Highlights:
God knew Jeremiah long before he was born (Jer. 1:4-5)! Is the Word of God in your mouth (1:9)? God reminds Judah of its blessings (2:1-7); of the people forsaking Him (2:13) and worshiping false gods (2:10-12,26-28). Israel more righteous than Judah (3:6-11); Judah warned (3:14-17); national restoration promised (3:16-18). God speaks (3:22)!
God revealed to Jeremiah that He has a plan and purpose for each of us even before our birth: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee . . . I knew thee; and . . . I sanctified thee (set you apart for God), and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jer. 1:4-5).
Through Jeremiah's revelation concerning the origin of human life, it is revealed that our birth is not our real beginning, nor will our death be our end. Since God is the Giver of Life, let us recognize the sanctity of all human life. Just think! God knew you and had a plan for your life even before you were conceived.
The Holy Spirit led King David to write: I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret (Ps. 139:14-15). Both mother and father have the biblical responsibility to recognize that every unborn child, from the moment of conception, belongs to its Creator God. Both parents are responsible as faithful stewards of God to teach their children to know, love, and be obedient to Him.
Through the Apostle Paul, God revealed that He (God) hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation (beginning) of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . . In whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance. . . . That . . . the Father of glory, may give unto you . . . The eyes of your understanding (mind) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 1:4-5,11,15-18).
We are special! Even before God laid the foundation of the world, He chose us to be His children through Jesus Christ, and, because of Him, we have received this inheritance from God.
God has chosen each of us for His sacred purpose. However, He has also given us the freedom to choose whom we will serve. Jesus stated an often overlooked fact when He said that no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other (Matt. 6:24).
Thought for Today:
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy (Ps. 147:11).
Christ Revealed:
As the Fountain of Living Waters (Jer.2:13). Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37-38; also 4:1-26).
Word Studies:
2:3 offend =be held guilty; 2:14 spoiled =laid waste, plundered; 2:18 Sihor =the Nile River; the river =the Euphrates; 2:31 lords =independent; 2:33 trimmest . . . thy way to seek love =do good (as a show to impress) to get love; 3:2 been lien with =acted like a prostitute; 3:9 lightness =shameless behavior; 3:10 feignedly =deceptively.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayer of thanksgiving for the marvelous blessings of God (Ps. 18:1-3).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 4
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:12