Read Jeremiah 32
Highlights:
Do you get the point of Jeremiah purchasing land and receiving a legal deed to it (Jer. 32:9-15,40-44)? God promises eternal restoration of Israel through Jesus Christ (33:14-26).
The final attack on Jerusalem before its captivity began in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign (Jer. 39:1). On the approach of Pharaoh's army from Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar's army temporarily withdrew to defeat the Egyptian army (37:5). Many in Jerusalem expected Egypt to prevail; but Jeremiah confidently declared that God had revealed that the Babylonians would destroy them. As punishment for foretelling the capture of Jerusalem, Jeremiah was put into the king's prison (32:2-5).
Ye shall not prosper (32:5). God decides all battles — no matter how great the army, how heroic the officers, or how skillful the commander. The Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts (32:18) can so confuse the best arranged plans that the battle will not go to the strong. As with nations, so it is with men. Though they rise up early (and) . . . sit up late (Ps. 127:2), if God says: Ye shall not prosper, then failure shall follow.
Although Jeremiah could not see how God would accomplish the prophecy concerning the regathering of His people Israel, his faith was in the unfailing Word of God, who declared: I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (Jer. 32:27).
Even amid failure of human plans, we can be sure that God is working in all things. In the midst of darkness and confusion, we can maintain our faith that out of darkness God can bring forth light; out of chaos, order (Gen. 1:2-3); out of evil, good (50:20); and out of death, life (Rev. 1:18).
God reveals Himself and His will to men in His Word, so our faith in the Word of God can be measured by the influence it has upon our conduct. We should all ask ourselves: "Does my faith mold my daily decisions? Is there any difference in my life because of my faith in the Scriptures?" The answers to these questions will reveal whether our faith is truly genuine or is just traditional "religion."
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved (destroyed), what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. . . . Wherefore . . . be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Pet. 3:10-14).
Thought for Today:
Ah Lord God! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee (Jer. 32:17).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah who, even though he was in prison, acted as a kinsman-redeemer by purchasing the land of his cousin Hanameel (Jer. 32:6-14; Lev. 25:25,49; Ruth 2:20; 3:12-13). Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer who purchased our freedom from sin, hell, and the grave with His own blood on Calvary (I Cor. 6:20; Gal. 4:4-5; Titus 2:13-14; Heb. 13:12; Rev. 1:18).
Word Study:
32:4 mouth to mouth face to face; 32:10 evidence need; 32:25 for (second usage) even though; 32:44 subscribe evidences sign deeds.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Gov. Bill Haslam (TN) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to God, for He hears your prayers and delivers you (Ps. 40:1-3).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:3