Bible Pathways - Aug. 22, 2008

Jeremiah 29

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Talk about persistence! Judah is already captive (29:1-4). The popular false prophets still attack Jeremiah and God continues to uphold him (29:24-32). Jeremiah is instructed of God concerning Shemaiah . . . he hath taught rebellion against the Lord (29:31-32). Then God has Jeremiah record everything He said — read why (30:1-3). A New Covenant is necessary (31:31-34).

An amazing prophetic truth has been fulfilled. The once-mighty empires of Assyria, Persia, Greece, and Rome have faded away. Their names remain, but their power is gone.

Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, the captivity of the people of God, and their return to Jerusalem after 70 years. It was repeatedly foretold that the Jews would be dispersed; yet they would not be lost and disappear but would remain a distinct people.

During their captivity, Jeremiah taught the people how to respond to their captors. He taught them to seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. . . . after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you . . . in causing you to return to this place (29:7-10; compare 25:11).

This reveals the sinfulness of bitterness and seeking revenge when we are mistreated or face opposition. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves or hating and avoiding those who take advantage of us, we too should seek the best interest of our enemies. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:44-45).

Let us remember there is a God — a God who has purpose and design for both His people and the promised land. Hear Him speak: The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me (Leviticus 25:23). World policy makers write, talk, and speculate, but they ignore the sovereignty of God over the affairs of earth.

For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of My people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it (Jeremiah 30:3).

Jeremiah was given one of the most complete revelations in the Old Testament of the reign of Christ and the nature of the New Covenant with His people in chapters 30:9 — 33:17.

After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jeremiah 31:33).

Thought for Today:

God's Word tells us to treat our enemies with kindness and in so doing we will overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who forgives sin (Jeremiah 31:34). That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power (authority) on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go (Matthew 9:6; compare John 8:10-11).

Word Studies:

29:11 an expected end =b> a hopeful future; 29:23 have committed villany =b> have done disgraceful things; 30:21 engaged =b> pledged; 31:14 satiate =b> fully satisfy; 31:21 high heaps =b> road signs (pointing back to Israel).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic, English, & Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by All Those Who Love Jesus • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Bud Cramer (AL) and Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (MI) • Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent • Major languages: French and Sangho • Religious freedom • 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord in prayer and worship the Lord (II Chron. 6:13).

Optional Reading: 1 John 4

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:18