Lamentations 5

Message: A prayer to the Lord from the children of Jerusalem. God's relationship with Judah has been strained, but not snuffed out.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying:

Lord, remember us
Disgraced
Strangers possess our inheritance
Orphans
Fatherless
Widowed
Must buy water
Must buy warmth
No rest
Our slaves are our masters
No one left to rescue us
Enemies rape our women
Princes hanged
Boys must work
Joy has left

We have sinned

Lord, you remain forever
Your throne continues
Restore us Lord
Bring us back to You
Bring back our joys

Don't be angry with us

Promise: Forgiveness is near. In the end, our trust must turn to the Lord. Always turn to prayer, even when things seem hopeless.

Lamentations 4

Message: A song of sorrow. This one begins from a different perspective. Each chapter seems to have a different perspective.

Time:  Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is saying:

Possessions
Gold lost its shine. Dull.
Riches are scattered

People
The children of Jerusalem are treated like pots of clay.
The cries of people are ignored.
There is no food for the children.
Those with much now have nothing and are beggars.
Their guilt is greater than those of Sodom.
Princes once sparkled in appearance, now they are black, dry.
Those killed by the sword are better off than these beggars.
Women have cooked their own children to survive.

Why all of this? Sin. [We should see in this that God makes a big deal out of sin.]

They couldn't flee. Their enemies were always waiting for them. God did not shield them. People were caught in the snare they set up for themselves.

Promise: May these words remind us of the importance of the sin in our lives. We must surrender to the Lord. We must accept His provision in our life.

Lamentations 3

Message: A song of sorrow, from the 3rd person perspective.

Time:  Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying: From the perspective of this individual, the Lord's anger is being manifested in this person's life.

My condition
Led into darkness and shutting out light
Turned his hand against me
Made my skin and flesh age
My bones feel broken
I'm surrounded with anguish and distress
I feel like I'm in the darkness that the dead occupy
I am walled in and cannot escape
I pray, but nothing is heard
I can't leap forward, I am blocked
My path is not straight
I feel like prey, waiting to be attacked
I am in pieces, helpless, devastated
I am a target for a bow and arrow
I am laughed at
I am bitter
I have no peace
I can't remember anything well done to me
My hope is over; I am lost
I grieve over my loss

My hope
Yet I hope
God's love never ends.
His love is faithful
His mercies never cease
Great is His faithfulness
His mercies are new
My greatest inheritance is from the Lord
My hope is only in Him
He is good to me
He is there for me
I can wait
Salvation is from the Lord
His discipline is right for me

My response because of His doing
I can be silent in what the Lord demands
We can turn the other cheek when insults come from our enemies
God does not abandon us
Grief may come from Him, but He shows kindness
His unfailing love is great
God does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow
God is there for those who receive the injustice of other men
God's justice is correct
Our sins need to be punished

I will look to Him
So I will examine my ways
I will turn to the Lord
I will lift my hearts and hands to God in heaven
For I have sinned
I have rebelled
Your anger has engulfed us

Though I doubt
We don't feel Your mercy
We feel out of sight
Our prayers seem like they go nowhere
We feel discarded
Because of our enemies, we feel fear
Trapped
Devastated
Ruined
Tearful, endlessly
Until the Lord looks down
Enemies hunt me down
I am thrown in a pit
Water is over me

You are there God
But I call on the Lord
From the deep pit and hear hears my cry
He comes when I call
and tells me to not fear

You are in charge of all
You are the lawyer that pleads my case
You have redeemed my life
You see the wrong done to me
You are my judge
Prove me right
You see the vengeful plans of my enemies
You have heard the vile names at me
You know all their plans
Pay them back Lord for their evil
Give them hard and stubborn hearts
Let your curse fall on them
Chase them down
Destroy them

Promise: God is there, always. His judgment is necessary. His way is right. Ours is not always. He loves to bless us. He does not like to judge us or chastise us. But He is Holy and therefore hates sin. And when sin enters, wrath must result.

Lamentations 2

Message: A song of sorrow.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying: In His anger, in His wrath, with no mercy, like an enemy. The Lord has done what He purposed. He has carried out His word.

If once strong, Jerusalem is now weak. Jerusalem is under a cloud. The kingdom and its rulers are now in dishonor. He has cut down their might. His fury has been poured out like fire. He has laid in ruins its defenses (borders) and destroyed the palaces. Mourning and lamentation have been multiplied by order from the Lord. The Lord has caused them to forget Sabbath and festival are forgotten. Prophets no longer receive visions from the Lord. They are no longer effective. Young/old women, infants, babies are all affected.

Promise:  The Lord keeps His promises, even when those promises mean suffering for His people. His scripture should always be taken seriously.

Lamentations 1

Message: A song of sorrow. Key: We need to mourn when the wicked fall even when their punishment is deserved. When people go astray, our response should be one of sadness.

Time: Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is Saying:
The city was full of people, but now it is empty, like a widow. She was great. A once princess has become a slave. She has no one to comfort her as she weeps. Past friends are present enemies. She is pursued and cannot rest. The roads to the City (to Zion) mourn. No festivals. Her enemies prosper. Her majesty has departed. Her foes had their way with her. It is a filthy place to be. She is uncovered. And no one to comfort her. In the past, many were forbidden to come to the City. Now, all are there. The people search for food. They are waiting for compassion from others as they believe their sorrow is great.

I am put in the path of those that are stronger than me. The enemy has prevailed. My idols (lovers) can't save me now. My stomach churns. My enemies rejoice over my condition.

So be it. Let them deal with me. My heart is faint.

Problem:
She has sinned. Grievously. Only thought of the now, never the future. She has rebelled against His Word. She has lovers (false Gods). She has been rebellious. All my transgressions.

Jeremiah 52

Message: Summary

Time: Zedekiah, 21 years as King, reigned 11 years in Jerusalem, mother Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah

What the Lord is Saying: Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the Lord; He rebelled against king of Babylon; Jerusalem besieged by Babylon

Promise: Jehoiachin released from prison

Jeremiah 51

Message: The Lord Says

Time: Judgment on Babylon

What the Lord is Saying: Babylon's land will be emptied; fall down slain in the sheets; land full of guilt / Israel and Judah not forsaken

God:

• made the earth by His power
• established the world by His wisdom
• stretched out the heavens
• He makes lightning for the rain
• He brings forth the wind (from storehouses)

Jacob and Israel are set apart; God will plead Jacob and Israel's cause and take vengeance for you

Man is stupid, without knowledge; his images are false

Promise: This is a very detailed look at the destruction of Babylon. [But, isn't that what we want, that is, the detail of the destruction of a corrupt people; don't we want to see the evil of others exposed and then their suffering detailed]

Jeremiah 50

Message: The Lord spoke, by Jeremiah

Time: Concerning Babylon, land of Chaldeans

What the Lord is Saying: Babylon, Bel, Merodach taken; put to shame, dismayed; conquered from the North
Babylon will be repayed according to her deeds

• Israel and Judah will come together and seek their God
• Their enemies have sinned against the Lord

Problem: Idolatry and opposed the Lord; Never again will Babylon be inhabited

Jeremiah 49

Message: From the Lord

Time: To the Ammonites; To Edom  (Teman, Dedan, Bozrah); To Damascus (Hamath, Arpad); To Kedar and kingdoms of Hazor; To Elam

What the Lord is Saying: 
Ammonites - Rabbah of the Ammonites will be desolated. Why? Forsaking Israel
Edom - small among nations; despised among mankind; you will be brought down
Damascus - heard bad news (melt in fear); troubled; a fire will kindle in the wall of Damascus, devor Ben-Hadad
Kedar/Hazor - an everlasting waste; no man shall dwell there
Elam - break their bow; disaster brought against them

Problem:
Ammonites - You trusted in your own treasure.
Edom - Complete ruin of Edom

Promise:
Elam - One day they will be restored

Jeremiah 48

Message: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel ("through Jeremiah" is left out).

Time: Time of Moab

What the Lord is Saying: Nebo is laid waste; Kiriathaim is taken; Moab and the cities of Moab are no more.  
For, because you trusted in your works and your treasures,
you also shall be taken; (Jeremiah 48:7a ESV)

“Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed. (Jeremiah 48:10 ESV)

Problem: Moab:
magnified himself against the Lord (mentioned twice)
will wallow in his vomit
shall be held in derision
very proud (loftiness, pride, arrogance, haughtiness of his heart)
his boasts and deeds are false

Promise: Moab will be restored by the Lord, in the latter days. 

Jeremiah 47

Message: The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the Philistines (enemies of the Israelites), before Pharaoh struck down Gaza.

Time: Once again, we are near 483 BC. Judah is still in Egypt, but it hasn't been destroyed yet.

What the Lord is Saying: The Philistines will experience great pain. Because of the intensity of their pain, they will not even have the fatherly compassion toward their children. And the attack will be far reaching, as neighboring cities Tyre and Sidon will be of no help to them. Their grief will be so intense. The greatest city, Ashkelon, will perish. When we are sad or mad we tend to even scratch or hurt ourselves. And yet, perhaps a prayer is even offered for these people, nationwide, and yet when God deals with sin, there is no chance of a reprieve. God's wrath will come out.

Promise: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) do the work of God in destroying the Philistines.

Jeremiah 46

Message: From the Lord to Jeremiah concerning foreign nations.

Time: The fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, the king of Judah, on the occasion of the battle of Carchemish when Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, and his army were defeated beside the Euphrates River by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This is a message about Egypt.

What the Lord is saying: There are two messages. 1. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt. This is poetry or a song and it is hard for me (probably not others) to understand.
Thoughts:

• Put on the armor
• Yet there is terror
• They seek to destroy
• There is no healing

2. The second word is about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt. Here the Lord causes many to stumble and be struck down. 

Promise: The Lord is bringing punishment upon Amon the Thebes (a chief deity of the Egyptian pantheon) and Pharaoh and Egypt and her gods and her kings, and upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him. But, Israel need not be concerned. They will be saved. Israel will not be left unpunished.

Jeremiah 45

Message: God is in control. He reigns. The events of this world that we think just happen naturally or are of man's own doing, God reminds us that He is in control.

Time: In the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah. Same time period as Jeremiah 36.

What the Lord is Saying: This is a message to Baruch. Baruch is Jeremiah's secretary and the one he dictated his message. Baruch is the son of Neriah and grandson of Mahseiah. Baruch is much younger than Jeremiah, who was very old at this time.

Promise: I will destroy what I planted, but Baruch I will save.

Jeremiah 44

Message: To Judah: Don't you understand God yet? He warns, He sends people to speak to you, you then flee to where He has told you not to go and after ignoring all that, you continue to worship idols and burn incense, and then you wonder why bad things are happening to you. These folks were trying to serve the one true God and worship "the queen of Heaven"--the goddess Astarte--at the same time.

Time: The people of Judah are in Egypt and Jeremiah is with them telling them their fate.

What the Lord is Saying: The Lord does not like idol worship. His message is to those still left after Jerusalem was destroyed. So why do they continue to ignore God? They should know better and they should know that God means business.

The people thought that without God they had plenty to eat, were well off, and had no troubles. And with God (so they say) they have war and famine. Jeremiah tells them they are bad off because they ignored God's words. They thought God was to blame for their bad circumstances.

Promise: The people of Judah living in Egypt will find out again that God's word is true. All will die there except a few that will return to Egypt. And they will die because their chose their own path.

Jeremiah 43

Message: No matter what, God is in control and He will show people He is in charge. In Egypt, he will clean house of all the idols they have.

Time: The Jews are leaving Judah and going to Egypt.

What the Lord is Saying: After all was said and done and Jeremiah finished speaking, Johanan and his friends accused Jeremiah of lying. They didn't obey the Lord and remain in the land of Judah. Instead, they went to Egypt, arriving at Tahpanhes.

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes. And the Lord shows them what will happen. In front of the people of Judah, place large rocks under the stones at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace.

Problem/Promise: Nebuchadnezzar's throne will be set over these hidden stones. He will come and destroy the land of Egypt. He will set fire to the temple's gods, burn the temples and carry the idols away. He will clean the land of Egypt and then leave unharmed. Egypt's gods will be brought down. God uses men to carry out his judgment.

Jeremiah 42

Message: Fear God, not men. Don't look at your surroundings and what may befall you. Trust God and His Word and what he says.

Time: The remnant left in Judah after Gedeliah died.

What the Lord is Saying: Johanana and the other commanders went to Jeremiah to ask him to pray and ask the Lord where they should go. Jeremiah told them that they he would pray, but they also need to be ready to hear what the Lord has to say. And they responded that they would do whatever. They said, "Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you." The bottom line is that is it is well for them to obey the Lord.

After 10 days, Jeremiah had an answer.

Stay in this land and no harm will come your way. Do not fear Nebuchadnezzar and the Lord will grant you mercy and let you remain in the land. However, they responded by going to Egypt, going their own way. They really did not want to listen to the Lord, they only wanted to listen to what they wanted to hear.

Problem/Promise: If you leave and go to Egypt, bad things will befall you.

• The sword you fear will overtake you. 
• The famine that you are afraid of will follow you. 
• And you will die there. 
• Disaster will come upon you. 
• God's wrath will be poured out on you. 
• You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt. 

God keeps His word. Always. People don't. They are more concerned about what they see in front of their eyes.

Jeremiah 41

Message: Gedeliah is killed by Ishmael, but Johanan comes to the rescue.

Time: After the burning of Jerusalem, Gedeliah is set up as governor of Judah. But, is then killed.

What the Lord is Saying: Ishmael, son of Nethaniah and grandson of Elishama and part of the of the royal family and one of the king's officials (which king??) killed Gedaliah. He also killed the Judeans. Ishmael tried to act innocent of the crime to men coming to worship at the Temple of the Lord. Ishmael also killed most of these men, sending 10 into a cistern while letting 10 other go. Johanan son of Kareah wanted to stop Ishmael, after hearing of his crime. Ishmael escaped from Johanan and his men to the land of Ammon. Johanan took all those left in Gibeon and fled to Bethelem as they prepared to leave for Egypt.. They were concerned as to what would happen when Nebuchadnezzar found out his appointed man had been killed.

Promise: There is providence for the people left in Judah, but now they must flee the area.

Jeremiah 40

Message: Gedeliah is not going to have vengeance or murder someone. Disaster came to the people of Jerusalem because they sinned against the Lord and disobeyed him.

Time: In the aftermath of the burning of Jerusalem, the poor are left to harvest under the leadership of Gedaliah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.

What the Lord is saying: Jeremiah is released from the chains. And invited to go to Babylon or he can stay put. Gedaliah is the new governor of Judah, over the poor people left. This is where Jeremiah went.

Gedaliah was told that Ishmael was going to kill him secretly. Johanan, son of Kareah volunteered to kill Gedeliah.  But, Gedeliah forbade this from happening.

Promise: Jeremiah is kept safe, as a prophet of the Lord. He is safe from harm and allowed to go where he likes.

Jeremiah 39

Message: Zedekiah and the people are caught. Nebuchadnezzar first made Zedekiah watched as he slaughter his people, then gouged his eyes out. Some of the poor people were left and given land and vineyard.

Time: 9th year of Zedekiah, 10th month, King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. This was about 586 B.C. But, it then mentions the 11th year of Zedekiah, 4th month, 9th day, a breach was made in the city.

What the Lord is Saying: In the midst of this, Nebuchadnezzar has mercy on Jeremiah, removing him from the court of the guard.

Promise: While in prison, the Lord tells Jeremiah to speak to Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian, letting him know that he will be safe, despite the Lord's harm against Jerusalem. Ebed will be saved because he put his trust in the Lord and not men.

Jeremiah 38

Message: Jeremiah, from the Lord, tells Zedekiah the hard truth about his future in Jerusalem. Zedekiah listens and begins to show some concern for Jeremiah.

Time: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) are besieging Jerusalem. Nubuchadnezzar is king of Babylon. Zedekiah is the last king of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.

What the Lord is Saying: The officials to the king hear the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah that, for them to survive, they need to surrender to the Chaldeans. For even making the statement, the officials want to put Jeremiah to death. Zedekiah told the officials that Jeremiah was in their hands. But, they throw him into a cistern (a reservoir for holding liquids) where Jeremiah sunk in the mud.
When Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian heard this, he went to the king to tell him about Jeremiah, petitioning for his release. Zedekiah told Ebed to take 30 men and lift him out. Ebed went and got fabric to assist in the lifting. Jeremiah returned to the court of the guard.
Zedekiah called for him wanting information.

Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” (Jeremiah 38:15, ESV)

Zedekiah promised he would not put him to death. Jeremiah told him that he needed to surrender to survive. This is not what Zedekiah wanted to hear. He was concerned about the Judeans being with the Chaldeans. And he was really concerned about the backlash from his people. But, he assured that Jeremiah would be safe, despite his words to Zedekiah and told Jeremiah to lie if someone asked him, telling them he was just asking about his own release.

Problem/Promise: Following the Lord doesn't mean it will be easy for you. It may hurt among your peers. Zedekiah is honest at times with Jeremiah, but before men he is a different person. Zedekiah fears men more than he fears God. He has his moments of listening, but overall, his fear of men is what controls him.

Jeremiah 37

Message: Zedekiah wants to hear the word of the Lord from Jeremiah. Zedekiah is selfish in his request, not wanting to submit to the Lord, but just wanting to hear warnings and providence from the Lord. Zedekiah isn't interested in obedience, but personal safety.

Time: The army of Pharoah leaves Egypt and goes to Jerusalem. The Chaldeans were in the midst of besieging Jerusalem. They left as the army came in. But, the army returned to Egpyt and the Chaldeans were to come back and burn Jerusalem.

What the Lord is saying: First of all, it didn't really matter who was leading Jerusalem, no one listened to the word of the Lord. The army of Pharoah left Egypt (I guess headed to Jerusalem). The Chaldeans heard this and withdrew from Jerusalem, where they were conquering.

Jeremiah explains that the army of Pharoah will return to Egypt and then the Chaldeans will come back. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that this time the Chaldeans will capture the city, burning it. He tells them to not be deceived and no matter what they see (which may include the Chaldeans being wounded and unable to continue), they are not to think a moment they are free, the Chaldeans will fight and burn the city.

As the Chaldean left Jerusalem upon hearing of the army of Pharoah coming, Jeremiah went to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion (perhaps the fruit of the tithe). But a sentry, Irijah stopped Jeremiah, accusing him of going with the Chaldeans. Jeremiah denied this. But Irijah would not listen to Jeremiah and suddenly Jeremiah found himself seized, beaten and imprisoned.

Zedekiah (son of Jehoiakim the King), brother of Coniah, calls Jeremiah, not to help him first but to ask what is his fate. Jeremiah tells him he would be delivered to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah asks if he could be removed from being imprisoned. Zedekiah sends him to the court of the guard (I'm guessing this is something different). He is given a loaf a day of bread.

Problem: Zedekiah and the people of Judah only want to listen to the Lord when it benefits them. But, they don't want to heed the Lord's instructions that are being communicated through Jeremiah.

Interesting Thoughts - February 2013

It is no longer enough to accept a person and his right to believe as he wishes; the "new tolerance" requires that we accept his viewpoint as well. - Starr Meade on review of book, "The Intolerance of Tolerance" by D.A. Carson. 

Also on the book

• Carson surveys the history of tolerance (tolerance in the old sense) through the centuries, admitting that Christians themselves have sometimes practiced harsh intolerance. He demonstrates, however, that, when that has happened, it has been contrary to what Scripture actually teaches.
• Only biblical Christianity, with its insistence upon right and wrong and truth and falsehood, is not to be tolerated under the new tolerance. 
• The new tolerance increasingly denies those holding Bible-based opinions the right to say, "I believe that is wrong."

Tabletalk (November 2012) – 8th Commandment – Thou Shalt Not Steal – There are several ways that a seller can alter measurements to fool buyers into thinking they are getting more than they are actually receiving. This is equivalent to theft because it takes more from a buyer than he should be paying. Christians must never use false measurements or lie about what they are buying and selling.

Tabletalk (November 2012) – Wise Sayings – RC Sproul - Proverbs aren’t for every situation in life. They are not universal laws. Consider them wisely for the situations that they apply themselves to.

Tabletalk (November 2012) – Scripture Alone - Michael J. Kruger - At its core, the fall was about God’s people rejecting God’s Word as the ultimate standard for all of life.

Reading EM Bounds, Power through Prayer, Chapter 5, “Prayer, the Great Essential”

I want my wife to be more spiritual and yet I don’t pray for her. I want this of my kids and yet I don’t pray for them, thinking somehow that my desire is what affects change or an apt word from someone. It is prayer. God is the one that changes hearts. I must believe this and live it and do it. “Praying is spiritual work; and human nature does not like taxing, spiritual work.” My prayer is quick. It’s like I’m just throwing something up because it’s a duty and I want to comply. I’m into check-off prayer where I have this list and I pray for something and I’m done. I think praying once for something is enough.

What's In A Name? - Derek W. H. Thomas (Tabletalk July 2013)

I really enjoyed this article on the 3rd Commandment. I love breaking down the commandments and really thinking about the sins that they are speaking about. Personally, I believe, in this day and age of our church, we just don't spend enough time examining our sins. We spend so much time on behavior improvement, but if we are committed about looking at our lives and seeing the sin in them the only direction to go is God working through us -- His workmanship. What it seems we are doing is focusing on good behavior and then we need to rest and our rest is often entertainment that lends itself to sin, but we don't think about it that way because we have been engaged in so much so-called good behavior that we think we deserve the entertainment. We work hard at our jobs and deserve time off. Don't get me wrong. We need rest. Thus, the Sabbath. We need to have a day of rest in our lives. But, it needs to be more scheduled, as God scheduled it, once a week.

Okay, enough soup box, here are some quotes and thoughts from this article in Tabletalk magazine, which I continue to just love and pour through.

Television and movies are so littered with expletives that we have almost become immune to their destructive power.

I don't know why we don't see this. Part of me thinks it is because of the above. But, why do we go to movies when we know God's name will be taken in vain 5+, 10+, or 30+ times? 

Jeremiah 36

Message: To Jeremiah, from the Lord, write all the words I've spoken to you to-date against Israel, Judah and all nations. Hopefully people will hear these words and turn from their disobedient ways.

Time: 4th year of Jehoiakim (before Jeremiah 32-33).

What the Lord is saying: Baruch has to write it down for Jeremiah on a scroll. Jeremiah dictates. Jeremiah is banned from the house of the Lord, so Baruch is to go and voice these words from the scroll. The scroll was read in sync with a fasting. And then read to the king after it was determined worthy to be read to the king. The king, Jehoiakim, did not like what he heard and as he heard the words he threw the words (one column at a time) into the fire, burning them. The sin of the people in the past had been idolatry, but this was out and out ignorance of God's commands and God's words (i.e. blasphemy).

Problem: Jehoiakim will have none to sit on the throne of David. His dead body shall be cast out, heat by day, frost by night. The Lord will punish him and his offspring and his servants for their sin. Disaster awaits him and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah.

Jeremiah 35

Message: From the Lord to Jeremiah, contrasting two people, one the Rechabites who listened to their earthly father and then the people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem who did not listen to their Heavenly Father.

Time: House of the Rechabites (the descendants of Rechab through Jonadab) in the days of Jehoiakim (the son of Josiah, king of Judah). The Rechabites belonged to the Kenites who accompanied the children of Israel into the holy land.

What the Lord is saying: The Lord asks Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites (Jaazaniah and his brothers) to the temple (house of the Lord) and offer them wine to drink. But, the Rechabites refused citing obedience to the command from their father, Jonadab who told them:

• Do not drink wine, neither you or your sons -- forever. 
• Do not build a house
• Do not sow seed
• Do not plant or have a vineyard
• Live in tents where you will sojourn in the land

There were a people able to flee and move places when Nebuchadnezzar came.

The Lord used them as an example of people that listened to their father. In contrast, the Lord gave the people of Judah commands to obey and they didn't listen.

Promise: Because of their obedience to their father, the Lord gave the Rechabites a promise: Jonadab, the son of Rechab will never lack a man to stand before me (they will always have descendants that serve Me).

Jeremiah 34

Message: From the Lord to Jeremiah, declaring a consequence for not listening to the Lord and heeding the covenant He set up.

Time: Nebuchadnezzar (king of Babylon), his army, kingdoms under his dominion, and peoples -- fighting against Jerusalem and its cities (only Lachish and Azekah left).

What the Lord is saying: Jeremiah, go speak to Zedekiah (king of Judah) and let him know that I am giving this city (Jerusalem??) into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. He will burn it. Zedekiah, you will not escape. You will be captured. You will see Nebuchadnezzar in person, face to face, in Babylon.

But, Zedekiah, you will not die by the sword, but rather in peace. People will burn spices for you and lament for you.

Problem: Zedekiah had made a covenant of liberty with his people, having them not enslave people (Jews) after 7 years. The male and female citizens, however, listened momentarily but then took the slaves back.

The Lord issues a consequence:

• Liberty to the sword
• Pestilence
• Famine
• I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth
• I will make men like the calf that they cut in tow and passed between its parts
• I will give you into the hand of your enemies
• Your dead bodies shall be food for birds and beasts of the earth.
• Zedekiah will be given into the hand of their enemies.

An Instrument of Evil

Tabletalk reading for today was Revelation 13:1-10 regarding what I think is the Antichrist (the beast) and his reign on the earth for 42 months or 3 1/2 years.

What stood out to me was the fact that the beast would speak blasphemies against God and everyone would accept it and follow him.

That doesn't seem real odd with blasphemy being so common today.

Lord, grant us patience as we live in a world that often does not honor You. Thank You for sealing us for all eternity with You. You have chosen us. Out of Your sovereignty we remain. While we reside on this earth, help us to be your ambassadors and to encourage those around us. We want to live in a way that honor's You and praises Your name. Keep me Lord focused on Your work in our lives. And praying for those that need You daily. Remove our pride and our confidence in our work. May we only have confidence in You and satisfaction living for You. 

The Tabletalk passage focused on how the separation of church and state has been misapplied. It's true meaning is that the federal government may not establish a state church. But, it has come to mean that God and state must be separated.

Expressing our faith is not the same as separated church and state.