Category: Jeremiah

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Paul quotes from this chapter (judgment is through a people whose language Israel did not understand). Paul uses it, and Isaiah 28:11,12 in 1 Corinthians 14 to say that tongues (languages) are a sign to unbelievers, because tongues are a sign of judgment, e.g., Babel and Iraq’s invasion under Nebuchadnezzar.

SJA Notes

* Gracious Father, please write Your word on our hearts this day.

“But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away.”

This passage shows us clearly why we all need Jesus!

We see that the poor are no nearer to God than the rich – Neither the wealthy or the homeless, the have-nots or the have-muches – No person across any spectrum we might come up with has any more or any less merit in God’s eyes than another.

Jeremiah preached to the poor and they refused to repent.

Jeremiah preached to the “great” but they refused to repent.

The words of Romans 3 can resound in our ears,

“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

There is no partiality here – ALL HAVE SINNED.

This is a good reminder for us. As God shows no partiality we are to do the same.

This means no partiality in how we engage people, no partiality in telling people about Jesus!

Whether we have opportunity with the less fortunate or the wealthy, whether we are given ministry to the east/west/north/south upper/middle/lower – It only matters that God places us, and so where He places us we work for Him in that situation.

In whatever place, in whatever company – Let us bear God’s Name well, pointing to Him in our thought, word and deed.

May people see Jesus!

* Father God,

Thank You that You show no partiality, no bending with the wind of opinion. You are sure and true, steadfast and faithful.

Please help us today and onwards to reflect Your character, the fruits of Your Spirit.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Jeremiah likens Israel, and therefore we Christians too, to a woman who leaves her husband and lives with many lovers as a prostitute. God’s question “would you now return to me?” is answered in verses 12-13. This great call to return is given to a city that did not listen. Lord, may our loved ones and country listen!

SJA Notes

* God of love and mercy, thank You for Your word today.

“I have not relented, nor will I turn back.”

This is a hard word.

God brought His fierce wrath on His people. They were pillaged and plundered, taken into captivity. And the Lord brought this about.

“For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’ – in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”

In the new testament book of Romans, Paul delves deep into the law and sin. We read in chapter 7,

“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. … Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

Who is it that delivers us from death, from our sin – the sin that continues to captivate and wrap around us?

Who is it that brings about new life in us, a new heart the does know how to please God, growing the obedience of faith?

It is Jesus! He is our DELIVERER!

* Dear Lord God,

Thank You for sending You in the person of the Son – Jesus our King and Saviour.

Thank You that this passage in Jeremiah reminds us of what we have in Jesus.

Please make us more like Him each day.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Jeremiah likens Israel, and therefore we Christians too, to a woman who leaves her husband and lives with many lovers as a prostitute. God’s question “would you now return to me?” is answered in verses 12-13. This great call to return is given to a city that did not listen. Lord, may our loved ones and country listen!

SJA Notes

* Faithful God, please plant Your word deep within us today, and grow it, that we might be good soil and bear much fruit.

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. And when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall not more say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.”

The ark was where God’s word was kept, the testimony. That which was God’s COVENANT with His people.

The ark was a special and peculiar element for Israel and their worship of our God.

The ark was the footstool for the mercy seat, where God would meet them from above.

We know from all of scripture that God’s plan was always that the earthly shadowy things were pointers and signs and frail copies of the HEAVENLY REALITIES.

When we think about the ark, Jesus is the crux of what is going on.

Jesus is God’s word become flesh!

Jesus keeps our side of God’s covenant!

God’s mercy to us is shown in Jesus on the cross!

And we meet God in and through Jesus (and Him alone)!

When thinking about God meeting with us, the ark, Jesus – We can read in Revelation 21,

“Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”

Amen to this!

* Gracious Father,

Thank You that from Jeremiah we can read again of our wonderful hope in the _now_ in You, and of our _not yet_ hope in You.

Please mark us as a faithful people who are singular in our devotion to You.

Amen.