Living in a Messed Up World

O. T. #1817 "Living in a Messed Up World"

Nov. 9, 2020

Jeremiah 44-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Even in a messed up world, there are lovely things around us. I look outside and see the bright sun shining on dull brown leaves of oak trees, shiny yellow leaves of the pecan tree, and red leaves barely hanging on. How grateful I am to be able to see colors, for I know one guy who can't because he is color blind. Then there are cutie pie kittens wrestling. Birds are in the woods singing praises to their Creator. They don't know they live in a world turned upside down. Their heavenly Father keeps providing for them.  

There are some things we can learn about our God in this chapter:

• He brings evil as a punishment  on disobedient people. (verse 2)
• He can be provoked to anger. (verse 3)
• He sends His servant prophets with warnings. (verse 4)
• He pours out His fury and anger when people had not hearkened (listen, understand, discern, obedience), inclined their ear, nor stopped burning incense to false gods. (verses 5-6)
• He can cut off our future generations. (verse 7)
• He established His laws, statutes, and testimonies, for all to obey. (verses 10,23)
• He has power to send famine, pestilence, and the sword. (verses 12-13)
• He remembers things we do. (verse 21)
• When He swares by His name to do something, then He does it. (verse 6)
• The Lord God liveth. (verse 26)
• He watches over us to bring good or disaster. (verse 27)
• He shows mercy to those who repent, turn to obey Him. (verse 28)
• His Words stand (remain, strengthen, rise up, succeed, lift up). (verse 28)
• He gives signs. (verse 29)
• He keeps His Word. (verse 29)

Does God's Word strengthen us and lift us up? It will remain forever. It will succeed in accomplishing its purpose.  

God kept His Word and sent the Babylonian army to wipe out Egypt. So we need to be on God's side, loving Him and obeying Him. You know, they cut themselves off; it was their own fault. It was too late for them. 

I call this a messed up world because we are all sinners living in it. Good is called evil and evil is called good. Yet, it has been this way since Adam and Eve first sinned. In this messed up world, we must hold onto Jesus and His Word. Trust Him to do what is right and deal with the wrongs of people. 

LET IT GROW

A small group of Jews, a remnant, returned to Judah and they lived. That would have been a long journey for them, yet it was worth it. They did not die in Egypt as others did. Such mercy of God! When the remnant heard what happened, they knew God's Word shall surely stand. (verse 29)

(After Jeremiah's forced move to Egypt, there is no word in the Bible about the events in the rest of his life. He  had a 40 year ministry of pain and few listening to him. Yet he continued to be faithful.) 

LET IT GO

You are a faithful God.

There is no one like our God.

Help us please You by being faithful.

Give us a hunger for Your Word and a thirsting for Your Spirit.

Past Failures

O. T. #1816 "Past Failures"

Nov. 6, 2020

Jeremiah 44

LET IT GLOW

Do you have any past failures? Has any calamity forced you to examine your life? We need to take a close look at God's instructions for us and be willing to humbly apply what we find there. Jesus is our hope to get back on the right track.  

Just when you think it can't get any worse for the Jews, it does. The remnant of Jews that went to Egypt were a stubborn and rebellious group. Jeremiah was in Egypt against his will, but gave another message to the remnant, as recorded here- if the Jews there continued to worship idols, they would die in Egypt and not return to Judah. Of course, they had been warned about this before leaving Judah, so it was not new to them. These people refused to learn any lessons from all the destruction their sins had caused back there-burning of houses and the Temple.

Know any folks like that? They keep repeating the same mistakes in their life and wonder why they keep getting the same results?

Self-destruction is worse than any destruction by an enemy. It can include foolish decisions, dangerous habits, or blatant disobedience to God. To fail to learn from failure is to assure future failure. Our past is our school of experience. Let our past mistakes point us to God's way. (Life Application Study Bible) 

 LET IT GROW

What were the things of failure that this remnant did?

• We will not listen to your messages, Jeremiah, from the LORD!
• We will do whatever we want. (verse 16)
• We will burn incense and pour out liquid to the Queen of Heaven (fertility goddess, Asthoreth, which was worshiped sexual immorality) like our ancestor did in Judah.
• We had plenty to eat and were well off with no troubles. (verses 17-18)
• When the wives made cakes in the idol's image, their husbands knew about it and helped them.
• We will carry out our promises of doing those things to Asthoreth. (verse 25)

Oh my goodness, what a rebellious people. This present generation of Jews in Egypt perished and did not name the name of the Lord, as verse 26 says. They were consumed by the sword and famine. Yet, a small number that escaped death by the sword returned out of Egypt to Judah. Then all those that went to Egypt will find out whose words are true-God's or theirs.  They would know that God's words will surely stand against them for evil.

Here is a sign God would gave the Egyptian Jews of their own destruction: The Pharoah that came up to help the Jews in Jerusalem, would be turned over to Neb of Babylon, just as King Zedekiah of Judah had.

Only those who repented of going to Egypt and returned to their own land would escape judgment. God wanted of attitude and action. He always makes a way of escape, even when we get ourselves in so deep it doesn't look as if there is any way out.

How do get out of the effects of our failure?

1. Admit we have rebelled against God.
2. Forsake our sinful direction.
3. Seek to live as God instructs in His Word. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Help us Jesus to learn from our past failures.

When the Answer to Prayer is Stay

O. T. #1815  "When the Answer to Prayer is Stay"

Nov. 5, 2020

Jeremiah 43

LET IT GLOW

The reaction of the Jews was not good. Despite the counsel from God that Jeremiah gave the small remnant in Judah, which was to stay and not go to Egypt and God would take care of them, they refused to obey like they had promised. Unfortunately, a couple of leaders accused Jeremiah of lying about the will of God.They even said Baruch, Jeremiah's secretary, had influenced Jeremiah's message because he wanted the people to stay and be killed by Babylonians or be carried off into exile. (verse 3) Isn't that crazy?

The guerrilla leaders took with them all the people who had returned from other countries, including the king's daughters, and those whom Nebuzaradan had left with Gedaliah, to Egypt. The prophet Jeremiah and Baruch were included. This makes no sense to me, other than they were rebellious and afraid.

Some historical background may help us understand:

• Assyrian Empire ruled in Egypt from 671-652 B.C.
• Babylon invaded Egypt in 586 B.C.
• Babylon fell to Persia in 539 B.C.

Assyria was ruling in Egypt at that time, apparently. And God said the remnant would die in Egypt if they went. It happened as He said. We aren't sure if it was Jeremiah's physically being forced to go against his will or his sense of duty compelled him to accompany the remnant. (verses-7)

An observation I made when looking at a map, it was a long way through a wilderness and desert land for to go to Egypt. Also, it would them a while to travel there, but they stopped at Tahpanhes, which means  palace of  the Negro. This rebellious people, who feared the Babylonian army, ran to the Egyptian army for  protection. We know how that turned out for them. They needed to know that they had not outrun the reach of the God who controlled all the forces of earth.  The LORD of ARMIES and The LORD of Hosts was a favorite name Jeremiah had for his God. God was either summoning or defeating great armies.

To whom do we run for protection? When we find out God's will for us, are we willing to do it?

LET IT GROW

The Lord gave Jeremiah another message while in Tahpanhes:

• While the people of Judah were watching, Jeremiah was to take large rocks and bury them under the pavement stones at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace.
• Tell them that God was sending Neb to Egypt. He will set up his throne over those stones Jeremiah had hidden. He will spread his royal canopy over them, establishing his headquarters there.
• Neb will destroy the land of Egypt, bringing death, captivity, and was to those whom it is destined.
• Neb will set fire to the temples of Egypt's gods and carrying away the idols as plunder. Like a shepherd pick fleas from his cloak, so will Neb pick clean the land of Egypt.
• The pillars of the temple the sun god, Re, will be broken down and others burnt. Those pillars were said to be 60-100 feet high.
• Neb will leave unharmed.

So much for the great empire that Judah had place its hopes! Jeremiah served as a prophet for God some 40 years. Many of his words had come true already. His messages were rejected. He could have lived comfortably in Babylon, however, Jeremiah loved his stubborn people and chose to stay with them.

Do to stay faithful to Jesus no matter the results? 

LET IT GO

Stay when God says stay; go when God says go.

Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before Him with thanksgiving.

Willing to Do

O. T. #1814  "Willing to Do"

Nov. 3, 2020

Jeremiah 42-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Are you at a crossroad, wondering which way to go or whether to stay? Our God can open doors for us to go where He leads or give us peace and strength to remain. Whichever is His will for each of our lives, remember, there is no big or small assignments from God.

The small remnant in Jerusalem got together and decided it would be a good idea to get God's rubber stamp of approval for their plans. Sot they went to Jeremiah with a very pious-sounding request. They wanted the prophet to inquire of the Lord about the best course of action (verses 1-3). He promised to pray and tell them every word God revealed to him (verse 4). In response, the people promised that whether the news was good or bad, they would certainly obey the Lord (verses 5-6). (Tony Evans)

Should the tiny remnant stay or go to Egypt? After 10 days, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. What were the details for their circumstance which God revealed to Jeremiah?

• Stay in this land.
• If you do, God would build them up, not tear down;
• plant you, not uproot them. (verse 10)
• Do not fear the king of Babylon anymore.
• For I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power. (verse 11) 
• I will be merciful to you by making him kind, so he will let you stay here in your land.

Sounds good, huh?

I am not sure of the author, but I have this saying on my desk so I can:

God isn't asking you to figure it out. He's asking you to trust Him that has.

Whether God has asked us to pray for someone, to minister to a person in need, to lead a Bible study, or to care for those who are sick, strive to be faithful. You will experience His enabling as you serve Him. If you are faithful in a little, God will entrust you with more. You will be able to join Paul in praising God for having counted you faithful, putting you into His service (Luke 16:10). (Experiencing God Day-By Day) 

LET IT GROW

If the small remnant in Judah refused to God, going to Egypt instead of remaining and trusting Him for everything and keep His promises, then the very war and famine you fear will catch up with you and you will die there. That is the fate awaiting everyone if you insist on going to Egypt. You will die from war, famine, and disease. None will escape what I bring on you there. Just as I poured out My anger and fury on Jerusalem, so will they be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. You will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. You will never see your homeland again. That is what the LORD of Heaven's, the God Israel told Jeremiah for them.

Wow! What an answer. Jeremiah realized the people had not been honest with him. He knew the Jews were not going to obey God and remain in Jerusalem. Although, we will find out what they did in the next chapter.

It is a tragic mistake to ask for God's guidance with no intention of following it. Be sure never to ask God for something that you know in your heart you really do not want. It is better not to pray than to pray hypocritically. God cannot be deceived. (Life Application Study Bible)  

LET IT GO

Make sure my heart is willing to obey when I ask God to reveal His will for my life.

God sees all and knows our decision before we ask for His revelation.

Where You go, I will go; where You stay, I will stay;  I will follow You, Jesus.

 

To Stay or Go

O. T. #1813 "To Stay or Go"

Nov. 3, 2020

Jeremiah 42

LET IT GLOW

Jeremiah's counsel had previously been spurned by kings, prophets, and the people. However, a tiny remnant of people approached Jeremiah to pray to the LORD your God for them. They promised that whatever He said for them to do (walk in it) and where to go, they would do it. What was the best course of action for this straggly band of Israelites? Whether it was good or bad news, they would certainly obey the LORD (verses 5-6) So Jeremiah prayed to God for His guidance for them. How long did it take for Jeremiah to get God's answer? It took 10 days.

God's  always come immediately but in His own good time. (Falwell)

Faithful praying may mean a lifetime of waiting to receive an answer. God is looking for intercessors who are willing to continue to pray and to believe until they see God's answer. (Blackaby)

Keep praying, dear friend. You will recall 84 year of Anna, who prayed and fasted day and night, yearned to see the Messiah. Anna was one of those few who saw the Savior shortly after He was born. She had continued to faithfully pray until her prayers were answered. It was not an immediate answer but toward the end of her life. God honored the request of a humble widow. 

Are we faithful prayer warriors in our hearts of faith? How long will we continue to pray for God's will? Are we willing to do His will when the answer comes?  

LET IT GROW

The answer included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If the remnant would stay in Jerusalem, God promised to rebuild and plant them after the disaster of destruction and captivity. (verses 9-10) Also, they would have protection from the enemy. All the people had to do was stay home and enjoy God's blessings, not going to Egypt where the pagan idol worship was.

It was a simple instruction to follow, wasn't it? Stay where they were. Now that required faith. God was on their side.  What more could they need?  We will find out what their decision was later and their influence.

*Americans, be sure to go vote. This is our God-given right. Exercise it with prayer. We voted last week so our employees could have their time to do so.

LET IT GO

How faithful and merciful You are LORD.

Keep us praying and obeying.

In Whom Do We Put Our Trust?

O.T. #1812  "In Whom Do We Put Our Trust?"

Nov. 2, 2020

Jeremiah 41

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

LET IT GLOW

*Sorry for the incomplete post, but I was having computer problems, which are hopefully fixed now.)

In whom do we put our trust to deliver us? We read of one who trusted the wrong ones. Hold onto your hat, we have  murders on our hands in today's reading.

Since the new Babylonian governor, Gedaliah, thought Johanan was lying when he told the governor about the Jew, Ishmael's plot to assassinate him was a lie, Gedaliah would not allow Johanan to kill Ishmael. It was too bad, for when Ishmael and his 10 men were eating with Gedaliah, then they jumped up and killed Gedaliah and his soldiers with their swords (at Mitzpah). (verses 1-3)

What happened next?

• Before the news of the murder had gotten out, the next day 80 faithful Jews from the northern kingdom of Israel arrived in Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. (You will recall that Israel had been conquered by the Assyrians 132 years earlier.) (verse 5)
•  They were already prepared with the signs of mourning and had brought grain offerings and frankincense. Ishmael left Mizpah to meet the group, weeping as he went. (What an imposter and deceiver.)
• When he reached them, he invited them to Mizpah to see what happened. After luring them, Ishmael almost killed them all. (verses 6-7)
• However, 10 of the Jews bribed Ishmael with supplies, so he let them live. (verse 8)
• As if all of this was not bad enough, Ishmael took captive all the rest of the people of Mizpah and fled to the Ammonites. (verse 10)

We don't know why these terrible things happened. Maybe Ishmael's mind was so twisted that he thought he was rescuing his people. It was a bad situation made worse because of his brutal murdering. The Lord had warned the Jews to submit to the Babylonians and be protected numerous times. Without a king, with no law and no loyalty to God, Judah was subjected to complete anarchy.

[Resources: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible]

God's servants were led to slaughter. What damage was done with only 10 men. But there were treasures in the field (supplies of food).

This bait prevailed. Ishmael saved them, not for the love of mercy, but for the love of money(and food). Solomon observes that sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his riches. (Matthew Henry)

What would we give in exchange for our life or soul?  

LET IT GROW

 Now, when the news of this reached Johanan, he rallied his troops and pursed Ishmael. (verses 11-12) They freed the captives, who rejoiced and returned to Mizpah with Johanan. However, Ishmael escaped. Afraid they would be killed for what Ishmael did, this group fled to Egypt. They wanted to put many miles between themselves and Babylon as possible.

Think about, this group had witnessed the horror of Jerusalem's destruction and the slaughter of thousands of Jews. These Jews were looking in the wrong direction. North was Nebuchadnezzar and his mighty army, to the south was the Egyptians, whom God warned not to trust. They should have looked to God for deliverance.

Where do we look for deliverance from our problems? In whom do we put our trust? God should be where we look, not government, bank accounts, doctors, etc. 

LET IT GO

May we put our trust in You alone, God.

Choosing the Right Path

O. T. #1811  "Choosing the Right Path"

Oct. 30, 2020

Jeremiah 40

LET IT GLOW

We learned about events which happened after the fall of Jerusalem. Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar had  given explicit instructions to his captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan (which I will call Dan for short) concerning Jeremiah-see that he isn't hurt, look after him well, and give him anything he wants. Then Jeremiah was put under the care of Gedaliah, who took him back home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people, the remnant that was left to bring in the harvests.

Before that, Jeremiah was among the deportees headed to  Babylon, stationed at a town called Ramah, which was only 5 miles north of Jerusalem. He was bound in chains, shackles, about to be carried away to a foreign land when Dan rescued him. We are not sure how this happened. At any rate, it was not by happenstance that the prophet was released.

Jeremiah's message of captivity and the judgment of God was on Judah had spread to the pagan world. What was Dan's declaration to Jeremiah?

*God brought this disaster on this land just as He said He would.

*These people sinned against the LORD and disobeyed Him.

*I will remove your chains and let you go.

*If Jeremiah want to go with him to Babylon, he was welcome, and would see that the prophet would be well cared for there.

*If Jeremiah did not want to go, he was permitted to say there.

Jeremiah was given a choice as to where to live. In Babylon, Jeremiah would have great comfort and power, but the exiles there hated him. Although, while in Judah, he would face hardship. Considering how the people in Jerusalem hated him too, Jeremiah chose to go to Gedaliah, the new governor at Mizpah. He was given vituals and a reward and let go. In Judah Jeremiah would remain poor and unwanted, but the Judean remnant would know he was not a traitor.

Daily, Jesus gives us a choice to follow Him or go our own way. Following Jesus may not be on any easy path, but it is rewarding spiritually. Emmanuel, God with us, gives us peace and rest on the road less traveled. His presence is worth more than the world could offer. He leads us along fresh adventure, revealing things we don't know. Which path will you choose today? 

LET IT GROW

There was a group of rebellious Jews along the countryside that had a leader named Ishmael. (verse 8). They heard about Gedaliah's appointment as governor, whose  ground rules included serving the king of Babylon. (God had been telling Judah this for years.) Ishmael and his followers devised an assassination plot to kill Gedaliah. Now, Johanan found out about this and told the new governor, who didn't take it seriously. He even offered to secretly kill Johanan., but was turned down. We will find out in the next chapter what happened.

Was Ishmael angry that he had been passed over for leadership? After all, he was of the line of David. Do we allow jealousy to reign in our heart?

LET IT GO

There is nothing better than You, Jesus.

How wonderful it is to rest in Your will.

Please give us wisdom as we face uncertain days.

Help us be overcomers, staying in the fight for The Truth.

Bless all who come to study Your Word.