Highlights:
God warns Judah of impending destruction unless hearts and minds are cleansed (Jer. 4:3-4). The prophet grieves (4:19-22) over visions of Judah's coming judgment (4:23-31). Not one man that seeketh the truth to save the city (5:1-9,19-25). A last warning (6:1-9). Judah's constant rebellion results in rejection (6:10-30).
The prophet Jeremiah began his public ministry during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (Jer. 1:2). He exposed the worldly, compromising lifestyle of the Israelites when he called them a foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not. . . . this people hath . . . a rebellious heart. . . . your sins have withholden good things from you (5:21,23,25). The reason for their lack of understanding was clear — they were rebellious against God in their hearts. Jeremiah lamented: The Word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. . . . every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely (6:10-13). Josiah's grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon were wicked kings who had led the people to forsake God and had encouraged worship of false gods.
However, young Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father (ancestor), and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left (II Kin. 22:2). No doubt, Jeremiah was a great encouragement and influence on Josiah. After he had purged the land, Josiah began repairing the Temple and restoring worship of the One True God (II Chr. 34:8-33). He then initiated a Passover Feast unequaled in Israel's history from the days of the judges . . . (and) in all the days of the kings (II Kin. 23:22).
Following Josiah's death (23:30-32), his son, Jehoahaz reverted to the evil ways of both Amon and Manasseh. With deep concern, we see a parallel between Judah's false gods and immorality that led to its defeat, and America's growing false religions, moral decline, and sexual sins.
The Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to warn us: The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts . . . they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (false teachings) (II Tim. 4:3-5).
The true Christian is taught: Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).
Thought for Today:
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart (Prov. 3:3).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah, whom God commissioned to reveal His Truth (Jer. 4:2). Jesus shall one day judge all mankind with His Truth (Ps. 96:13; John 5:22). Jesus said: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Every one that is of the Truth heareth My voice (John 18:37).
Word Studies:
4:6 retire, stay not =go in haste to take refuge, don't delay; 4:22 sottish =devoid of spiritual understanding; 5:10 battlements =branches; 5:13 wind =full of words, but speaking nothing from God; 5:30 wonderful =monstrous, shocking; 6:30 reprobate silver =dejected, despised, trash.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Judy Biggert (IL), Justice Stephen Breyer, Del. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa), and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in time of trouble, for He promises to hear us (Ps. 18:6).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 5
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17