Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Lamentations 1-2

Jeremiah began to write songs of lamentation (think "funeral dirge") when Jerusalem was overtaken. This is a fitting conclusion to the book that bears his name.

Each chapter is a poem and the first four are acrostics - following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This was a very difficult art form to perfect. Each word and phrase is carefully chosen and crafted.

Jeremiah felt deep sorrow for his city and his people. Allow the emotion of these songs impact you emotionally as they were intended.

Read it here.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Jeremiah 52

The finale of this epic book.  Everything Jeremiah said would happen begins to unfold.

And everything He wrote to us will come true as well!

Read it here.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Jeremiah 50-51

Lest Babylon sense that they are invincible, the Lord lines the crosshairs against her. They have been ruthless and barbaric in their treatment of those they conquered. Now they will know that there is a higher King to answer to.

Read it here.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Jeremiah 48-49

Next is the ancient enemy of Israel, Moab (modern day Jordan). They felt their nation impenetrable and their armies unconquerable. From a human perspective they were nearly right. But not before God!

Ammon (also a neighboring enemy of Israel, to the north of Moab, and also in modern day Jordan) is next on the list. From here, Israel's enemies are listed off for defeat heading east to modern day Iran ("Elam") and finally to Babylon "the Great." No power will withstand the Lord's judgment!

Read it here.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Jeremiah 46-47

Now begins the prophecies against all the nations, beginning with Egypt.  God continues to reach out to His people with words of comfort and a promise of restoration.  He will certainly discipline His people for their rebellion, but He intends on bringing them home!  Hope in the midst of the storm.

Read it here.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Jeremiah 44-45

These people aren't even blushing about their rebellion. "As for the things you told us from Yahweh, we are not going to listen. Instead, we're going to do everything we said we would."  No matter where they run and no matter how tough they talk, God will make them face their rebellion and receive what they deserve.

Read it here.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Jeremiah 41-43

Many of the people are frightened and humbled by the layered tragedies they have lived through.  They ask Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord and find out from Him "the way we should walk and the thing we should do" (42:3).  But God didn't tell them what they wanted to hear ... so back to judgment they go.  The hardness of heart seems incredible!  What does God have to do to get them to believe His words?

Read it here.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Jeremiah 39-40

The prophecies came true. Judgment, captivity and deportation came to God's people, just as He warned them it would. Even in these dark days, look how God continues to protect His faithful ones (like Ebed-Melech and Jeremiah).  And notice how many of those who remain continue in their dark godlessness in the coming chapters.

Read it here.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Jeremiah 37-38

The clock is ticking. The long-awaited captivity is imminent. The king is getting desperate. And the man of God, Jeremiah, suffers for the people's hardness of heart. Doen't seem fair, does it? The innocents often get pulled into despair because those in power make reckless choices. But Jeremiah's faithfulness remains strong.

What an example!

Read it here.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Jeremiah 34-36

Do you know why God's people were undergoing such harsh discipline? They had grown completely complacent to God's Word.  He would speak and it was as if it had not effect at all. This pattern is magnified in today's reading - especially in ch. 36.  It is shocking.

"As they heard all these words, the king and all of his servants did not become terrified or tear their garments" (36:24).

How are you responding to God's Word?

Read it here.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Jeremiah 32-33

"Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for me?" (32:27).

"The Lord who made the earth, the Lord who forms it to establish it, "Yahweh is His name, says this: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know." (33:2-3).

Because of the magnitude of the prophecies coming from the Lord, He had to remind them of Who He is.  Great reminders for us today!

Read it here.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Jeremiah 30-31

Look, a storm from the Lord! (30:23).  But after the storm, a new covenant ... and awesome promise that is still coming true today (31:31-34)!

Read it here.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Jeremiah 28-29

What is to happen when the "prophets" prophecy lies to the people?  The people actually love it this way!  But God always holds out hope.  "For I know the plans I have for you...to give you a future and a hope" (29:10-14).  Don't take that verse out of its context.  It is not a blanket promise, but is for the people taken to captivity who respond to the discipline of the Lord!

Read it here.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Jeremiah 26-27

God: "I made the earth, and the people, and animals on the face of the earth. I give it to anyone I please."

Who is going to argue with that???

Read it here.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Jeremiah 24-25

They will be my people, and I will be their God because they will return to Me with all their heart (24:7).  Everybody went through the fire of exile.  Only those who responded to the well-deserved discipline could claim the promise of redemption.  The rest would get what they deserved.

Read it here.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Jeremiah 22-23

God's position toward us has a direct connection with our compassion for the poor and needy (ch. 22).

There are preachers and prophets all over the world who claim to speak for God but who only voice their own worthless opinions.  Those who have the True Message must continue to speak it ... and it will prevail (23:28-29)!

Read it here.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Jeremiah 20-21

"But the Lord is with me like a violent warrior" (20:11).  Now THAT is who you want to have your back!  Jeremiah is taking a beating (literally) for representing God and speaking His words to the people. Ultimately God will will the day...but the skirmishes and battles along the way are tough on the prophet.

Read it here.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Jeremiah 18-19

Clay in the potter's hand.  Our pride fools into thinking that we are master of our own destinies. We are clay in the potter's hand.

Read it here.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Jeremiah 16-17

"Believe in yourself" is the chant of our culture.  Why?  Is "self" trustworthy?  Not according to Jeremiah..."The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable--who can understand it? I, Yahweh, examine the mind, I test the heart to give each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve" (Jer. 17:9-10).

Guess we'd better trust in the Lord!

Read it here.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Jeremiah 13-15

Your words were found and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I am called by Your name, Yahweh God of hosts" (15:16).

Read it here.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Jeremiah 11-12

God is ever on their lips, but far from their conscience. (Jer. 12:2).  Let that one sink in.  Is it possible to give verbal acknowledgement to God...even worship him with our lips...but keep Him at bay from our consciences   YES!

Read it here.