Bible Pathways - Aug. 23, 2008
August 23
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jeremiah is led by the Lord to buy a field and save the deed in an earthen vessel (32:14). Although God says: I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar), and he shall. . . . burn it with the houses (32:3,29), the Lord directs Jeremiah to purchase property as assurance that He also said: I will gather them out of all (the) countries, whither I have driven them . .. . and I will bring them again unto this place (32:37). Memorize 33:3; rejoice with 33:7,11; give thanks for the Branch of righteousness. . . . The Lord who loves, corrects, and protects His people (33:15-16).
The final attack on Jerusalem before its captivity began in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign (39:1). On the approach of Pharaoh's army from Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar's army temporarily withdrew to defeat the Egyptian army (37:5). Many in Jerusalem expected Egypt to prevail; but Jeremiah confidently declared that God had revealed that the Babylonians would destroy them. As punishment for foretelling the capture of the city, Jeremiah was put into the king's prison (32:2-5).
Ye shall not prosper (32:5). God decides all battles, no matter how great the army, how heroic the officers, or how skillful the commander. The Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts (32:18) can so confuse the best arranged plans that the battle will not go to the strong. As with nations so it is with men. Though they rise up early (and) . . . sit up late (Psalm 127:2), if God says: Ye shall not prosper, then failure shall follow.
Although Jeremiah could not see how God would accomplish the prophecy concerning the regathering of His people, Israel, his faith was in the unfailing Word of God, who declared: I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27).
Our faith in the Word of God can be measured by its effect upon our conduct. Even amid failure of human plans we can be sure that God is working in all things.
In the midst of darkness and confusion we can maintain our faith that out of darkness God can bring forth light; out of chaos, order (Genesis 1:2-3); and out of evil, good (50:20; Revelation 1:18).
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved (destroyed), what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. . . . that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Peter 3:10-14).
Thought for Today:
We can rest assured that, regardless of how things appear, whatever God says will come to pass.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah who, even though he was in prison, acted as a kinsman-redeemer by purchasing the land of his cousin Hanameel (Jer. 32:6-14; Lev. 25:25,49; Ruth 2:20; 3:12-13). Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer who purchased our freedom from sin, hell, and the grave with His own blood on Calvary (I Cor. 6:20; Gal. 4:4-5; Titus 2:13-14; Heb. 13:12; Rev. 1:18).
Word Study:
32:4 mouth to mouth =b> face to face; 32:10 evidence =b> deed; 32:25 for (second usage) =b> even though; 32:44 subscribe evidences =b> sign deeds.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God for His faithfulness and mercy in keeping all His promises (II Chron. 6:14-15).
Optional Reading: 1 John 5
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:18
