Bible Pathways - Aug. 23, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah imprisoned, then buys a field at Anathoth; return to Jerusalem promised; Christ, the Branch of Righteousness, promised

The king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house (Jeremiah 32:2). Yet, under such adverse circumstances when the destruction of the nation was imminent, the Lord told Jeremiah: Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans (32:25). Without hesitation Jeremiah paid for the land, took receipts, registered the purchase, then handed over the documents in the presence of many witnesses (32:9-12).

This business transaction would have seemed ridiculous to those who had heard Jeremiah's repeated warnings of approaching destruction and captivity. But, Jeremiah had also proclaimed that the people would be restored to the land, and this purchase of land was evidence of his faith that the Sovereign God would faithfully fulfill His Word.

Although Jeremiah could not see how God would accomplish this prophecy, his faith was in the unfailing Word of God, who also said: I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (32:27). God gave Jeremiah a fresh assurance concerning the future of Israel by saying: I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them . . . and I will bring them again unto this place . . . to dwell safely (32:37). How wonderful to know that, in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, we can rest assured that God is merciful and will protect and provide for the needs of His faithful servants. The Lord's invitation still is: Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things (33:3).

Our faith in the Word of God can be measured by the influence we allow it to have upon our conduct. 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).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jeremiah who acted as a kinsman-redeemer by purchasing the land of his cousin Hanameel even though he was in prison (Jeremiah 32:6-14; also Leviticus 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 Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 13:12).

Word Study:

32:4 mouth to mouth =b> face to face; 32:10 evidence =b> deed; 32:44 subscribe evidences =b> sign deeds.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Stacy Belisle's Birthday · Staff: Ken Sharp · Government Official: Justice Anthony Kennedy · Country: Hungary (11 million) in east-central Europe Major language: Hungarian New freedom has opened the door to evangelism and Bible distribution 61% Roman Catholic; 24% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that Jesus' blood has cleansed you from sin (I John 1:7,9).

Optional Reading: I John 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 91:2