Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 30-32
Devotional Thought:
Jeremiah 30-32 describes the glorious reality of a new day for the people of Israel, not only for the exiles in Babylon but also for the Jewish people in the latter days before the Lord returns. Yesterday we learned about the warning Jeremiah gave to kings and priests regarding responding properly to the yoke of captivity. However, as is the case with many Christians, the warning went unheeded and there were terrible consequences. As we look at this passage, we discover that Jeremiah had two mountain peaks in view: the closer peak of the return of the exiles to Judah and the later peak of the regathering of Israel in the end times from the nations of the earth. We are first introduced to the justice of God as He says unto them, “Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.” (vs. 15) God warned and warned Judah to turn from their idolatry and pride. He told them that if they continued they would be put into captivity. However, just like Christians today, as the consequences of sin come we cry unto the Lord to take them away. It is so sad that the Bible is full of warnings against selfish living and yet we ignore them until the consequences are present in our lives. However, in verse 18, we get a glimpse of God’s mercy. “…Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.” God allows a group to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, walls, and reputation. We know that the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to set up a kingdom where He rules and reigns from Jerusalem is still to come in the millennial kingdom; however, what a testimony of his mercy to Israel. Though He knew the consequences were necessary for Israel to repent and come back to Him, it broke God’s heart to allow the consequences to happen. In verse 15, He even admits to doing these things unto them because it was necessary. In verse 22, He says, “And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God…” The goal of consequences is always maturity and restoration. As a parent, we realize the need of consequences in the lives of our children. May we recognize the gracious hand of God in both His demonstrations of justice as well as his demonstrations of mercy. He is the perfect parent!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be sensitive to the teaching of the scripture. Help me to listen as the Holy Spirit illumines my mind to understand spiritual truth. Help me to obey what I know you to tell me. Help me to discipline selfishness and manifest a servant’s heart.
• Lord, please help me to embrace your convicting power. Help me to always be sensitive to your leadership. Help me to never become callused or hard to the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Lord, please help me to be a parent that best helps my boys to understand you. Help me to be a balance of justice and mercy. Help me to never be blind to what they really need for maturity and growth.