Jeremiah 50-51

O. T. #1830  "I Don't Understand"

Dec. 1, 2020

Jeremiah 51-Part 2

He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by His understanding. (verse 15)

LET IT GLOW

With everything going on in our world today, do you feel that you don't understand? You are not alone.  Perhaps in your own world you don't understand why things are happening. Here is what I found that can help us.

Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourselves-what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit, and therefore He understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like Him. The more you learn about God and His ways, the better you will understand yourself. (Life Application Study Bible)

Although this chapter is a prediction of doom for the Babylonian Empire, we can still find encouragement. What does Jeremiah have to say here?

It is good to praise the Lord as our Creator (El Eyon). Take a look at our key verse. How does it say He has created the earth, world, and heaven?

• by His power (might, strength, vigor);
• by His wisdom (skill);
• by His understanding (intelligence, discretion).

When we pray, do we acknowledge God as being all-powerful, all wise, and understanding? We can praise Him for those characteristics.

Psalm 146:5-6 tells us, Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord His God, the maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them.

The person who looks to the Lord-the Maker of heaven and earth-for their help is happy or blessed (the Hebrew word can be translated either way), because the Lord is faithful forever. He has no limitations and is eternally trustworthy. (Tony Evans)

Sometimes I just need these reassurances. Remember that God gives wisdom when we ask for it.

LET IT GROW

In verse 20, God uses Cyrus of Persia as His battle axe (a war club) against Babylon to destroy it for His purposes. Are you one of God's battle axes that He uses to destroy evil in your world?

Characteristics of God's battle axe:

1. Must be sharp. Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. We must know what it says when faced with temptations, trials and evil.
2. Must be free of rust. Otherwise, it is blunt and will not chop. Rust in us can be drugs, sleep, food, pride, disobedience, sexual impurity that can dull our witness and effectiveness for Jesus.
3. Must pass through fire. Fire sharpens a metal axe. Our fire can be afflictions, which make us stronger instruments in the hands of God.
4. Must be available and easy to use. Unless we are available for God to use, we are only a noisy gong without His love for others.

Being God's battle axe means you are His weapon of warfare to bring down the enemy. A battle axe cuts down, roots up, and breaks into pieces strong holds of the enemy, Satan. God used many of His servants to pierce the darkness in their world-Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Peter.

Can God count on you to be His battle axe, too? Be sharp in His Word, free of sinful rusts, strong in the fire, and available for His use.

LET IT GO

Lord we need Your wisdom and understanding.

Use us as a battle axe in our world.

Keep us available and ready to be easily used for Your purposes and glory in kingdom work.

 

O. T. #1829 "Who is Your Lord?"

Nov. 30, 2020

Jeremiah 51

LET IT GLOW

Did you notice this is a very long chapter? It continues a description of God's judgment upon Babylon. However, there are some gold nuggets found here:

• For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of Hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. (verse 5) God will not utterly forget nor destroy His people. Judah did return to Jerusalem and rebuild it and the Temple.(We are the remnant under grace according to Romans 11:5.)
• The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God. (verse 10) Jesus is our righteousness, for ours is as filthy rags.
• But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including His people, His own special possession. (verse 19a, NLT)
• The LORD of Heaven's Armies is His name! (verse 19b, NLT) The LORD of Hosts is His name. (KJV)

God's almighty power and wisdom in creation are evidences of His superiority to all idols. (verse 17,18) (MacArthur)

Will we acknowledge God as our Creator and all things, we are His own special possession, and Jesus is our righteousness? He is the LORD of Hosts. Who is Lord of your life, friend? 

LET IT GROW

History tells us that Cyrus, the King of Persia, with the Medes overthrew the Babylonian Empire in 539 BC, and formed the Medo-Persian Empire. Scripture also tells us in Isa 13 and 21, Daniel 5:28 and 31, as well as 8:20.

John MacArthur tells us, "The focus was first on Babylon's sudden fall on one night in 539 BC. the far view looks at the destruction of the final Babylon near the Second Advent when it is sudden. (Rev.18)"

Are we ready for the rapture?

LET IT GO

Jesus, only You are our Creator, Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Righteousness.

You are worthy of worship and praise, for only You are our God.

 

O. T. #1828 "Who is in Control ?"

Nov. 27, 2020

Jeremiah 50-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Folks, something is wrong and I cannot get the new post button to work, so here is where you will find it until I can get it working. Thanks for your patience and faithfulness.

So far in this chapter. we have learned our God is the LORD of hope, the habitation of justice, and strong Redeemer. He is the One who pardons sin; He pleads our cause; He gives rest. Now in verse 44, He says that He will bring a strong lion (Cyrus of Persia) upon Babylon and they will run away from it.

Then, in that verse, God asks 4 questions:

1. Who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? It is God who choses whom He will use for a task. Cyrus was chosen by divine appointment, became ruler over Babylon.
2. For who is like Me? In Isaiah 46:9, God proclaimed that He is God and there is no other and no one is like Him. 
3. Who will appoint Me the time? No one can contend with God and win in His court or battle.
4. Who is that shepherd that will stand before Me? No king or ruler can stand before God and prevail.

With His wisdom and power God chooses whomever He wills to perform whatever He gives them charge to do. He chose Neb to conquer Judah and Cyrus to conquer Neb; He chose Assyria to conquer Israel and Babylon to conquer Assyria. God chose Jesus to provide salvation for you and me.

Are anyone challenge God, to stand before Him question Him is a battle of wills? No one will win. God has the winning power, the say-so, and  way for His will to be accomplished. All we can do is yield to Him.

When God is on our side, no weapon formed against us shall stand, friend. so take on the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (Word of God), which He provides, and stand firm against the attacks of evil. The battle isn't actually ours, but God's battle. Let Him fight for you.

LET IT GROW

Although God used the sword of the Babylonians to fulfill His judgments, He will use His sword of war to turn on them and slay this empire. Six times God calls for a sword to smite the Babylonians in verses 35-37. It will attack their:

1. liars who were astrologers and soothsayers;
2. princes who had wealth and power;
3. mighty or wise men who were their philosophers and counselors; 
4. horses and chariots used in war;
5. treasures that will be robbed;
6. their waters will be dried up.

Don't you know that the world was shocked the greatest empire was overthrown so quickly? No earthly power, no matter how great, can last forever. God is in charge and He will raise up whom He desires and bring down whom He desires. We are all in His hands. After all, He's got the whole world in His hands!

LET IT GO

Let go of pride, philosophies, control, and things to God for His use and glory.

Use our treasures for Your glory, Jesus.

 

November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We pause this day to express our gratitude to our Creator, Savior, and Redeemer. Without Him, we would not be here; we would not have salvation and eternal life in heaven; without Him we would not enjoy thousands of thing for which we are thankful. Jesus is worthy of our praise! Glory to God in the highest.

Let us come before Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 95:2)

Thanksgiving is so encouraging... and so understated. No jingles to sing, no gifts to buy-just a day to be thankful. To look up and around and within and say, "Thank You, Lord." (Day By Day devotional by Charles Swindoll)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)

Be like that one leper: Take time to give thanks-and mean it. (Billy Graham)

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to god the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Paul learned to give thanks even in the midst of great adversity-unjustly accused, brutally treated, separated from friends, harsh treatment in a Roman prison. Yet, instead of complaints, his lips rang with words of praise and thanksgiving!

Take a moment to think about the Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth. They taught us to give thanks. Seven times as many graves were made for the dead than homes were made for the living. Seed from England failed to grow. A ship bringing food and relief only brought 35 more mouths to feed, without provisions. They had almost nothing by today's standards. However, they possessed a profound and heartfelt gratitude to God for His love and mercy. [taken from Wisdom for Each Day by Billy Graham]

Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:13)

So let us be grateful, dear one, wrapping ourselves in His amazing grace and selfless, unending love.

For what are you thankful today?

Open our eyes to see the needs of others, Jesus. Use us to meet those needs in Your name.

 

 

O. T. #1828 "Our Redeemer is Strong"

Nov. 25, 2020

Jeremiah 50-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

May I take a moment and thank the Lord for giving my husband and I 48 years of marriage today? Sure it hasn't been all roses, but life just isn't. Challenges are always around the next corner. Our commitment to each other and to the Lord has remained faithful, and held us together. May I encourage you to do so? It does get sweeter as the days go by. Hold on so the world does not come between you. And forgive each other, not holding grudges. Love covers a multitude of sins. Then you, too, can share the blessings of God with others.

Amidst the long chapter of doom for Babylon, there lies words of hope for Israel, Judah, and us. It is found in verse 34. Jeremiah prophesied that the people of Judah would be taken and held captive by Babylon for 70 years. What comfort in their distress does Jeremiah say is available to them?

• Their Redeemer [gaw-al' in Hebrew; refers to a purchase; a ransom; to be the next of kin (as to buy back a relative's property)] is strong (mighty; harder). Job 19 says he knew his Redeemer lives; in Isaiah 49, he speaks of the Redeemer of Israel; Ps.38 mentions the High God their Redeemer. Jesus Christ is the Redeemer to which these are referring. He purchased our salvation with His blood so we can have eternal life in heaven. It is a free gift to us.
• His name is the Lord of Hosts, which His people call Him and can call upon Him. Jesus is all-powerful. He has heaven's armies at His command and can avenge the enemies of His children.
• He shall thoroughly (exceedingly) plead (to defend) their cause. Who better to have defend us than Jesus!
• That He may give rest to the land, spiritual rest.
• Jesus will disquiet (be afraid, shake) the inhabitants of Babylon. The enemy of God and Judah was Babylon. The Lord of Hosts will wipe them out.

Is Jesus your Redeemer? He purchased us with His blood sacrifice on the cross so we do not have to pay for our sins. He covers us with His righteousness because ours is filthy rags so we are accepted by the Heavenly Father. Jesus rights the wrongs and avenges our injuries done to us. In Him we find spiritual rest. How can we but thank and praise Him!

LET IT GROW

Jeremiah has a lot to say about the future of Babylonians:

• Their idols will we broken into pieces and confounded. (verse 2)
• Their land will be desolate, with man and beast removed. (verse 3)
• Persia is the one who will come out of the north to conquer them. (verse 3)
• It will be a wasteland, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. (verse 12) Iraq is modern Babylon, so it is today as desert.
• God takes vengeance on them because they were proud, destroyed His Temple, and defiled the Lord. (verses 28-29)
• There shall be no more inhabitants forever. (verse 39)
• They refused to let go  the children of Israel and Judah so God brought the Persian army to destroy Babylon. (verse 33)

We know that God's Word is true and He keeps His Word. All of this happened to the Babylonians, even though they were used to bring judgment to Judah.

 

LET IT GO

Great are You Lord Jesus.

It's Your breath in our lungs so we pour out our praise to You.

All the earth will shout Your praise.

These bones will say, "Great are You Lord!"