Bible Pathways - August 20, 2005

August 20

In Today's Reading:

Future restoration; Christ's rule promised; lying prophets; good and bad figs; judgment on Babylon foretold

Only a few months remained before the Babylonians would attack the kingdom of Judah. It was now too late to pray for Jerusalem or for the Temple to be saved from destruction. Judah's last king, Zedekiah, soon would suffer the horrifying experience of seeing his children murdered and then having his eyes gouged out and being taken in chains to Babylon (see II Kings 25:7). These prophecies are all solemn reminders that sin and suffering are inseparable and that judgment is inevitable whenever the Word of God is disregarded.

Jeremiah's message turned from one of the coming judgment to one of comfort for the Israelites. To illustrate His plan for them, the Lord showed Jeremiah one basket (that) had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty (bad, rotten) figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad (Jeremiah 24:2).Then the Lord said: Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge (regard) them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. For I will set My eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land (24:5-6). Thus the Lord was lovingly sending the chosen "good figs" into captivity to correct them "for their own good."

Even while the armies of Babylon were besieging Jerusalem, Jeremiah assured those who were faithful to God's Word: Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16). At the proper time the Lord Jesus Christ will return to fulfill this prophecy concerning Himself.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, He becomes for us THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. We too are comforted as we continue to look forward to the coming return of the Messiah Jesus, who is that promised Righteous Branch. He (God) has made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).

Christ Revealed:

As The Lord Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6). Christ Jesus . . . is made to us wisdom, and righteousness (I Corinthians 1:30). He (God) has made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).

Word Studies:

23:10 adulterers = forsakers of God; because of swearing = because of the curse of God upon it; 23:32 lightness = vain boasting; 25:34 fall like a pleasant vessel = break like a valuable vessel; 25:38 covert = hiding place.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX) and Rep. Ron Paul (TX) · Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa · Major languages: Sesotho and English · Limited religious freedom · 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).

Optional Reading: 1 John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 1:9