Read Jeremiah 26 -- 28
In Today's Reading:
Jeremiah's arrest; Judah's subjection to Nebuchadnezzar foretold; Hananiah's false prophecy; his death
During the early part of Zedekiah's reign, God commanded Jeremiah to make a yoke and put it on his own neck, symbolizing the coming captivity of the kingdom of Judah. Now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him (Jeremiah 27:6).
Jeremiah proclaimed that, because of their sin, along with that of Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon, God had appointed Nebuchadnezzar as ruler over all these nations (27:2-11; compare Daniel 2:37-38). Sometime earlier, when he had prophesied something similar, the priesthood was determined to kill Jeremiah. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears (Jeremiah 26:11).
When Jeremiah's prophecy was fulfilled and the Israelites were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, it began the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). We are near the close of that final generation when the times of the Gentiles (will) be fulfilled. God, in His sovereign power, has caused the Jews to return to Jerusalem and once again become a nation before the coming of the Messiah, King Jesus — just as He declared centuries ago. God has not indicated when it will take place. Therefore, we do not look for signs, but prepare for that day.
Let us faithfully and diligently tell others how they can be prepared for His return. Failure to do so will result in eternal damnation for all who do not receive Christ as their Savior and Lord.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:11-14).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah, who was falsely accused by the priests and the false prophets (see Jeremiah 26:8-9). Our Lord was threatened and falsely accused by the religious rulers of His day. The elders . . . and the chief priests and the scribes. . . . began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting (misleading) the nation, and forbidding to give tribute (tax) to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King (Luke 22:66-23:2; see also John 8:48,59).
Word Study:
26:14 meet = right; 27:19 the sea = the brass laver at which the priests cleansed their hands and feet before entering the Temple; residue = remainder.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Pray for Back to the Bible Missionary Agency · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dorothy W. Ralston · Country: Norway (4 million) in northern Europe · Major language: Norwegian · Religious freedom · 95% Protestant; .4% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to write His precepts in your heart (Colossians 3:16).
Optional Reading: I John 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:24