Bible Pathway - Aug. 26, 2012

Highlights:

Gedeliah's assassination; Jeremiah taken to Egypt; desolation of Judah because of idolatry.

And all the captains of the forces, took . . . Jeremiah the prophet . . . So they came into the land of Egypt (Jer. 43:5-7).

After Nebuchadnezzar defeated the kingdom of Judah, he made Gedaliah governor . . . of the poor of the land (40:7). However, Gedaliah ruled for only two months before he was murdered by a radical group of his own people for his loyalty to Babylon.

After his assassination, the people expected Nebuchadnezzar to retaliate by destroying the survivors, so they decided to escape to Egypt. But Jeremiah continued to warn them that they would be destroyed if they went to Egypt.

Nothing could have been more distressing to Jeremiah than finally being forced into Egypt as a prisoner. There he watched the people sink further into sin and idolatry by rejecting the True God and worshiping a false goddess whom some believed to be the queen of heaven (44:15-19).

Some would assume that surely the great prophet Jeremiah deserved better treatment for his loyalty to God than to be forced to Egypt. But Jeremiah was faithful even though his was not an easy life. He was living to please his God. The true servant of God is not living for the rewards of this life. This is not to say that God does not have an abundance of blessings for us in this life. He gives us love, joy, peace, and comfort just to name a few. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

True servants of God know the Word of God which tells them they will suffer at times. They will be hated by men at times. However, they are not living for a reward in this world. Their reward will be the world to come. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city (Heb. 11:16).

One of our greatest joys comes in sacrificing our own interests to do the will of God. We will find no greater blessing in life than undertaking the will of God. He has a plan for you and me. We should embrace God's plan for our lives. Let our plans be overruled by His. His are perfect.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ (Phil 3:7).

Thought for Today:

The person who rejects God and His Word walks in darkness.

Christ Revealed:

By My servants the prophets (Jer. 44:4). God the Father called Jesus My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:17-18; Acts 3:20-21), and Jesus was recognized as that Prophet that should come into the world (John 6:14; see also Matt. 21:11; Luke 24:19).

Word Studies:

41:1 seed royal, royal family; 41:9 pit, cistern; 41:14 cast about, turned around; 42:18 execration, curse, object of disgust and shame; 42:20 dissembled, were deceitful; 43:3 setteth thee on, incites or influences you.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Ruth Hall • Government Official: Rep. Mel Watt (NC) • Country: Singapore (4 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Chinese and Malay • Religious freedom • 54% Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Traditional Religion; 15% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 3% Hindu; .5% Sikh; .2% Baha'i; 14.3% None/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Encourage others to praise the Lord throughout the day (Ps. 67:5).

Optional Reading: Jude 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 3:1-2