Thoughts on Jeremiah 12
Theme: To overcome, you must face challenges
Main Scripture:
Jeremiah 12: 1 – 2
You are always righteous, LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.
Supporting Scriptures
Jeremiah 12: 5 – 6
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? Your relatives, members of your own family— even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.
This chapter is very interesting.
Jeremiah was complaining to GOD about the prosperity of the “unserious christians” against the faithful ones.
And GOD replied to him with verses 5 and 6.
Telling him, “Jeremiah, you haven’t seen anything yet. Even in your family, they will sell you out. Don’t let all these bother you that much”.
One of our bible study topic, we looked at Rapture Part 2. During our discussion, we saw how JESUS told Peter to forgive his brother 70 x 7 times in one day. Why? Because making heaven is a serious business. If we allow ourselves to be comparing ourselves with ourselves, it will be difficult to keep focused.
Joseph was a boy greatly maligned by his brothers and life generally, but he didn’t let his focus shift from the teachings of his father.
Joseph is an example of a boy who has raced with men and horses and overcame them all. And he is our example
Brethren, let us look unto JESUS always, the author and the finisher of our faith.
Painful as it is, who is prospering over whom is not supposed to be our business at all.
Take Away
We should stay focused, no matter the challenges that befall us because at the end, the righteous Judge, our GOD will make all things to work out for our good. And remember too, that HE is concerned about the unserious christians. It is HIS desire that they do not perish, but repent and HE will forgive and accept them back. Let us pray for them.
Prayer Point
Oh LORD, in this my year of overcoming. grant me the grace to remain focused on you, no matter what, in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen. And intervene in the lives of the unserious Christians and restore their lives.
Thoughts on Jeremiah 13.
THEME: The Impending Punishment of Judah Due to Their Pride and Disobedience!
The symbolic act of a linen girdle that is bought, worn and then hidden by the Euphrates River is used in this chapter to illustrate the coming destruction of Judah due to their pride and unfaithfulness to God.
The girdle once pristine becomes ruined and useless when it gets wet symbolizing how Judah’s pride will be destroyed and they will be rendered worthless in God’s eyes if they do not repent and turn back to God.
POINT OF EMPHASIS :
The need for humility and repentance to avoid imminent judgment.
KEY POINTS:
1.The Girdle Judgment.
2.Warnings of Destruction.
3.A Call to Repentance.
THE GIRDLE JUDGMENT:
The linen girdle loincloth symbolises Judah’s Close relationship with God.
The ruined linen loincloth which God instructed Jeremiah to wear and then hide represents how their close relationship with God will be spoiled and destroyed if they do not repent.
WARNINGS OF DESTRUCTION:
The spoiled girdle signifies that Judah’s pride will be mared and their nation will be rendered useless due to their sin and disobedience.
A Call To Repentance:
Jeremiah urges the people to humble themselves and turn back to God, warning that if they do not, their destruction is inevitable!
Lessons
The way God was patient with the children of Israel despite their sinful nature and disobedience towards Him, that is how God is patient with the entire world, waiting and longing for their repentance today.
Our God is long-suffering!
God Is love!
Verse 17 shows how God weeps over every sinner!
He is not happy about their destruction!
Brethren, let us go out and preach the gospel to the lost souls!.
Reflections On Jeremiah Chapter 14
Today, we study the Book of Jeremiah Chapter 14, where Judah experienced THE SWORD, FAMINE & PESTILENCE as a consequence of iniquities.
Key Scripture
“But I will consume them by the Sword, famine, and pestilence.”
(Jeremiah 14:12b)
Reflections
“Physical Hardships May Result From Spiritual Mis Steps”
Brethren, we serve a HOLY GOD who will not condone sin/ iniquity, yet the people of God, from time to time, committed abominations and acts of wickedness resulting in cycles of discipline.
This scenario occurred in the days of Prophet Jeremiah. Hence, Judah experienced afflictions through THE SWORD, THE FAMINE & THE PESTILENCE!
Spiritual Correlation?
Even in contemporary times, there are spiritual correlations to natural disasters such as tsunamis,hurricanes, earthquakes, and strange fires. Yet, history continues to repeat this viscious cycle!
Lessons
Know The Word
Brethren, it is most critical to KNOW THE WILL OF GOD as expressed in HIS WORD (Joshua 1:8)
Self-inflicted
Going astray from God’s word exposes us to affliction
(Psalms 119:67)
Never Break Hedge
A serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall – Never break the HEDGE
(Ecclesiastes 10:8)
False Prophets
GOD still holds us accountable even if misled by false prophets! (Jeremiah 14:14)
Repent & Return
When we miss the mark, MERCY IS AVAILABLE.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:8-10)
REPENT!
A contrite heart, the Lord will not despise! (Psalms 51:17
Conclusion
Some hardships we experience are self-inflicted, arising from breaking spiritual laws!
Indeed, to obey is better than sacrifice!
The way of the transgressor is HARD!
LET US RETURN TO THE LORD.
Prayer
Father, we pray for a new heart and the right spirit.
Amen.
