Bible Pathways - August 23, 2005

August 23

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah imprisoned, then buys a field at Anathoth; return to Jerusalem promised; Christ, the Branch of Righteousness, promised

The king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house (Jeremiah 32:2). Yet, under such adverse circumstances and with the destruction of the nation imminent, the Lord told Jeremiah: Buy . . . the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans (32:25). Without hesitation Jeremiah paid for the land, took receipts, registered the purchase, and then handed over the documents in the presence of many witnesses (see 32:9-12).

This business transaction would have seemed ridiculous to those who had heard Jeremiah's repeated warnings of approaching destruction and captivity. But, Jeremiah had also proclaimed that the people would be restored to the land, and this purchase of land was evidence of his faith that the Sovereign God would fulfill His Word.

Although Jeremiah could not see how God would accomplish this prophecy, his faith was in the unfailing God, who also proclaimed: I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (32:27).

God gave Jeremiah a fresh assurance concerning the future of Israel by saying: I will gather them out of all countries, where I have driven them . . . and I will bring them again to this place . . . to dwell safely (32:37).

The Lord's invitation is still: Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things (33:3). How wonderful it is to know that, in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, we can rest assured that God is merciful and will protect and provide for the needs of His faithful servants (see Matthew 6:28-34) and will fulfill His Word.

Our faith in God and His Word can be measured by the influence we allow it to have upon our conduct. Each day that passes brings us that much closer to the day of the Lord. Let us then daily be prepared to meet Him. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved (destroyed), what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. . . . be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Peter 3:10-14).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jeremiah who acted as a kinsman-redeemer by purchasing the land of his cousin Hanameel even though he was in prison (Jeremiah 32:6-14; see also Leviticus 25:25,49; Ruth 2:20; 3:5-13). Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer who purchased our freedom from sin, hell, and the grave with His own blood on Calvary (I Corinthians 6:20; Galatians 3:13; Revelation 5:9; Hebrews 13:12).

Word Study:

32:4 mouth to mouth = face to face; 32:10 evidence = deed; 32:44 subscribe evidences = sign deeds.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash · Staff: George Kopchak · Government Official: Justice Anthony Kennedy · Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe · Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

Optional Reading: 1 John 5

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 2:11