can be carried, matter of life and death

will impact everyone – invader like this not selective, probably won’t take hostages… only whatever appears to have value

overwhelm leadership – full-scale mobilization, relies on both fear and force to reach objective… size and speed both in play

incapable of governing – don’t have proper character/integrity to govern during national crisis – princes, priests, prophets all (exc. Jeremiah) trusting wrong things

quickly gains momentum

wait a minute (10) – question devoted believer may have, Jeremiah saw much but not all – promises not really empty, God had “run out of patience”, children progressively more evil

moving quickly from the start – warned to not delay, no time to lose if want to survive, one sentence at northern border, next sentence only 10 miles from Jerusalem

grows in intensity – is way of human nature, successes encourage greater effort while fear reduces or eliminates resistance

sweeps aside all in its path – will be unstoppable b/c God intends it… acting as his instruments of judgment on sinful people, will accomplish no more or less than he intends

hard but just

rebellious – had been and continue to be enemies of God, pursuing alliances with false gods and false friends at great cost

determined to continue way of own choosing even when faced with failure – just need to try again / harder / with more resources thrown at problem

wicked – God tells them outright “Your ways and your doings Have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness”

bitter – hard pill to swallow, esp. when convinced is undeserved – is not optional, no sugar with it, hard all the way down

B. describe the horror  v.19-26

life-changing hardship

prophet wants it to stop even though he knows outcome – “My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in agony! Oh, the pain in my heart! My heart pounds; I cannot be silent. For you, my soul, have heard the sound of the ram’s horn- the shout of battle.” HCSB

onslaught continues – will last until southern kingdom of Judah laid desolate, made subject to invaders like northern 10 tribes

necessities plundered – invaders leave nothing of value behind, destroying or carrying off personal belongings, homes

earth-shaking destruction

extent is unimaginable – one disaster after another, place after place falls to enemy, casualty list grows beyond bounds

duration is unbearable – for one as sensitive to suffering as Jeremiah, doesn’t know how much longer can stand bad news… and yet no sign of repentance

God’s “motivation” like in days of Noah (22) – seeking to become more proficient in doing evil, not what is good… to own hurt

were given “120 year time limit” warning, daily reminders from Noah, did not bring change for better

desolation in all directions

unravels created order – landscape even Noah and family didn’t see, nearly 3 months for things to restart growing, able to support life

all living things gone – deserted barren land with no people to make it produce, had all been carried of into captivity

“land of plenty” no longer – painfully sad picture of what sin had done to the land… same stretch of land once super-productive totally devastated wilderness

result of God displaying his righteous just anger against sin, destroying what had been perverted to sinful use

C. respond rightly… or not  v.27-31

terrible but not complete

complete desolation – many contemporary images to draw from… military conflict, natural disasters… yet God’s created-in ability to flourish often evident later

capable of restoration – not completely destroyed, God will never do that… intends to purify again for proper use

God has no choice – is holy, just, faithful, must keep his word… including bit about death as consequence for sin – simply cannot allow sin to go unpunished — how/when he punishes is different matter

rebels respond wrongly

run and hide – problem with that is: impossible to hide from God and his judgment… not even any solace in death

consequences fuel rebellion – stated intention to do again but not get caught more often result than start doing what is right

attempted seduction – best dress, accessories, makeup, attract attention of enemy so as to make a deal, improve outcome

false hope Satan holds out, change tactics little bit and will come out in your favor personally, politically

it backfires

object of trust betrays – will make show of agreement… in order to advance their agenda, not yours (Satan again)

continues to take –

ends in destruction

Pictured and played out in history as real “military” action by Babylonian army but… remember what Paul wrote Eph. 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Not only things that make loud noises that are destructive – ideological battles can be just as devastating.

 

Come Back To Me

Jeremiah 3:19-4:4 

Common view in much of culture that God of OT is harsh, mean, demanding, radically different from God of love found in NT. Sure sounds like may have read about some of what happened in OT, never read OT. Certainly have not read this part of OT with understanding. Is only words we have here, no inflection or body language to accompany. Yet we do know Jeremiah’s reputation, “weeping prophet” also writer of Lamentations. Also know God’s character: doesn’t play games with children, never insincere or making promises he intends never to keep.

Sharply contrasting images here: rebellious children, pleading Father. People convinced they had all answers, knew what they needed / what was best for them, not interested in listening to another viewpoint. Had for most part written YHWH off, convinced they had properly interpreted visible evidence – no sign of YHWH paying attention to them, their needs. Pride in own superior abilities made impossible for them to respond positively to Yahweh even if they might want to. Rebellious attitude kept them on road to destruction yet… God not finished with them, had not disowned them.

Quite the opposite – was still, not recklessly but relentlessly pursuing them, pleading with them, postponing punishing them because he loved them. When God proclaimed name to Moses, emphasized mercy, grace, forgiveness – all that and more displayed in what spoke through prophet. Is emotion many parents experience, some like God more than once. Multiply that many times, put lots of zeroes after number, talking about entire people group here refusing to listen. Sadly all too familiar in our day, not just in Middle East.

A. Sin has consequences  v.19-21

disappointed Father

God using all resources we would to try persuading toward different outcome – appeal to both understanding and emotion

speaking as father would who had great plans for children’s future but… something has changed… not sure he can continue

asks question “How can I possibly…?” – simply cannot carry out plan under present conditions, would send wrong message

not simply selecting action from list of if/thens, must act consistent w/character even if not first choice, painful for children

disobedient children

their kind of sinful actions especially awful – both omission and commission – failing to do what God expected/commanded/desired, doing what expressly forbidden

that bad enough, reality worse – had turned away from true God on purpose, probably some malice: we’ll show don’t need him

compounded with deception – going through motions of worship to YHWH while loyal to idols, dependent on idols until major hardship none could handle

then cry out to YHWH, expecting him to fix problem, bail them out/punish bad guys (9/11), blame him when he didn’t do it

dire consequences

major hardship only beginning of sorrows, would quickly increase, get worse – not b/c God was punishing them… yet

forgetting God and trusting elsewhere has own price to pay – sinful behavior/desires of others always complication

God uses evil to bring about good, God doesn’t have to initiate it – trusting idols, government instead of YHWH never turns out well long-term

B. God’s invitation, model response  v.22-25

promised healing

doesn’t promise to heal hard circumstances, sick bodies, bad politics – does promise to heal unfaithfulness, restore them

implied “if/then” – will not set aside / forget about their history, do what they want – conditioned on right action from them

like other promises including covenant promises – God graciously accepts our humanness but won’t overlook willful sin

God standing there with hands out, arms wide open pleading with hurting children to listen to one who is their only hope

practice prayer

as if God pictures children of Israel responding as they ought, recognizing sinful foolishness/futility of idol worship

gives them example response – get things in right order, see real reason for what entire nation had to endure from enemies

explains how both thinking and acting needs to change – real repentance is both acknowledgment of sin, commitment to change as evidenced by clearly different behavior

had been praying prayers for generations, not accompanied by godly action – God expected both from his people then/now

principles matter

God cannot / will not act out of character – yes, is love, also holy / righteous / just – one may be more evident, rest still there

will not reward sinful behavior, won’t act so it looks like he is… either for benefit of children or his enemies

repentance doesn’t purchase reward/blessing, does show God acting justly – practical effect, helps reinforce the lesson, connection between their actions/attitudes and God’s “response”

C. God pleads with them  v.1-4

initial action

if you want to come home, if you want to experience favor again, do this first – close and lock door against what took you away from faithfulness to God, seductive disgusting idols

turning around not enough – must include positive action to put distance between you and what is offensive to God

God already promised to be part of this, v.22 – does not expect children to pull it off by themselves w/o his help

already have history of trying to do by themselves, all it did was take them away from God and deeper into sin / trouble

expected change

God knows “just say no” doesn’t work – whatever you say “no” to leaves empty hole that will not stay empty for long

must put right thing in place of wrong thing ASAP – in this case, devote / commit to true God wholeheartedly

hint here of God’s purpose for Israel – were to be example to world, draw outsiders in, show how to live pleasing to God

didn’t need to wait until Abraham’s Seed was born to begin blessing all families of earth – could have started then

costly repentance

pruning off top, removing what is visible of plant of any size most times not enough to prevent growing again – have to dig roots out and discard

same true for behavior – idols did need to be removed but only temporary fix… until new supply of idols provided

“heart of the matter, matter of the heart” and God insisting on change of heart for there to be true sincere lasting repentance

gets painful, costly, roots often go deep and that kind of change more than many want to experience first-hand

Whether repentance and conversion at beginning of Christian life or repentance and renewal later on, does require definite action on part of both God and individual. Without God acting, person will not / cannot change so as to please God. At same time, when God acts, person must respond in way God expects. Absence of lasting change on part of Jewish people not viewed rightly by them but… one more example of how helpless they/we are to do what is right.

Cannot have Christ as Savior without having Christ as Lord – they are inseparable. While it is God who saves, we must respond to him – when he calls to us as he did to Israel, is essential we make right choice. Would rejoice if nation would avail itself of God’s mercy – doesn’t look promising. However… until Lord Jesus returns, opportunity remains for men, women, boys, girls to turn from their idols and follow Jesus. Make sure we are following, remaining committed to him, encouraging others to do same.

The Way Back Home

Jeremiah 3:1-18 

 Can easily picture a nation so far down road of spiritual decay they no longer remember how to get home. Traditions once passed along by word of mouth forgotten, extended family to the north even further along in departure from God’s truth. More disturbing, national Bible had gone missing from church. Had no accessible written copy of their history, founding documents, laws, instruction about how do do church, or even life. 2Ki 22:8-13; 2Ch 34:14-21  Even though Torah was MIA, God still expected to be obeyed; Josiah understood, v.13, properly connected dots.

God did not take hard line with his people… yet. He is longsuffering but… are limits to what he permits from his creatures. Are differences in the details yet areas of our culture where Bible no longer found increasing daily… including in the church. 30 years ago, mainline church, Bible put away out of sight during sermon, its text referred to in dismissive way. Ancient creeds not simply modernized in language but modified to include so-called “progressive” ideas. How much farther can we go in country / world before need same kind of help as Judah.

Despite Israel’s head start, God like prodigal’s father would welcome return – does not wait for them to smarten up, calls out to both Israel and Judah to forsake useless gods and evil ways. Because God also merciful and gracious, his door always open regardless of their prior behavior. No one, individual or collective, beyond God’s ability to rescue and restore. No burden for God to do so, instead brings him glory when he does.

A. Return to me  v.1-5

God’s mercy greater than their evil

anticipates “God can’t forgive me” – since talking about marriage, God’s own rules forbid taking back unfaithful wife

no, God does not set aside moral law so he can do what he wants – if law reflects his character, he can’t do that; acting above law not possible for God to do either

what God can / will do far more difficult – v1 lays out problem, purity, what broad effect tolerating impurity would have

just as Jesus healed lepers, so God heals sinners from their pollution when they return to him – purifying removes the problem

willing “victims” of abuse

no part of land / culture where people had not been unfaithful to God, where had not voluntarily devoted to idolatry

pictured an intense frenzied pursuit of pleasure, never ending b/c never satisfying – promises never fulfilled, requires increased dose to get same temporary effect

always giving but never receiving anything but harm from gods – self-destructive behavior willingly pursued w/no benefit

consider pursuit of prosperity gospel – prosperity reserved for promoters, not pursuers – ones on bottom give up everything, including share in next life

shameful behavior without shame

sinful actions / attitudes had consequences beyond individual – result was hardship felt by entire nation, not only perpetrators

more serious than not understanding – might not be able to explain or have solution but knew what were doing was shameful

refused to acknowledge anything wrong with what were doing – wasn’t their fault, were victims of God’s neglect of them

remember this was Judah, not Israel – had more good than evil kings since Solomon yet refused to cry out to God

B. Israel was bad  v.6-10

more than a century of idolatry

what was called worship attempt to put cloak of respectability over rank immorality, what could only be described as evil

practices endorsed by fertility gods with few if any boundaries, open and public sacrifice of children to Moloch and worse

may have begun with seemingly “innocent” things, didn’t stay that way (never does) – road away from true God all downhill

consider code in use today: civil unions quickly followed by same-sex marriage, death with dignity, gender affirming care, reproductive rights, throuple (not couple)… and what those terms really mean

a certificate of divorce

God reached his limit – even with repeated confrontation, summons/invitations to return, Israel refused to listen/respond

as if God told Israel they could have their own way, he wouldn’t interfere – could seek solutions wherever they liked

had already sold themselves into slavery, but would get much worse before better – Assyrians had made brutality art form

Judah has not learned from Israel

had all taken place in plain sight – God not silent, made no secret of what would happen if they persisted in rebellion

didn’t have all means of communication like now but… news traveled – entire nation not that big, knew what was taking place

and… had their own prophets, the Temple and religious leaders, all good reasons to learn from hard experience of northern kingdom

C. Judah is worse  v.11-18

more pleas to return

Israel was faithless, Judah was treacherous – would be seen as result of reformation during Josiah’s rule – partial and temporary

God may have “backed away” from Israel, intending to do same with Judah, is not same as abandoning either one

as if he has taken thumb off button on leash, permitted them more room to get into serious trouble from bad choices

and yet still calling Israel to return… in hearing of Judah – calls to all his children, affirms his continuing commitment to them

promised blessings (not probation)

does not tell them to earn his trust again after they return – in fact, not calling them back so he can reach easier to punish

will only be angry with them until they take ownership of sinful behavior – invitation to nation but he has individuals in view

promises time when north and south unified once again, worldwide convergence on place of God’s presence, Throne of the Lord

call+repentance+grace yields obedience

leaders are important but not solely responsible – God promises to provide faithful shepherds but they must act on what they learn

just as kings, priests, people responsible for Israel and Judah’s punishment, will be in it together in future

promised blessings would come… after exile, fulfilled in part / in shadows after Cyrus’ decree to permit return

will be fulfilled in full after Jesus returns – all nations will be represented among those gathered around his throne to praise

No way to know for sure where we are in process of coming unGlued – do know nation moving away from God and his truth and that includes large segments of the church. Are pockets of truth and faithfulness, greatly thankful for that. If all the years of history since Creation are a guide, future for nation don’t look good. No nation has rejected true God in favor of idols and then returned. May be sporadic revivals but not universal and not long-lasting.

For all that, cannot, must not give up. Consider again what God said v14: “I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” Is the ones and twos, however many they all add up to, who need to hear Gospel, embrace truth, trust Christ, go make more disciples. God totally ready to do that today, to receive all who come to him by faith.

 

God Files for Divorce

Jeremiah 2:1-37

Readily associate marriage and church, relationship between husband/wife to mirror Christ/church thanks to Paul and letter to Ephesus church. Not new idea in NT – imagery clearly found in OT, esp. explicit in prophets. Remember Hosea and Gomer, the way God used their relationship as clear picture of his desires toward his people and their response. At that time had been officially married for 700 years – no surprise, God in it for long haul. Nothing like present culture, hookups, no-fault divorce, God not into dating game.

God’s faithfulness not matched by his people, made for great trouble between them. When people misbehaved God didn’t clam up, give silent treatment. Not mean and hurtful but didn’t mince words – put right out there for them what issues were and how to resolve/be restored to fellowship. They had his word, copy of marriage covenant, faithful messengers to declare truth… no reason not to know they were out of favor with God… and exactly why.

No audio recording of God’s voice, rarely have any description of what tone used when speaking to his children. At times needed to speak firmly, even sternly so as to get attention. At same time must remember goal is reconciliation, purpose to draw back not drive away. When people ended up far from God, was entirely their own doing and contrary to his “desire”. Jeremiah an excellent choice of prophet – profound love for God, confidence in him coupled with tender-hearted love for fellow Jews. He was convinced they deserved all they got, perhaps more, yet deeply grieved that nothing less would accomplish God’s purpose for them.

A. God reminisces  v.1-8

he loved her

has not forgotten how it used to be, remembers their beginning with great pleasure, fondness he had for her, wants return to it

some wanted to take advantage of her – he set himself to not only protect from harm but also punish all who would cause harm

she loved him

his love reciprocated, compared to love of new bride – no hesitation to express, no holding back, willing go with him wherever

even for all their misdeeds and complaints, never did go back to Egypt – not alone in desert, could have made different choice

had thing with golden calf but… did not seriously challenge God’s authority for more than 40 years wandering and settling

and then…

something’s changed, what’s going on, what did I do? – God obviously knows the answer, wants them to think about it

is like they completely forgot their heritage, all God’s goodness they had enjoyed – looked away, wandered away, never even missed him or wondered where he was

priests, princes, prophets, people all traveling same wrong road – Jeremiah appeared to be solitary voice of rightness

B. serious charges  v.9-19

changed gods

time had come when God must act decisively – begins by bringing charges against them in his court, not court of public opinion

search all of history, their behavior unprecedented – no nation governed by true God ever abandoned him in favor of empty idols

God always gave far more to his people than expected of them – is opposite with false gods, they take but give/do nothing

changed priorities

trusted own wisdom – left neverending source of living water and dug leaky cistern to try to catch runoff instead… duh

came to believe could satisfy own needs as well as or even better than God – left him in dust on way to own solution

self-inflicted harm

not God or even neighbors fault why things were tough – had sold themselves into slavery to sin and empty solutions

sadly this is typical of our land – abandoned God and sound principles, pursuing practices that cause far more harm than good

have drifted even further away from God, now it is false god of government to blame for all that ails our nation – still pursue broken government fixes for broken society

bottom line: troubles result of having forsaken God, lost all fear of God, not even interested in hearing him

C. empty promises  v.20-28

you promised

remember your wedding day and vow to faithfulness – not impulsive, emotional response… was right response to God’s love

vow entered into before witnesses really big deal and knew consequences for unfaithfulness – expected God to hold accountable

you lied

when confronted by God, denied any wrongdoing when they knew otherwise – used gallons of soap… to no avail

had tiny bit of conscience left, enough to be embarrassed when God called out sinful behavior – has our country degenerated even beyond that, no longer ashamed (wait a few chapters)

you believed empty promises

convinced enough of idol’s (really Satan’s) lies said God was wasting his time pursuing, expecting them to repent

really “knew” truth, worshiped idols / treated as God when life was good… expected God to bail them out

at that time God asked hard question: where are gods you have been worshiping? let them bail you out

doesn’t have to look like idol to be an idol… just someone / something that takes place that rightly belongs to God

D. smarten up  v.29-37

you don’t listen

not first time they heard from God – didn’t like what they heard so killed the prophets, refused to acknowledge message God sent, would do same with Jeremiah’s message

were teaching their bad habits to next generations, they refused to heed God’s word to them and worse

you’re getting worse

behavior in general becoming more violent and depraved – Psalm 115:4-8 becoming like the gods they made/worshiped

had gone so far as to make god of self, deciding for themselves what to do / how to live / right and wrong

if psalmist correct, consider what that means about our culture/world – what must gods be like if people act that way

why? why?

trying to deceive themselves, making gods like themselves out of own imaginations, deeper in trouble every day… and God still pursues them

God might have been filing for divorce yet he never slammed the door – has never given reason to think case is hopeless

pleas for repentance and reconciliation are ongoing… if lost sinners only heed his call, turn from empty idols to him instead

If only… people today would listen and respond – regardless of nation or religion, God ready to receive any and all who come to him. God does have limits, his nature requires it. But truly no limit to his love – we cannot match his love but we can certainly do better at loving him and loving others. With his help we can stay faithful to him, not turn to idols, continue encouraging others to do the same.

 

When the Almond Tree Blossoms

Jeremiah 1:11-19 

Things we say, even take for granted are really contradiction in terms – deafening silence, lead balloon, plastic silverware. How about human wisdom? Do we really need examples of how it lets us down? Does so for many reasons, some more obvious than others – insufficient or wrong information, inability to know the future, etc… People do couple things w/o even realizing and often have disastrous results: connect cause and effect that shouldn’t be, put a logical sequence together in wrong order. Jeremiah’s contemporaries did both, history repeating itself in 21st century.

They considered circumstances, recognized uncertainties and dangers of situation, reached conclusion God wasn’t taking very good care of them. Maybe wasn’t even paying attention, just look at what happened up north with Assyria. If were to have hope for future, needed to work out their own plan to address security needs before things got really bad. Sound familiar? Sadly far too many examples, not only in history, also in news. Once a people (or even an individual or family) start down that path, has to get really painful before they catch on.

Jewish people had it wrong about several things, like always God had some things to say to his people. Has officially appointed Jeremiah to thankless task of speaking truth to a people willfully blind and deaf to truth. Would not be able to rightly say they didn’t know, full description of what God told them preserved in writing, should be encouragement to us.

A. God is awake  v.11-12

shoqed (watch) and shaqed (almond)

God so good – accommodates to our ways of understanding – used puns (figures of speech), show and tell

almond like our forsythia, one everyone watches to see blooms, indicating change of season, things waking up in spring

strong assurance that God not asleep/dormant/hibernating – had been watching his people, fully aware of situation, would continue to be attentive to see his word carried out

no further delay

inactivity and inattention by no means the same – God had not acted sooner b/c was not his time – waiting for people to repent

announces intention, action would surely follow – half-hearted attempt at revival under Josiah really a non-starter

not unjust for God to “draw a line”, hold his people accountable for actions, pursue course he has already determined

a message contemporaries should heed

prophet’s message often had time / events in view far in future, long after lifetime would have ended – not this one

almond rod encouraged Jeremiah to be confident God’s action would depend on God, not how word from God received

also clear evidence to people their time was up – not warning for future generation but rather that very generation

may wonder why word from the Lord doesn’t come in 21st century – already have God’s complete revelation, remember Jesus’ parable

Luke 16:30-31 “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'”

B. God is ready to act  v.13-16

no buffer by the North

promise of God’s faithfulness to his purpose immediately followed by assurance God will act in judgment on his people

pictured large cauldron on a fire being blown up into a roaring flame – once it is tilted, boiling water will inevitably empty out

can count on no protection from Ten Tribes or those who subjugated them – weakening Assyria as much at risk as northern Jews

God making clear even further national calamity will not force north and south back together, will only be more fracturing

God uses human agents

God doesn’t leave them to guess what real force is behind movement of peoples and armies – is God himself directing

world history interpreted from world’s perspective never recognizes God’s purposes in great events of past – always economic or territorial or political reasons

pick any conflict, one or more of those factors certainly present – at the same time, God using those for his end, his purpose

God doesn’t force people to do evil but… when they do evil, he has prerogative to direct outcome to serve his own intent

judgment for good reason

God overthrows their human wisdom: their situation result of their turning away from God, not b/c he had abandoned or ignored them

by time they suspected a problem, it had been present for long time – had been going own way, seeking own solutions, switched loyalty

God accuses them of big stuff, serious sin, really of long standing with only temporary interruptions, getting worse not better

C. God expects a ready messenger  v.17-19

get moving

God’s call to action had immediate consequences for messenger – whatever Jer. had mapped out for future no longer applied

hike up your robe, lace your sandals, tighten your belt, you’re on the clock, get ready for action beginning now, not later

any further preparation Jer. might attempt would be inadequate, unnecessary – “I have put my words in your mouth”

when God calls someone to act in service to him, God is ready to supply all that is necessary to make service effectual

don’t be afraid

Jer. certainly not old enough to be practiced public speaker – not big surprise to get serious case of stage fright, esp. given message

know from Jer.’s reputation he has soft heart (in good way), also know God has hard message to deliver to his countrymen

no way to know God’s tone of voice when speaking to Jer. – do know does not give God pleasure to warn people of impending judgment

this encouragement absolutely vital for Jer. not to break down, lose courage, fail to deliver message entrusted to him

God’s word is invincible

more clear indication just who is responsible for coming events – will not be Jer.’s natural ability/strength that carries the day

those who know Jer. certain strength comes from God – will be God’s power that enables Jer. to stand against opposition

must be the way of it b/c Jer. delivering God’s message – what God promises cannot fail nor can messenger fail to deliver

he cares about his messenger

God doesn’t care only about results – cares about person serving him, has their well-being present and future clearly in view

promises both his present and his good purpose to Jer. – tells again (v.8) will be with him for purpose of delivering from harm

Jer. should have caught on to risk of declaring message of God’s judgment to audience set in ways, determined to rebel against God

very likely time will come when he and maybe Baruch as well need rescuing – people determined not to hear can use desperate measures to avoid confrontation with truth

Regardless of what common understanding might be, look at big picture from perspective of God’s word. Remember “Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4 God is pursuing his plan/purpose to its conclusion, can be certain absolutely no detail will be done wrong or left undone. Same holds true for his word: God’s message to the world will not fail in any detail. Will be declared in hearing of every person God intends to hear it and will bring about result that fits his purpose.

Good news is we don’t have to understand details of his purpose. But… we each have role to play in God’s big plan – will be hard, scary, dangerous, exciting, rewarding. Same God will equip / empower us, make our service effectual as Jeremiah. We know who is in charge, who wins, what future holds for us. Just as Jehovah Jireh provided what Abraham needed, will do same for us.