Bible Pathways - Aug. 23, 2009

Read Jeremiah 32

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Do you get the point of Jeremiah purchasing land and receiving a legal deed to it (32:9-15,40-44)? Eternal restoration of Israel is promised by God through Jesus Christ (33:14-26).

Once again Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in . . . the prison. . . . For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say . . . Zedekiah . . . shall not escape . . . but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon (32:2-4). The Lord had revealed to Jeremiah that the ungodliness of the people would result in the destruction of the nation by the Babylonian Empire, that the people would become prisoners taken hundreds of miles away, and all would be destroyed. Yet, under such adverse circumstances, without hesitation he bought a piece of land. The Lord had said: Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans (32:25). He paid for the land, took receipts, and registered the purchase in the presence of many witnesses as evidence of his faith that the people would someday be restored to the land. Faith cannot be confined merely to times of worship. If it is real, it will be the fundamental principle influencing all that we do (32:6-44).

Jeremiah had unshakable faith in all the prophecies that he had spoken as well as in the purchase of the property. However, he didn't see how the Lord would bring it to pass. He proceeded to recall Israel's history — how God had redeemed His people from Egypt and provided for, protected, and settled them in the fruitful promised land (32:21-22).

Then Jeremiah turned his thoughts to the perplexing facts of the moment. They were so staggering in his own mind — the dreadful wickedness of the people and the awesome judgment of God coming upon the nation for its wickedness. How, in the face of all this, could the restoration God had promised come to pass after 70 years (32:36-44)? He could not understand all the ways of God.

Then came the Word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me (32:26-27)? God has proven that nothing is too hard for Him.

How wonderful to know that, in the midst of our trials God can bring forth order out of chaos and good out of evil. He still says: Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jer. 33:3).

Thought for Today:

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge (Prov. 14:26).

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 Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Rev. K.C. Thomas, former Baptist Missionary, India • Government Official: Rep. John Adler (NJ) • Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • No evangelical work is permitted • 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Begin each morning with prayer (Ps. 5:3).

Optional Reading: 1 John 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 10:33