Stubbornness

O. T. #1819  "Stubbornness"

Nov. 11, 2020

LET IT GLOW

Today is a special day for two reasons. First, it is the day set aside to honor our veterans past and present. Let them know how much we appreciate them. Second, it is my mother's birthday. Had she lived, she would be 98, but she has been gone some 23 years now. If your mother is alive, let her know you love her.

Thank you for continuing with me as we study this book of the Bible together. It hasn't been easy has it? Dare I say we have learned a lot? So hang in there for there are only a few more chapters to go. I pray you will be blessed for your faithfulness to study God's Word.

We have learned about the stubbornness of Judah to repent of their idolatry and God's judgment on them as He used Babylon to burn down the Temple and Jerusalem, as well as the land. They were without excuse for God had sent several prophet to warn them, including Jeremiah, to warn them what would happen if they did not return to worship only God.

With that said, shall we dive into the last few chapters left? Jeremiah gives prophecies against various Gentile nations here. They would drink the cup of God's wrath, doom. These may have been given to Jeremiah at different times and collected according to the nations, but not chronologically. (Because God still had a future for His chosen people, He would deal with those nations who mistreated and oppressed them.) It should be placed after chapter 25.  

The first nation was Egypt, who was going to be brought into the divine court for its sentence pronounced. We recall how God rescued His children from slavery there many centuries earlier (Exodus). Many people of Judah put themselves under bondage again as they ran off to Egypt for protection from Babylon, disobeying God.

Here is a summary of what happened:

• Babylon's army overthrew Pharaoh Nech's army some 19 years after Jerusalem fell. Nech had grand plans to conquer the world, but it did not happen. His panic-stricken army stumbled over each other trying to get away from the slaughter. (verses 5-6)
• Great talkers are little doers, according to Matthew Henry. Pharaoh did not save Egypt from Babylon, For this is the day of the Lord God of Hosts, a day of vengeance... (verse 10)
• Some time lapsed between verses 2 and 13. Neb's father died so he returned to Babylon.

What encouragement can  we find?  Look at verses 27-28. God speaks comfort and peace. The Jews already captives in Babylon would receive God's mercy, but corrected. (They remained there 70 years.)

• God would save the remnant and their seed from the land of captivity afar. (verse 27a)
• Israel would return to a life of peace and quiet and no one would terrorize them. (verse 27b)
• God said He would completely destroy the nations where Israel was exiled. (verse 28)
• God could not let Israel go unpunished; He would discipline them with justice. (verse 28)

And we know God kept His word. A remnant was sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild it. Could you use a life of peace and quiet? Even a day? It probably was needed while children were home for school last spring. God is a present help in our time of trouble, so turn to Him.

LET IT GROW

• When he returned to Egypt, there was a different Pharaoh, Hophra.
• The Lord laid it out how Neb would conquer Egypt. (verses 13-26)
• Nech had passed the time appointed. (verse 17)

 There was coming a day of peace in Egypt when they are converted to Christianity-the Millennium reign of Christ. It will be a time of peace worldwide. Egypt will worship the One True God then. (see Isaiah 19)

LET IT GO

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior? He is the only way to heaven.

Today you can know where you will spend eternity.

Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior.

Then you will be heaven bound, too.