Bible Pathway - Aug. 19, 2010
Highlights:
God speaks to (1) Judah, that's you (Jer. 19:3-15); (2) Zedekiah and the rebellious people, Babylon wins (21:7-10); (3) the Royal Family, do right or else (21:11—22:5); (4) the Palace, destroyed (22:6-9); (5) Jehoahaz (Shallum), you're gone (22:10-12); (6) Jehoiakim, you're dead and no one cares (22:13-23); (7) Jehoiachin (Coniah), exited, no heirs, nothing (22:24-30).
During the last days of the kingdom of Judah, Jeremiah courageously faced the son of the chief governor of the high priest and said: Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies . . . and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. . . . And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity . . . to Babylon, and there thou shalt die . . . thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies (Jer. 20:4,6).
Soon the people of Judah learned of the defeat of Assyria and Egypt. With Nebuchadnezzar's victory in the battle at Carchemish, Babylon emerged as the new dominant world power. This confirmed Isaiah's prophecy about 100 years earlier (Is. 39:6-7).
Even after being fully informed of the results of rejecting the Word of God, the religious leaders not only refused to repent, but they began a campaign to discredit Jeremiah before the king and the nation. In prison, Jeremiah was discouraged as he wrote: I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His Name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and . . . I could not stay (hold it in) (Jer. 20:9). Jeremiah may have thought that he had failed to communicate the importance of obeying the Word of God. Most spiritual leaders have, at some time, felt that they failed in fulfilling their God-given responsibility. But, far beyond all his own expectations, Jeremiah has been an inspiration to millions for many centuries. Our Creator has assured us: My Word . . . shall not return unto Me void (without result), but . . . it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Is. 55:11).
Regardless of circumstances, everyone who is devoted to the Lord and to teaching the Word of God or who provides the money to make it possible for others to teach His Word has laid up treasures in heaven. Jesus promised: For every tree is known by his own fruit. . . . A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good (Luke 6:44-45). Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
Thought for Today:
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who pronounces judgment upon those who refuse to obey His Word (Jer. 19:15). The Father . . . committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:
19:3 his ears shall tingle =will be utterly stunned by the news; 19:9 straitness =anguish, distress; 20:3 Magor-missabib =terror on every side; 20:11 mighty terrible one =awe-inspiring one, heroic champion.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Dan Murton • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Ps. 19:14).
Optional Reading: 1 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17
