Bible Pathway - Aug. 21, 2010
Highlights:
Sinners resist the Word and try to execute the messenger (Jer. 26:1-15). Only five more kings (27:3). The priests and the people are all warned: Thus saith the Lord (27:16). Check out the "yoke." Sin's "yoke" is heavy and leads to death (chap. 28) while God's "yoke" is light and leads to abundant life (Matt. 11:28-30).
During the early part of Zedekiah's reign, God commanded Jeremiah to make a yoke and put it on his own neck, symbolizing the coming captivity of the kingdom of Judah. Now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him (Jer. 27:6). Jeremiah proclaimed that, because of their sin, along with that of Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon, God had appointed Nebuchadnezzar as ruler over all these nations (27:2-11; comp. Dan. 2:37-38). Sometime earlier, when he had prophesied something similar, the priesthood was determined to kill Jeremiah. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears (Jer.1 26:11).
When Jeremiah's prophecy was fulfilled and the Israelites were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, it began the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). We are nearing the end of that final generation when the times of the Gentiles (will) be fulfilled. God, in His sovereign power, has caused the Jews to return to Jerusalem and once again become a nation before the coming of the Messiah, King Jesus — just as He declared centuries ago. God has not indicated when it will take place. Therefore, we do not look for signs but should be prepared for that day.
If we fail to bear witness, others will have less opportunity to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord and escape eternal damnation, and we will have to answer to God for forfeited opportunities to bear fruit.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (sensibly), righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness), and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:11-14).
Thought for Today:
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings (Hos. 6:6).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah, who was falsely accused by the priests and the false prophets (Jer. 26:8-9). Our Lord was also threatened and falsely accused by the religious rulers of His day. The elders . . . and the chief priests and the scribes. . . . began to accuse Him, saying, We found this Fellow perverting (misleading) the nation, and forbidding to give tribute (tax) to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King (Luke 22:66 — 23:2; also John 8:48,59).
Word Study:
26:14 meet =ight; 27:19 the sea =he bronze laver at which the priests cleansed their hands and feet before entering the Temple; residue =emainder.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for understanding of His will as you read the Word of God (Ps. 25:5).
Optional Reading: I John 3
Memory Verse for the Week:
II Corinthians 4:17
