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Bible Pathways - Aug. 15, 2007

08152007

Read Jeremiah 4 -- 6

In Today's Scripture Reading:

God's call to Israel; Jeremiah's lamentations for Judah; spiritual and civil corruption; destruction of Judah

The prophet Jeremiah began his public ministry during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (Jeremiah 1:2). He exposed the worldly, compromising lifestyle of the Israelites when he called them a foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not. . . . this people hath . . . a rebellious heart. . . . your sins have withholden good things from you (5:21,23,25). The reason for their lack of understanding was clear — they were rebellious against God in their hearts. Jeremiah lamented: The Word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. . . . every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely (6:10-13). Josiah's grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon were wicked kings who had led the people to forsake God and had encouraged worship of false gods.

However, young Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father (ancestor), and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left (II Kings 22:2). No doubt, Jeremiah was a great encouragement and influence on Josiah. After he had purged the land, Josiah began repairing the Temple and restoring worship of the One True God (II Chronicles 34:8-33). He then initiated a Passover feast unequaled in Israel's history from the days of the judges . . . (and) in all the days of the kings (II Kings 23:22).

Following Josiah's death (23:30-32), his son, Jehoahaz reverted to the evil ways of his grandfather Amon and great-grandfather Manasseh. With deep concern, we see a parallel between the false gods and the immorality of Judah that led to its defeat and the growth of false religions, moral decline, and sexual sins in America today.

The Apostle Paul was lead by the Holy Spirit to warn us: The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts . . . they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (false teachings) (II Timothy 4:3-5).

The true Christian is taught: Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jeremiah, whom God commissioned to reveal His truth (Jeremiah 4:2). Jesus shall one day judge all mankind. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. . . . Every man's work shall be made manifest (known): for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try (test) every man's work of what sort it is (Romans 2:16; I Corinthians 3:13).

Word Studies:

4:6 retire, stay not => go in haste, don't delay; 4:22 sottish => devoid of spiritual understanding; 5:10 battlements => branches; 5:13 wind => full of words, but speaking nothing from God; 5:30 wonderful => monstrous, shocking.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of the Suffering Saints & Martyrs (Persecuted Christians) in China Staff: Bernice Rathbone Government Officials: Rep. Judy Biggert (IL), Justice Stephen Breyer, Del. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa), Rep. Tim Mahoney (FL), and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe Major languages: Danish and Faroese Religious freedom 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to the Lord as incense before God (Revelation 8:3-4).

Optional Reading: I Peter 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 4:7



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