Are We Grateful for What We Have?

O. T. #1824 "Are We Grateful for What We Have?"

Nov. 18 & 19, 2020

Jeremiah 49-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Is there any encouragement to be found in this chapter? We can find it in verse 25, I think: How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!  

I can think of several cities in our nation that could be described as such. People go there for entertainment and a fun night on the town. However, now with this deadly virus spreading, I think few have a desire to visit them for their pleasure. Since I live in a rural area, I feel safer if I don't go to those cities, especially now when schools and restaurants are being closed down. If you live in a large city, I pray for your safety.

Damascus, a heathen city, is a city of praise and joy of God? No, I think I had the wrong idea, folks.

 MacArthur translates Damascus as "the city of renown," famous because it is located in an oasis and for its trade.

Matthew Henry's Commentary described Damascus as a city of praise, not to God, but to herself, a city much commended and admired by all strangers that visited it. A city of joy, with affluence of all delights of enjoyment of them. It was a city of the Prophet Jeremiah, who had sometimes visited with pleasure. Or it could be the speech of the king lamenting the ruin of the city of his joy. But now it is all overwhelmed with fear and grief. Those deceive themselves that place their happiness in carnal joys; for God in His providence can soon cast a damp upon them and put an end to them. He can soon make a city of praise to be a reproach and a city of joy to be a terror to itself.

Today we will continue the prophesies of Jeremiah as the Lord God gave them for they city of Damascus and the kingdoms of Arabia (Kedar and Hazor) and their doom ahead.

LET IT GROW

First some background on the cities of Damascus and others in Syrian area:

• Damascus was a chief city and capital of Syria, Aram.
• It was located at the intersection of 3 major caravan trade routes and north of Israel. (Ezekiel 27:18)
• It was the city of joy of the people. (verse 25)
• In 732 BC, Damascus was subdued by Egypt, then Babylon.
• Its city of Hamath was on the northern limit of Solomon's rule and some 110 miles north of Damascus in southern Syria. 
•  Aleppo  in northern Syria was 105 miles from Damascus.
• They devised cruel evils against Israel in the palaces of Ben-Hadad, thus the reason for their destruction. God sent Babylon's army to overthrow them.

What was the destiny for these cities? There would be no trade, no wealth, and no treasures there. If we have our necessities provided, then we are rich and blessed when we have what we need, friend. Are we thankful for the food on our table and clothes on our back? Are we grateful for all our God has given to our family?

LET IT GO

Open our eyes, Jesus, to see how much You have blessed us.

Gove us a grateful heart today.

Use us to share with others in need.

*Just a note as to why I didn't finish this post earlier. I had to prepare for my colonoscopy and the camera in my esophagus, drinking my party mix after a day of only liquids. My test was Tuesday, so I am still a bit weak from it. However, it had been 5 years since my previous one, so that was a blessing, since I have crohns disease. A good sized polyp was removed and a metal clip placed there to stop the bleeding. God is so good, for He saw me through all of this week, in my weaknesses. I give Him thanks and praise for sustain my breath and heart beating through it all. (My last test put me in the hospital for being dehydrated and depleted potassium and magnesium.) Although I have had some rather sleepless nights since then due to the pain, I am still here. Great are You my Jesus, Lord and Savior!   

Pride

O. T. #1823 "Pride"

Nov. 17, 2020

Jeremiah 49-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

 Another prophesy of  doom is on Edom this time. (verses 7-22) These people were descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, whose descendants were the Israelites. Their father was Isaac. Jacob received the blessing of his father, although through deception.

The Edomites were located southeast of the Dead Sea in the mountains, modern Jordan. They were known for their wisdom. One of Job's so called friends was from the northern part of Edom. However, their wisdom could not save Edom from God's wrath. Being a rock fortress, Edom thought they were invincible and secure. This pride destroyed the individuals and the nation of Edom. Ruin came as they were in ruin spiritually.

Pride makes us think we can take care of ourselves without God's help. Even when we serve God and others, we can become prideful. We should take inventory of our life and service for God. Ask Him to point out and remove any pride we may be harboring.

LET IT GROW

As Esau was cursed for his godlessness, so his descendants were punished for theirs. The great caravan route, the King's Highway, passed along the eastern plateau of Edom. (Numbers 20) It was a commercial route used often. See why Edom was so prideful?

The LORD said to Edom, I will cut you down to size among the nations. (verse 15)

Pride goes before destruction. Even though the Edomites felt secure because of their  geographic location (verse 16), but it would offer no protection from the Lord who would swoop down like an eagle to devastate them. (verse 22) (Tony Evans)

The weakest of the Chaldeans shall drag them away. Verse 11 says that God would protect the orphans and widows and they can depend on Him for help.

For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What ruler can oppose My will?  (verse 19 NLT)

And we all say, "None, Lord God for You are all powerful."

Are we depending on our God for His protection?

Are surrendered to His will or do we challenge His authority over us?

LET IT GO

We are trusting in Jesus, to watch over us, to do what is right, and according to Your will.

Help us let go of pride and control.

May the truth and godly prevail in Your will.

 

 

 

Captives Released

O. T. #1822  "Captives Released"

Nov. 16, 2020

Jeremiah 49

LET IT GLOW

Have you, like me, felt held captive in our own home this year? With the threat of a deadly virus, we isolate ourselves trying to avoid it. But I became overwhelmed and down. Finally, I had enough and went to our shop a couple of times a week and to worship services on Sunday. We were made to need people. I am trusting in God to protect me. I had to step out in faith first though. How about you, dear one? Do you need to be released like a captive in today's lesson?

 

We discovered who Moab was and their doom coming as Jeremiah prophesied it. Now, the nation of  Ammon, who were also descendants of Lot through incest, had the same future ahead of them. (As well as the other 4 nations spoken of in this long chapter-Edom, Damascus, Arabia, and Elam.)

David had captured the Ammonite's capital (2 Sam. 11:1); during Jehoshaphat's reign, the Ammonites invaded Judah (2Chron. 20:1-30). They harassed King Jehoiakim and helped destroy the administration of Gedaliah (40:11-14). Other prophets predicted their doom-Ezekiel, Amos, Zeph. (Falwell)

The Ammonites were condemned for stealing land from God's people (tribe of Gad) and for worshiping the god Molech, to whom they sacrificed children.  They trusted in her isolation and materialism, but the seeds of sin always bring a harvest of judgment (Galatians 6:7-8)

LET IT GROW

King Nebuchadnezzrar of Babylon defeated Ammon in the fifth year after Jerusalem was destroyed. Yet, God promised one day to restore the fortunes of the Ammonites (verse 6) and bring back the captives. This was partially fulfilled under Cyrus, but will be more complete in the coming kingdom of the Messiah's second return. 

We must be sure our hope is in Jesus Christ. Then our hope will be renewed with strength. We will be like eagles, soaring above their problems; running and not growing weary; walking and not fainting. (Isaiah 40:31)

LET IT GO

 Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Keep soaring, running, and walking with Jesus.

Who is Your King?

O. T. #1821 "Who is Your King?

Nov. 13, 2020

Jeremiah 48

LET IT GLOW

So far, we have read about Jeremiah's prophesies of doom against Egypt and Philistia, the foreign nations. Now we find out that Moab was doomed, also. Moab was a heathen nation located east of the Dead Sea, having lavish vineyards. What else do we know about Moab?

For some background, we will look into previous books:

• Genesis 19-Lot, who was Abraham's relative, was rescued from Sodom and Gomorrah before God destroyed them. Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back to see the destruction. Now Lot's two daughters survived, also. They got Lot drunk and conceived sons Moab and Ammon by their father.
• Numbers 22-After the Hebrews left Egypt headed to the Promised Land, Moab would not allow them to cross their land. Also, their king summoned Balaam to curse the Hebrews, but did not. Therefore, bitterness toward Israel endured for centuries. (Nehemiah 13)
• Numbers 25-The Moabite women seduced the Hebrew men into immorality and idolatry.
• 2 Samuel 8-War continued off and on between the two  until David finally subdued them.
• Assyria controlled Moab during the  8th century; then came Neb of Babylon.

David's great-grandmother was a Moabitess, Ruth. Therefore, Jesus had Moabite blood in His veins. It is this King Jesus of the Jews who gives this dooming message to Jeremiah.

Zechariah 9:9 tells Jerusalem to look, for their King was coming-He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey's colt.

That was fulfilled according to Matthew 21:9, when it occurred as Jesus entered the holy city and people spread out garments and tree branches for their King. then, Jesus said He identified Himself, saying, I am King of the Jews, found in John 19:19.

In Revelation 17:14, we read where the kings of this world will make war with the Lamb (Jesus), and He will overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.

Then when Jesus comes riding on a white horse from heaven, He will wear a robe on which is written, King of all kings and LORD of all lords.

Who is your king? Is it Jesus or the next president? Are you faithful?

LET IT GROW

What do we learn about Moab?

• There will be cities of devastation and great destruction. (verse 3)
• They would be taken captive because they trusted in their wealth and skill. (verse 7)
• Their god Chemosh, priests, and officials, will be hauled off. (verse 7)
• they will be ashamed when they trusted in their idol Chemosh and their gold calf at Bethel. (verse13)
• Although they had lived in peace, calamity was coming for Moab. (verse 16)
• They were prideful, arrogant, haughty in heart, boastful people. (verses 29-30)
•  the destroyer will strip bare their grape vines. (verse 32)
• Joy and gladness will be gone from fruitful Moab. (verse 33)
• There will be crying, and sorrow in every Moabite home and on every street. (verse 38)
• Terror, traps, and snares will be their lot. (verse 43)

Then God will allow a remnant of Moab to return to the land. Through their descendants will come the Messiah. (Ruth) (verse 47) Isn't that encouragement for Israel and Moab? Jesus provides salvation to free people from the eternal effects of their sins, and gives hope for this future.

 Isn't that mercy, not getting what we deserve? Dear friend, are you free from the penalty of sin? You can be by trusting in Jesus as your Savior and asking Him to forgive you of those sins. Then one day we will meet in heaven and worship the King of kings together forever.

LET IT GO

Let go of pride, arrogance, a haughty heart, for our life is all about Jesus.

Let Christian joy and gladness be evident in our life today.

 

Cutting Swords, Cutting Words

O. T. #1820 "Cutting Swords, Cutting Words"

Nov. 12, 2020

Jeremiah 47

For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

LET IT GLOW

Will you agree with me that words can cut us to the very soul and heart? They can be so sharp that it is like a knife cutting out our heart. Evil words and hateful words can continue to ring in our mind for years. But there is a remedy for this kind of pain. In today's reading, we find a nation facing the same situation. Read on friend.

What encouragement can we find here? Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Egypt, and it happened. Now he is prophesying the destruction of Philistia where those cruel Philistines lived along the coastal plain next to Judah. They always had been a thorn in Israel's side. They were always fighting in battles. You will recall when David brought down one of their giants with only pebbles (and God's power) in 1 1Samuel 17. They were the wrongs in a world of wrongs.

Other prophets spoke against  Philistia-Isaiah14, Ezekiel 25, Amos 1, Zephaniah 2. Philistia was destroyed in 604 B.C. by the Babylonians, sent by God. The Philistines were so frightened that they did not even  turn back for their sons. (verse 3)

How long will these cut themselves? (verse 5) The Philistines will loose everything so they will be cutting themselves as a sign of sorrow. As long as the sword of the Lord cuts them, is the answer. Jeremiah begs them to put up their sword, to rest, and be still. (verse 6) The prophet had compassion and wanted to see an end of the war. How can the sword be still when God sent it on a mission? (verse 7) It must fulfill its charge. They were reduced to nothing when God was finished with them.

The solution for the Philistines was repentance of their sins, turn from idolatry, and love God as the One and Only.

Dear friend, Jesus' love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on us, as the song says. Jesus is our hope in hopeless times. Nothing can overwhelm us that He has defeated it. We must trust in our Lord Jesus to do what is right in a world of wrongs. 

Will we cling to Jesus and His Word? 

LET IT GROW

Now look at our key verse. What is sharper than any 2 edged sword? It is God's Word. How is it described?

• alive and powerful;
• sharper than any 2 edged sword;
• cuts between the soul and spirit;
• cuts between joint and marrow;
• exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Nothing in creation is hidden from our God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. (NLT)

Doesn't this explain why some people rebel against the truth? They don't love God's Word and do not want to be cut up in their soul and thoughts by guilt of their sin. They despise the corrections it gives, so they avoid hearing it. Also, they want to get rid of the ones delivering the truth. When the solution is so simple-admit they are a sinner in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ, but pride prevents this. 

Pray for those we know in this condition.

If we are the ones who have had our heart cut out with cutting words, we need to turn to Jesus. He is Healer. Let His healing love flow down into the chambers of our soul and the closets of our mind.

LET IT GO

Father, keep us loving Your Word.

May we hide it in our heart so we don't sin against You, Holy Father.

Please use us to share and stand for Your truth.

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.

 

 

Discouragement or Encouragement?

O. T. #1818  "Discouragement or Encouragement?"

Nov. 10, 2020

Jeremiah 45

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it easy to become discouraged when things don't go our way or troubles seem to pile on us like laundry does? We are not the only ones to whom this happens. In our chapter, we read of one such man, who was even close to the prophet Jeremiah. It was his scribe and secretary, Baruch. 

Why identify yourself with a hated preacher like Jeremiah when you could be a popular secretary to the king? (Wiersby)

What a good job offer. Baruch had a brother, Seraiah, who was one of the king's officers. (51:59) Yep, he had people in high places. This chapter is actually out of chronological order. It should appear after chapter 36, during the fourth year reign of  King Jehoiakim. That is when Jeremiah had to redictate his/the LORD's words because the king burned the scroll. Of course, Baruch had to rewrite it again, too. Since the theme of that chapter was the scroll and not the scribe, chapter 45 was placed here.

Baruch was told at the beginning of this ministry of the difficulties ahead. Perhaps he did not expect it to be so hard. God knew Baruch's heart and spoke to Jeremiah about it. What was Baruch seeking? Great things, such as recognition, popularity, a career advancement? Had Baruch chosen to leave Jeremiah and the Word of God, he would have lost everything, including his life, for Babylon came to destroy the land of Judah. However, God promised to spare Baruch's life. Can't beat that benefit, huh. As it was, God protected Baruch's life and used him in His service.

Like Jeremiah and Baruch, Paul suffered persecution and troubles because of the Word of Truth he shared. (2 Timothy 2:8-9) At the close of his life, Paul was able to say, "I have kept the faith."

Will we be able to say the same thing?  

LET IT GROW

 This small chapter is a message to Baruch.  He became discouraged in the work. It must have been difficult to work with a prophet that was unpopular and writing his book of judgments. Did you notice  the scribe poured out his heart to God? (verse 3) God rebuked the scribe by telling him to take his eyes himself and the rewards he thought he deserved. God encouraged Baruch, promising to spare Baruch's life and protect him. (However, his dream of bright lights would go unfulfilled.) God gave Baruch the best gift he could have asked for, didn't He?

Life Application Study Bible says it best:

 It is easy to lose the joy of serving our God when we take our eyes off Him. The more we look away from God's purposes toward our own sacrifices, the more frustrated we will become. As you serve God, beware of focusing on what you are giving up. When this happens, ask God's forgiveness; then redirect your attention to the incomparable privilege of serving God.

Isn't it better  than great? Folks, all that we have and are, we owe to Jesus, the giver of all good things. Even though we may not have great things, as far as the world's standards, we are still rich when we have Jesus. Life itself is something we should be thankful for each day. Although we may have disappointments of not getting great things, we need to consider that the best is yet to come-heaven. So let's honor and glorify and serve God in the here and now. God is in control of all things; may we put our faith and trust in Him. 

LET IT GO

All Your precepts concerning all things, I consider to be right; I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:128 NKJV

Thank You Jesus for living in us, protecting us, and providing for us.

To You be glory, honor, and praise, Sweet Savior.

May we be encouragers to others.