AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR AUGUST 23
Read Jeremiah 45-48
Today starts off with a message to Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe and his name means blessed. Although he doesn’t look blessed considering the timeline of his life coincides with the destruction of Israel. And he doesn’t claim a blessed existence but rather says, ‘woe is me, for the Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and have found no rest.’ (Jer. 45:3)
When the word of the Lord comes to him, it’s much like the conversation God had with Jonah, did you plant this vine? Is it yours? I built it and I’m about to tear it down. God’s frankness to Baruch is plain, I will give you your life. Don’t seek great things. Baruch chose faithfulness over fame.
If you find yourself, longing for greatness or great positions, a prayer to pray for humility and balance is Psalm 131. This image of a weaned child about 4-5 years old, resting against their mother, is a picture devoid of human pride. Trusting. Content. You will meet my needs. I have what you want me to have.
Jeremiah sees the judgment of God concerning Egypt. Egypt is described as a pretty heifer in verse 20 and a horsefly is coming from the north and that horsefly is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon who will defeat Egypt and 605 BC. This language of the pretty heifer is almost like a nod to the golden calf Aaron made, the calf idolizing the snare of Egypt to God’s people. False worship is serious business.
Jeremiah goes on to prophesy against Philistia and in 604 Nebuchadnezzar fulfills this prophecy. In chapter 47 verse five when they mention Gaza, it is roughly the equivalent of the modern Gaza Strip.
Someone makes this request for the Lord to sheath his sword, and yet it cannot be quiet, it will not cut short there is more to do. In chapter 48 God’s sword is a work again only now against Moab. If you’re interested in the new testament references to the sword of the LORD, please read Hebrews 4:12-16.
Jeremiah responds much like Isaiah over Moab’s future. In Isaiah 15:5 and Jeremiah 48:31 each prophet laments and wails, read that again WAILS—at the conditions coming. There are a few times I’ve heard weeping and wailing.
Jesus much like Isaiah and Jeremiah laments over Jerusalem. When seeing the her future he says, ‘Jerusalem Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold your house has left you desolate!’ And then, two verses later Christ prophesies, not one stone here will be left upon another. (Matthew 23:37-38, Matthew 24:2)
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Jesus demonstrate God’s deep lamentation over these cities ripe for judgment. Can’t we see the character of God? It confirms the words in 2 Peter 3:9. He is slow to bring the final end because HE IS not wanting anyone to perish.
