God's new promise is available Now

 Read Jeremiah 31.

There are several metaphors used to describe God's relationship with His people.
1. As a Father (v.9)
He disciplined them because of their disobedience.  But like a faithful parent, He did this in order to better prepare them as a nation for their future.  Nothing would change the fact of His commitment to them.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." (v.3)
"There is hope for your future." (v.17)

2. As a Shepherd (v.10)
Because they belonged to Him, God promised to gather them as His flock.  He will care for them, feed them and protect them.

3. As a Redeemer (v.11)
His deliverance of them from the hands of the enemy is compared to paying a ransom.  The basis of the turn in their experience with God depended upon their repentance.  With grief and shame, their hearts cried out for God's mercy and forgiveness. (vv.18-20)  He would restore them to their land and bless them.

But there is much more ahead for Israel.  Three times we read, "Behold, the days are coming."  Here, God makes a future promise of a new covenant with Israel.  The results of this covenant for the Jews in verses 33-34 will be:
-God's law will be within them, on their hearts.
-They will all know the LORD.
-Their sins will be forgiven and remembered no more.
This obviously is a prophecy that remains unfulfilled in Israel.  However, as "the time of the Gentiles" came and were grafted into God's plan of redemption, all may enjoy the benefits of the new covenant (Romans 9-11).

At His last supper with His disciples, Jesus took the cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  Forgiveness of sin is available to all who turn to Him for mercy.

 

6 evidences of unfulfilled Prophecy

 Read Jeremiah 30.

God revealed His plans and told Jeremiah to write down the words for future generations to read and to know. 

The prophecy certainly includes the return from the captivity in Babylon, but a careful reading reveals much more.  There is an inclusion of the "incurable" wound (v.12) that prompted the exile and then the restoration to health and healing (v.16).  There is mention of a restoration to the land and then the final phrase of the chapter which reads, "In the latter days you will understand this."  Both are true.  Look at the evidences of unfulfilled prophecy here.

1. The prophecy includes both Israel and Judah.  (v.3)
The northern kingdom of Israel had been scattered by the Assyrians and were not a part of the Babylonian captivity.  This looks forward to a united kingdom of Israel.

2. There is mention of a coming "time of distress for Jacob." (v.5-7)
That day will be unprecedented.  The ultimate descriptions fit into the other mentions in the Bible regarding the Great Tribulation.

3. They shall not only serve God in that day but also "David their king." (v.9)
No king has reigned over a united kingdom of Israel since the death of Solomon.  The Messiah will one day sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem as "King of kings and Lord of lords".

4. It will be a time of God's judgment against all nations. (v.11)
Yes, Assyria fell.  Then, Babylonia fell.  But there is a future day coming when Jesus will rule all nations "with a rod of iron." (Revelation 19:15)

5. The king's palace shall be rebuilt. (v.18)
The Temple was rebuilt a couple of times in history and will be built once more.  However, this is a reference to the palace for a king to reign over the nation.

6. The kingdom of Israel will be the people of God. (22)
Under Messiah's rule, all Israel will be saved and serve the LORD.  (Romans 11:26-27)

The good news is that those of us who have committed our lives to Jesus will rule and reign with Him.

 

Bloom where you are Planted

 Read Jeremiah 29.

This is a fascinating and encouraging letter from Jeremiah to those who had been taken in exile to Babylon.  First, the false prophets had preached that this would not happen at all.  Next, the false prophets changed their message and began saying that it was temporary and would only last two years.  But God had spoken through Jeremiah that this would be a 70-year exile; one year for each of the Sabbath years they had failed to obey.

Those living Babylon needed to hear again that they would be there for the rest of their lives.  They were encouraged to settle into their new home, but not be assimilated into Babylonian culture.  In Psalm 137:4, they were discouraged and asked, "How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?"  They had lost everything.  What were they supposed to do now?

Here is God's encouragement to them.  I believe the same encouragement is ours as believers today.  1 Peter 2:11 refers to believers in Jesus as "sojourners and exiles" who live on earth, waiting for the joy of our final home.
1. "Multiply there." (v.6b)
They needed to recognize that though this was temporary as a people, for now it was home.  They were to carry on life as they would have done in Judah; marry, raise a family and celebrate these things.

2. "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you." (v.7a)
They were not there by accident.  God put them in that city for a purpose.  They were on a mission.  Here were the people who claimed to know the one true God, living in a pagan culture.  They were to demonstrate the difference the LORD made in their lives.  It was to be shown by their good works and how they behaved.  Of all people, they were to be the best of citizens.

The Apostle Peter wrote a similar encouragement to Christians living in the Roman Empire.  "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." (1 Peter 2:13-15)

3. "Pray to the LORD on its behalf." (v.7b) 
Rather than living in rebellion and speaking badly about the pagan culture, these exiles were to pray for their city.  How many Christians even know the names of their city leaders, let alone pray for them?

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

4. In the plan of God, this was temporary. (v.11)
He had "a future and a hope" in store for them.  In 70 years, the LORD would return them to their land and restore their nation.  Our hope today is not in this temporary life.  "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

 

Are you listening to the Truth?

 Read Jeremiah 28.

Just because someone claims to speak for God or uses the words "God told me" does not mean it is true.

Don't we all wish the pacifists were correct?  We could just live peaceably with everyone and talk all our enemies into being at peace all others.

Don't we all wish the prosperity preachers were correct?  We could just enjoy our abundance and live pleasurably.

While many prefer to live in their fantasies and support those who tell them what they want to hear, God's word is ignored to their detriment.

Hananiah claimed to be speaking for God but his message contradicted what Jeremiah preached.  Hananiah said that Babylon's power would be broken in two years and Judah would be restored.  God had made it clear that the captivity would last 70 years.  Jeremiah reminded Hananiah of Deuteronomy 18:22, "When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken presumptuously.  You need not be afraid of him."

The proof of whether the prophet is a liar or telling the truth, of course, is in the fulfillment of what was prophesied.  At God's instruction, Jeremiah informed Hananiah that because of his made-up message pretending to represent the LORD, he would die that year.  And, it was so.

Jesus said, "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'  And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, your workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:22-23)

We must always check a preacher's message against the teaching of the whole of the Bible.  So many are led astray by a single verse or concept lifted out of its context.  Maturity in Christ requires us to know the Bible and, therefore, know the truth.  "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning by craftiness in deceitful schemes." (Ephesians 4:14)

 

Surrendering to the One in Control

 Read Jeremiah 27.

According to Babylonian historical records, it was in the summer of 593 B.C. when a group of countries discussed a rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar.  The leaders of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon met with the king of Judah in Jerusalem.  What this political summit failed to realize was the reason why the Babylonians invaded and who was really in control.

The cause was due to Judah's refusal to repent of their sin.  Further, it was God who raised up Nebuchadnezzar to implement His judgment against this region of nations.  With that spiritual perspective, this meeting proved to be truly a rebellion against the LORD Himself.  So, God sent Jeremiah to tell them.

In dramatic fashion, He ordered Jeremiah to dress for the occasion.  He strapped a yoke to his neck, like an ox controlled by the reins of its owner.  The message was simple.  God had given Nebuchadnezzar the reins.  If these leaders refused to serve the Babylonian king, then God would have to use stronger measures of punishment against them--sword, famine, pestilence.  The safe decision, the wise thing to do, would be to surrender completely to the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar as discipline from the LORD.  It would be to their benefit to do so.

Feeding the rebellion were false prophets.  They encouraged the people not to listen to God's word and to respond with self-determination and independence.

Do not miss the basis of the message from God in verse 5.
1. God is the Creator of all things.
By His own power, He made the earth and all that is upon it.  The earth did not happen by accident.  Genesis 1 describes His process of separately creating light, air, plants, animals and humans.  He spoke them into existence: "And God said...and it was so."  These things belong to Him as His property.  The false prophets preach the other messages in rebellion against the exact words of God to their own peril.

2. God is the Controller of all things.   
He gives His property for a time "to whomever it seems right to me."  Nations are allowed to live on God's real estate for a period of time.  Leaders are allowed to be in power for only a number of years, "until the time of his own land comes.  Then many nations and great kings shall make him their slave." (v.7)  There came a time when the great Babylonian Empire fell to the hands of the Medes and Persians.  It is the LORD Himself who claims to sovereignly decide such things according to His own will and purpose.

This message is a good personal reminder.  We are not here by some cosmic or biological accident.  Our lives have a God-given purpose.  The safe, wise, and personally beneficial response is to yield ourselves to what God has for us to be and to do.  Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly n heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

 

Is it the messenger or the message?

 Read Jeremiah 26.

These chapters are not in chronological order.  They appear to be grouped for emphasis.  The message is certainly not a new one, but we are given details not previously disclosed.

God gave Jeremiah very specific instructions for the sermon, including the exact place to deliver it.  Because of the anticipated reaction, the LORD encouraged Jeremiah with "do not hold back a word."  Obediently, the prophet went to the Temple and preached just as God had instructed him.  To call the religious leaders of the day and the gathered worshipers to repent or else brought an immediate response.  But it was not a favorable one.

When the leaders heard him pronounce impending judgment against Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, they accused him of being a false prophet worthy of death.  So, they brought charges against him before Judah's judicial leaders to hear the case.  They decided that Jeremiah was not guilty of a capital offense.  One of the elders even quoted the prophet Micah (Micah 3:12) from 70 years before in the days of Hezekiah.

Important insights can be found in Jeremiah's defense. It was based upon three crucial pillars that must be true of anyone who claims to be speaking on God's behalf.
1. The source of the message. (v.12)
"The LORD sent me to prophesy."  "Thus says the LORD" (v.4).  It was not Jeremiah's word but God's.  The test of any message today is to open the Bible and see it for yourself.  Personality preaching, cultural messages, and affirmation soliloquies are signs of false prophets.  Even though they hold a Bible in their hands while speaking does not mean their message conforms to the truth of Scripture.  When the Apostle Paul spoke, the listeners in Berea checked to be sure it was the truth.  "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

2. The choice of the message. (v.13)
God's word brought conviction of their guilt.  But, instead of hearing the hope of deliverance that was offered, they pridefully chose to attack the preacher.  Had they been worshiping and serving the LORD at the Temple with humility, their hearts would have been soft and immediately they would have desired what God wanted.  Preaching hope without confronting God's judgment on sin is a sign of a false prophet.  Both are always presented side by side in the Scriptures.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36)

3. The heart of the messenger. (v.14)
How could Jeremiah be so submissive in the face of these false accusations?  The answer is that he was innocent and his heart was pure.  If he had delivered his own message, if he had preached with insincere motives, if his life did not support the veracity of what he said, then he should have been condemned as a false prophet.  But with the grace, courage, and strength God gave to him, he stood.  "For in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears."

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that in in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 

A good word for all of us.

 

Time to Collect

 Read Jeremiah 25.

For twenty-three years, Jeremiah faithfully delivered the messages God gave him.  He was not the only one.  The LORD sent other prophets to warn Judah, as well (v.4).  But as persistently as the preachers preached the people refused to listen and turn back to God.  Therefore, the time had come for the judgment to fall.

Amazingly, God called Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, "my servant" (v.8).  From our human vantage point it is not possible to be certain of all we see taking place in the world.  However, throughout history the LORD has used even the vilest of nations to enact His will on unrepentant peoples.  In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul very clearly made the case for respecting governmental authorities and why we should do so.  He wrote the book when Nero was in power saying, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God and those that exist have been instituted by God....For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:1-4)

Such a perspective is as hard for us to envision today, as it had to be for the believers living in Rome in the first century.

Nevertheless, the Babylonians will destroy the kingdom of Judah and take many of its people captive back to Babylon for seventy years.  Why seventy?  The Levitical law stated that every seventh year that Israel occupied the land, they were to take a Sabbatical year off and give the agricultural fields a rest (Leviticus 25:3-5).  It was part of their stewardship of God's property.  In their selfish greed and rebellion, the people chose to ignore God's word.  It was time for God to collect on what they had failed to give Him.  The LORD performed a forced rest of the land for those years all at one time.  "Until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths.  All the days that it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years." (2 Chronicles 36:20-21)

The first lesson of stewardship is that God owns it all (Psalm 24:1).  Failing to obey God's word in the use of our time, energies and income is not an option.  We are to joyfully give to God in worship what He expects of us.  He, then, multiplies our offerings to be much more than if we had tried to hoard them.  If not, one day He will collect what is rightfully His.