Bible Pathways - Aug. 14, 2008
August 14
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jeremiah lived about 100 years after Isaiah. Notice the problem: a faithful Lord vs an unfaithful people (2:1-3:5). The Lord holds them accountable for two evils (2:13). The popular majority react to God like rebellious children. In contrast is a minority of spiritually-minded believers who were obedient to the Word of God like Jeremiah and Isaiah. The Kingdom of Judah disregards the judgment of God on Israel's apostasy. As a result the Lord calls Judah treacherous and backsliders (3:11,14).
God is the Source of all that nourishes, enriches, and satisfies our dependent nature — the Fountain of Living Waters (2:13). Real satisfactions physically, emotionally, and spiritually are only available from God. This is life eternal, that they might know Thee (John 17:3).
In the desert climate of Palestine, water was the first necessity for human existence. No one would exchange an artesian well with abundant water for a man-made, broken cistern that could hold no water.
But the nation of Judah was even more foolish: My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this. . . . For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the Fountain of Living Waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:11-13).
The two evils are the same thing. There is the self-willed departure from God and the self-sufficient life. They have forsaken Me. All sin is a forsaking of God. The dream of a self-sufficient life leads to disappointment and death. Yet, they callously deserted Him for their man-made, lifeless gods which cannot sustain life. What a shocking example of ingratitude! This illustrates the self-sufficient human nature of mankind who refuse to be loyal to God.
The people of Judah were symbolic of those who reject the Bible as the Fountain of Living Water. Many have turned to the popular books by men. But compared to the Word of God, they are no more than cisterns, that can hold no water. Many writings of men may be helpful, but they are not equal to or to be a substitute for the Bible as the source of all truth.
It was no easy matter for Jeremiah to come boldly forward and threaten the judgment of God against his country. Jeremiah was to speak only what God commanded him. It is our duty to be equally faithful. Truth is not the private property of us in America; it is the rightful heritage of all the world. That is why it is so important to provide Bibles and Bible Pathways to all who request them. In a real sense our lives are a type of our Lord's. Like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, we are choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:7-26).
Thought for Today:
Satan's lies will take the place of God's blessings in our lives if we don't know God's Word.
Christ Revealed:
As the Fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 2:13). Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37; also 4:1-26).
Word Studies:
2:3 offend =b> be held guilty; 2:14 spoiled =b> laid waste, plundered; 2:18 Sihor =b> the Nile River; the river =b> the Euphrates; 2:31 lords =b> independent; 2:33 trimmest =b> scheme; 3:2 been lien with =b> acted like a prostitute; 3:9 lightness =b> shameless behavior; 3:10 feignedly =b> deceptively.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Robin Hayes (NC) and Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY) • Country: Brunei (400,000) on the northern coast of Borneo • Major languages: Malay and English • Limited religious freedom • 66% Muslim; 19% Chinese religions; 6% animist; 4% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Kneel in a humble spirit of reverence as you pray to the Lord (I Kings 8:54).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 4
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17
