Suffering

O. T. #1806 "Suffering"

Oct. 23, 2020

Jeremiah 37

LET IT GLOW

We left King Jehoiakim burning Jeremiah's scroll of God's Word. How complacent, insensitive, and evil he had become to the truth. He and his family suffered for this one act-none would be on the throne in Israel/Judah. Jehoiakim died and his son was taken to Babylon. Then their uncle Zedekiah became  king of Judah, by Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon.

Here we read of the siege of Jerusalem in chapters 37-39. What happened in this chapter?

•  During the time Zed reigned, neither he, his servants, nor the people hearkened to God's Word. (verse 2)
• The king sent a message to Jeremiah asking for prayer-Pray now unto the LORD our God for us. (verse 3) Would Jeremiah intercede for the people? Probably the king desired victory by the Egyptians so the Babylonian army would leave Judah standing.
• The Babylonian army temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem when the Pharoah of Egypt's army came there to help the Jews. (verse 5)
• The Lord's message to the king was that the Egyptians would leave and the Caldeans would come again and burn the city. (verses 7-9) It happened as the Lord had said.

God is never at a loss for means to accomplish His purposes. Matthew 3:9 (Falwell)

It didn't depend on human ability but on God's sovereign judgment. (Tony Evans)

Actually, the kings and people of Judah brought on the disasters themselves. If only they had repented of their sins of idolatry, they would have been spared. But it did not happen.

God gives us opportunities to repent and turn from our sinful ways. How faithful He is. God forgives sin when we are sincere to ask for forgives.  

LET IT GROW

Well, it is sad what happened to Jeremiah. He was leaving Jerusalem through the Gate of Benjamin to go to his hometown, but he was grabbed by an officer. He was falsely accused of treason, deserting to the enemy, beaten, and placed in prison, a dungeon, for many days. (verse 11-16)

Are we willing to suffer for the Lord Jesus, our faith, and His Word? We should be. After all, look at how Jesus suffered for us to give us salvation by faith in Him.

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, please intercede and forgive America for her sins. We have killed so many innocent babies through abortion and allowed homosexuality to continue without condemning it. We are guilty of allowing idols in our personal lives. We elect evil, rebellious, people in our government leadership. Please give us godly leaders who seek Your will. Your Word and prayer has been removed from our public schools and buildings. Please have mercy on us sinners and prevent evil armies from conquering us.

Lord, raise up believers to stand firm for Your Word and ways. Protect us as we strive to proclaim the gospel and truth.

In the name of Jesus our Savior,

Amen