Category Archives: Strong in Our Weakness

Jeremiah 45: Embrace Humility, Contentment, and Faith

Jeremiah 45 contains a message from the prophet Jeremiah to his scribe, Baruch. In this passage, Jeremiah delivers a message of both warning and comfort to Baruch during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in the history of the people of Israel.

The primary message of Jeremiah 45 can be summarized as follows:

  1. Warning: Jeremiah tells Baruch not to seek great things for himself. He advises him not to be preoccupied with personal ambition, wealth, or fame, especially in a time of great upheaval and distress.
  2. Comfort: Jeremiah assures Baruch that even in the midst of adversity and turmoil, God will protect him and allow him to escape with his life as a reward for his faithfulness.

The broader context of this chapter is the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. Jeremiah’s messages throughout the Book of Jeremiah often focus on the people’s disobedience, God’s judgment, and the eventual hope of restoration. In this particular chapter, the message is directed toward Baruch, reminding him to maintain humility and faith in God’s protection during these challenging times.

Jeremiah 45

Message to Baruch

      1This is the message which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written down these words in a book at Jeremiah’s dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying: 2“Thus says the LORD the God of Israel to you, O Baruch: 3‘You said, “Ah, woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have found no rest.”’ 4“Thus you are to say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, what I have built I am about to tear down, and what I have planted I am about to uproot, that is, the whole land.” 5‘But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,’ declares the LORD, ‘but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.’”

The message of Jeremiah 45 can be applied to our lives today in several ways, emphasizing the importance of humility, contentment, and faith, especially during challenging and uncertain times:

  1. Embrace Humility: Jeremiah’s message encourages us to be humble and not to seek greatness and personal ambition at the expense of others or at the wrong time. In our lives, it’s important to recognize the value of humility, modesty, and a willingness to serve others without constantly seeking self-aggrandizement.
  2. Avoid Excessive Materialism: The warning against seeking “great things” can remind us not to become overly materialistic or obsessed with wealth, fame, or success. Prioritize values like integrity, relationships, and personal growth over the pursuit of material possessions.
  3. Contentment and Gratitude: Cultivate contentment with what you have rather than constantly striving for more. Gratitude for the blessings you already possess can lead to greater satisfaction and peace of mind.
  4. Trust in God: The message of comfort in Jeremiah 45 emphasizes the importance of trust and faith in God, even in the face of adversity. This can be applied by maintaining trust in a higher power or in your inner strength and resilience during difficult times.
  5. Perseverance: In the face of challenges and uncertainty, Jeremiah’s message to Baruch encourages perseverance and determination. We can apply this by staying resilient and committed to our goals and values, even when the road ahead is difficult.
  6. Recognize the Bigger Picture: Remember that life has its ups and downs, and difficult times are often part of a larger journey. Just as Baruch was assured of his life’s protection in the midst of turmoil, we can find solace in the belief that, with patience and faith, we can weather life’s storms.

In essence, Jeremiah 45 encourages a balanced approach to life, advocating for humility, contentment, and faith in the face of adversity. By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can find greater fulfillment and inner peace, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainty.

I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and personal reflection as you ask God to help you apply these lessons to your life today.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Finding Strength in Faith: A Message of Hope for Every Believer

In Jeremiah 42, the remnant of the people who remained in Judah after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem seek guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. They ask him to pray to God and provide them with guidance on whether they should stay in Judah or go to Egypt to escape further Babylonian oppression.

There are several key themes which apply in our  lives even today:

Seeking God’s Guidance: The people in Jeremiah 42 come to Jeremiah seeking guidance and direction from God. They recognize the importance of seeking divine wisdom in making significant life decisions. In our lives, we should also seek God’s guidance through prayer and reflection when facing important choices or challenges.

Obedience to God’s Will: In their request, the people commit to following whatever God instructs them through Jeremiah. This theme emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s will, even when His guidance may not align with our preferences. It reminds us to be willing to submit to God’s plan and trust in His wisdom.

Fear vs. Faith: The people in Jeremiah 42 were motivated by fear of the Babylonians, which led them to consider fleeing to Egypt. The chapter highlights the tension between fear and faith. It encourages us to examine our motivations and consider whether our decisions are driven by fear or a deep trust in God.

Consequences of Choices: The chapter also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of our choices. The people’s decision to go to Egypt, despite God’s warning through Jeremiah, resulted in calamity. This underscores the importance of making decisions with a full understanding of the potential consequences.

God’s Sovereignty: Ultimately, Jeremiah 42 reinforces the theme of God’s sovereignty. God’s guidance through Jeremiah is a reminder that His plans and purposes prevail over human decisions. This encourages us to acknowledge God’s authority and trust in His providence.

In our lives today, we can apply these themes by seeking God’s guidance through prayer, committing to obey His will, examining the role of fear in our decisions, understanding the consequences of our choices, and recognizing God’s sovereignty in our lives. Jeremiah 42 offers valuable insights into decision-making and the importance of aligning our choices with God’s purposes.

Jeremiah  42

Warning against Going to Egypt

      1Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people both small and great approached 2and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the LORD your God, that is for all this remnant; because we are left but a few out of many, as your own eyes now see us, 3that the LORD your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.” 4Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard you. Behold, I am going to pray to the LORD your God in accordance with your words; and I will tell you the whole message which the LORD will answer you. I will not keep back a word from you.” 5Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with the whole message with which the LORD your God will send you to us. 6“Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the LORD our God.”

      7Now at the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah. 8Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, and for all the people both small and great, 9and said to them, “Thus says the LORD the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition before Him: 10‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down, and I will plant you and not uproot you; for I will relent concerning the calamity that I have inflicted on you. 11‘Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you are now fearing; do not be afraid of him,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I am with you to save you and deliver you from his hand. 12‘I will also show you compassion, so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own soil. 13‘But if you are going to say, “We will not stay in this land,” so as not to listen to the voice of the LORD your God, 14saying, “No, but we will go to the land of Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the sound of a trumpet or hunger for bread, and we will stay there”; 15then in that case listen to the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “If you really set your mind to enter Egypt and go in to reside there, 16then the sword, which you are afraid of, will overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there in Egypt, and you will die there. 17“So all the men who set their mind to go to Egypt to reside there will die by the sword, by famine and by pestilence; and they will have no survivors or refugees from the calamity that I am going to bring on them.”’”

      18For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “As My anger and wrath have been poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so My wrath will be poured out on you when you enter Egypt. And you will become a curse, an object of horror, an imprecation and a reproach; and you will see this place no more.” 19The LORD has spoken to you, O remnant of Judah, “Do not go into Egypt!” You should clearly understand that today I have testified against you. 20For you have only deceived yourselves; for it is you who sent me to the LORD your God, saying, “Pray for us to the LORD our God; and whatever the LORD our God says, tell us so, and we will do it.” 21So I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the LORD your God, even in whatever He has sent me to tell you. 22Therefore you should now clearly understand that you will die by the sword, by famine and by pestilence, in the place where you wish to go to reside.

Take time to reflect on the key themes above. Perhaps reread them now that you have read the scripture itself. Ask God to help and guide you in major decisions in your life and then obey, even if it is not what you want.

I am experiencing that in my life today and for the last year. God led me to leave my job of 26 years and called me to ministry to help heal and restore broken marriages. It was not a path I would have chosen and it has had challenges along the way. For me, His calling is a bit like His call for the Israelites in Jeremiah 42 to stay in Israel and not flee to Egypt. It goes against my reason, and brings my fear into tension with my faith.

I choose faith. What will you choose in your life?

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Be Still and Know that I am God! (Psalm 46)

During the storms in my life, I find encouragement in Psalm 46. A few years ago I focused primarily on 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God!” That was easy to remember and encouraged me to pause and remember that He is in control during my times of adversity.

However, now I see things I did not notice then. Truly I say to you… this is actually a powerful command when read in context.

1  God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God,
    the sacred home of the Most High.
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
    From the very break of day, God will protect it.
The nations are in chaos,
    and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
    and the earth melts!
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
    See how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
    He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.

I am now amazed I ever missed it, but this is not any ordinary stressful day that is being highlighted here… but earthquakes, mountains tumbling into the sea, oceans roaring so forcefully that the mountains tremble.

The message is quite profound… no matter what circumstance we face or our world faces we can find peace in knowing that God is in control, God is bigger and stronger than any problem we may encounter.

I hope this word encourages you as much as it does me. This is a scripture that I suggest memorizing. Carry it in your heart to be ready for when the storms come.

Take a few minutes now to pray and give thanks to our Father for who He is and how He cares for us. Whatever you are experiencing, be still and know that He is God.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Place Your Hope In Yahweh, Even In Difficult Times

It is easy for us to get discouraged when we experience hard times, when things do not go the way we expect or desire. When we feel overwhelmed, we may begin to feel distant to Jehovah. We are wise to recognize that we need Him in those situations and turn toward Him… seeking Him wholeheartedly for help.

Psalm 43

Prayer for Deliverance.

     1Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation;
O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

      2For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

      3O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your dwelling places.

      4Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.

      5Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Many of the Psalms begin with sorrow and difficulty. By turning to Jehovah and calling out to Him and trusting in Him they often end with hope and joy, even before the situation has been resolved or improved. Just reminding ourselves of our Father in heaven and engaging Him in true communication can be of great help.  Place your hope in Jehovah, even when times are tough.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Focus on What God Can Do Instead of What You Cannot

The beginning of Mark 8 focuses on a miracle we can all too quickly take for granted. Jesus feeds 4,000 people starting with only 7 loaves of bread.

Also, consider what moved Jesus to this miracle. He felt compassion on the people. Why? They had been with Him for days without food. Think about that! That is quite a demonstration of faith on their part.

What did the disciples focus on in this situation? Where Jesus focused on the people and their needs, the disciples focused on their own limitations and not being able to think about how they could meet the need in their own power.

Don’t be too hard on them! How often do we do the same thing in our lives?

Mark 8: 1-10

Four Thousand Fed

      1In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and said to them, 2“I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3“If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.” 4And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” 5And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. 8And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. 9About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. 10And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.

When you see a need or feel called by God to help others or overcome a challenge… don’t focus on what you can or can’t do in your own power, but rather focus on what God can do!

Pray and ask God to show you any areas in your life where you are too focused on what you can’t do to solve a situation and not focused enough on what He can do! Trust in Him to provide. He will make a way.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

God’s Faithfulness Offers a Transformative Journey from Brokenness to Abundant Blessings

Jeremiah 31, a pivotal chapter in the book of Jeremiah, carries a profound message of hope and restoration in the midst of turmoil. Against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile and the fall of Jerusalem, the central theme of this chapter revolves around the promise of a new covenant between God and His people.

At its core, Jeremiah 31 envisions the restoration of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Despite the people’s disobedience and the consequences they face, God’s unwavering love and faithfulness shine through. The chapter paints a picture of a triumphant return from exile, where the people are called to rejoice and sing as they journey back to their homeland.

The concept of the new covenant takes center stage, embodying a profound shift from external obedience to an internal transformation. Unlike the old covenant established at Mount Sinai, which was written on stone tablets, this new covenant will be etched onto the hearts of the people. This intimate inscription signifies a deeper connection with God, where forgiveness, redemption, and a renewed relationship become paramount.

Through Jeremiah’s words, God’s promise to forgive sins and remember them no more echoes, highlighting His boundless mercy. The lush imagery of the land’s fertility and the population’s growth paints a vibrant picture of flourishing prosperity. Jeremiah 31 resonates with the unchanging nature of God’s love, demonstrating His unyielding commitment to His people despite their failings.

In essence, Jeremiah 31 encapsulates a message of renewal—a promise that out of adversity, a fresh start awaits. It encapsulates a profound sense of hope, underscoring the idea that even in the face of challenges and exile, God’s covenantal relationship endures. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder that God’s faithfulness prevails, offering a transformative journey from brokenness to abundant blessings.

Jeremiah 31

Israel’s Mourning Turned to Joy

      1“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

      2Thus says the LORD,
“The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness—
Israel, when it went to find its rest.”

      3The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

      4“Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt,
O virgin of Israel!
Again you will take up your tambourines,
And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers.

      5“Again you will plant vineyards
On the hills of Samaria;
The planters will plant
And will enjoy them.

      6“For there will be a day when watchmen
On the hills of Ephraim call out,
‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion,
To the LORD our God.’”

      7For thus says the LORD,
“Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
And shout among the chief of the nations;
Proclaim, give praise and say,
‘O LORD, save Your people,
The remnant of Israel.’

      8“Behold, I am bringing them from the north country,
And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth,
Among them the blind and the lame,
The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together;
A great company, they will return here.

      9“With weeping they will come,
And by supplication I will lead them;
I will make them walk by streams of waters,
On a straight path in which they will not stumble;
For I am a father to Israel,
And Ephraim is My firstborn.”

      10Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
And declare in the coastlands afar off,
And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him
And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.”

      11For the LORD has ransomed Jacob
And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.

      12“They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD
Over the grain and the new wine and the oil,
And over the young of the flock and the herd;
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they will never languish again.

      13“Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
And the young men and the old, together,
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.

      14“I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance,
And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.

      15Thus says the LORD,
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.”

16Thus says the LORD,
“Restrain your voice from weeping
And your eyes from tears;
For your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD,
“And they will return from the land of the enemy.

      17“There is hope for your future,” declares the LORD,
“And your children will return to their own territory.

      18“I have surely heard Ephraim grieving,
‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,
Like an untrained calf;
Bring me back that I may be restored,
For You are the LORD my God.

      19‘For after I turned back, I repented;
And after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh;
I was ashamed and also humiliated
Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’

      20“Is Ephraim My dear son?
Is he a delightful child?
Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him;
Therefore My heart yearns for him;
I will surely have mercy on him,” declares the LORD.

      21“Set up for yourself roadmarks,
Place for yourself guideposts;
Direct your mind to the highway,
The way by which you went.
Return, O virgin of Israel,
Return to these your cities.

      22“How long will you go here and there,
O faithless daughter?
For the LORD has created a new thing in the earth—
A woman will encompass a man.”

      23Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes,
‘The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness,
O holy hill!’

24“Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks. 25“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” 26At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.


A New Covenant

      27“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. 28“As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

      29“In those days they will not say again,
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’

30“But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge.

      31“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD33“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34“They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

      35Thus says the LORD,
Who gives the sun for light by day
And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar;
The LORD of hosts is His name:

      36“If this fixed order departs
From before Me,” declares the LORD,
“Then the offspring of Israel also will cease
From being a nation before Me forever.”

37Thus says the LORD,
“If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel
For all that they have done,” declares the LORD.

      38“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the city will be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39“The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to Goah. 40“And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it will not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.”

Take a few minutes in prayer to thank God for His faithfulness in offering a transformative journey from brokenness to abundant blessings to each of us.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

From Despair to Destiny: A Divine Promise of Restoration

The key theme from Jeremiah chapter 30 is the promise of restoration and hope for the future. In this chapter, Jeremiah, the prophet, delivers a message of comfort to the Israelites during a time of great distress and exile. The chapter is often referred to as the “Book of Consolation” or the “Book of Restoration.”

Jeremiah 30 begins with a message from the Lord to Jeremiah, instructing him to write down all the words that God has spoken. The primary focus of the chapter is on the future restoration of Israel and Judah after a period of suffering, captivity, and judgment. Here are some of the key themes from Jeremiah 30:

  1. Restoration and Healing: God promises to bring back His people from exile and restore them to their land. He will heal their wounds and bring them back to a state of prosperity and peace.
  2. Divine Protection: God assures His people that He will protect them during their time of distress and persecution. He will deliver them from their enemies and establish them as a secure and respected nation.
  3. Jacob’s Trouble: The chapter also mentions a time of great distress and trouble for Jacob (representing the entire Israelite nation). However, even during this difficult period, God promises to save His people.
  4. Return of the King: There is a prophecy of a ruler from the lineage of David who will reign over the restored Israel and lead them in righteousness and justice.
  5. Covenant Relationship: God reaffirms His covenant with His people, emphasizing that He will always be their God, and they will be His people.
  6. Fear of God: The restored nation will serve and fear God with a renewed reverence, turning away from their sins and following His commandments.

Overall, Jeremiah 30 offers a message of hope, restoration, and God’s faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of their trials and hardships. It provides comfort to the Israelites, assuring them that their current suffering is not the end, and God has a plan to bring them back to a place of blessings and prosperity.

As you read it, consider how these same themes still apply to our lives and our relationship with God today.

Jeremiah 30

Deliverance from Captivity Promised

      1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. 3‘For behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.’ The LORD says, ‘I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.’”

      4Now these are the words which the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah:

      5“For thus says the LORD,
‘I have heard a sound of terror,
Of dread, and there is no peace.

      6‘Ask now, and see
If a male can give birth.
Why do I see every man
With his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth?
And why have all faces turned pale?

      7‘Alas! for that day is great,
There is none like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s distress,
But he will be saved from it.

      8‘It shall come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves. 9‘But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

      10‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant,’ declares the LORD,
‘And do not be dismayed, O Israel;
For behold, I will save you from afar
And your offspring from the land of their captivity.
And Jacob will return and will be quiet and at ease,
And no one will make him afraid.

      11‘For I am with you,’ declares the LORD, ‘to save you;
For I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you,
Only I will not destroy you completely.
But I will chasten you justly
And will by no means leave you unpunished.’

      12“For thus says the LORD,
‘Your wound is incurable
And your injury is serious.

      13‘There is no one to plead your cause;
No healing for your sore,
No recovery for you.

      14‘All your lovers have forgotten you,
They do not seek you;
For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy,
With the punishment of a cruel one,
Because your iniquity is great
And your sins are numerous.

      15‘Why do you cry out over your injury?
Your pain is incurable.
Because your iniquity is great
And your sins are numerous,
I have done these things to you.

      16‘Therefore all who devour you will be devoured;
And all your adversaries, every one of them, will go into captivity;
And those who plunder you will be for plunder,
And all who prey upon you I will give for prey.

      17‘For I will restore you to health
And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the LORD,
‘Because they have called you an outcast, saying:
“It is Zion; no one cares for her.”’

Restoration of Jacob

     18“Thus says the LORD,
‘Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob
And have compassion on his dwelling places;
And the city will be rebuilt on its ruin,
And the palace will stand on its rightful place.

      19‘From them will proceed thanksgiving
And the voice of those who celebrate;
And I will multiply them and they will not be diminished;
I will also honor them and they will not be insignificant.

      20‘Their children also will be as formerly,
And their congregation shall be established before Me;
And I will punish all their oppressors.

      21‘Their leader shall be one of them,
And their ruler shall come forth from their midst;
And I will bring him near and he shall approach Me;
For who would dare to risk his life to approach Me?’ declares the LORD.

      22‘You shall be My people,
And I will be your God.’”

      23Behold, the tempest of the LORD!
Wrath has gone forth,
A sweeping tempest;
It will burst on the head of the wicked.

      24The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has performed and until He has accomplished
The intent of His heart;
In the latter days you will understand this.

Take a few minutes to thank God in prayer and reflect on how the key themes highlighted before the scripture reading apply to you in your life today.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Yeshua Is The Bridegroom for the Church

There are some parallels we can draw from Song of Solomon about our relationship with Christ as our redeemer. Yeshua is the bridegroom and the church is His bride. One thing in particular that stands out for me when I think about my relationship to Yeshua in this way is that I should be passionate rather than stoic in pursuing relationship with Him. He comes as my savior! The church should be passionate about Him rather than indifferent. He should be a top priority, not one of many… just as we would expect a husband and wife to pursue one another. Yeshua has already done much in showing His love for us in that He came to dwell amongst us and died on the cross for our sins. He has made a way for us to reconcile to YHWH at great personal cost. We should each ask ourselves if we are doing the same for Him in how we live our lives.

Song of Solomon 3

The Bride’s Troubled Dream

     1“On my bed night after night I sought him
Whom my soul loves;
I sought him but did not find him.

      2‘I must arise now and go about the city;
In the streets and in the squares
I must seek him whom my soul loves.’
I sought him but did not find him.

      3“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me,
And I said, ‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’

      4“Scarcely had I left them
When I found him whom my soul loves;
I held on to him and would not let him go
Until I had brought him to my mother’s house,
And into the room of her who conceived me.”

      5“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field,
That you will not arouse or awaken my love
Until she pleases.”

Solomon’s Wedding Day

     6“What is this coming up from the wilderness
Like columns of smoke,
Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
With all scented powders of the merchant?

      7“Behold, it is the traveling couch of Solomon;
Sixty mighty men around it,
Of the mighty men of Israel.

      8“All of them are wielders of the sword,
Expert in war;
Each man has his sword at his side,
Guarding against the terrors of the night.

      9“King Solomon has made for himself a sedan chair
From the timber of Lebanon.

      10“He made its posts of silver,
Its back of gold
And its seat of purple fabric,
With its interior lovingly fitted out
By the daughters of Jerusalem.

      11“Go forth, O daughters of Zion,
And gaze on King Solomon with the crown
With which his mother has crowned him
On the day of his wedding,
And on the day of his gladness of heart.”

Though I do not hold that any particular commentary can replace our seeking to understand the Bible directly, with God’s help, I do believe that we can leverage the thoughts of others who went before us and then test that against scripture to see if it helps us gain potential insight into the word. I have selected one for more comment on today’s scripture.

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary

3:1-5 It was hard to the Old Testament church to find Christ in the ceremonial law; the watchmen of that church gave little assistance to those who sought after him. The night is a time of coldness, darkness, and drowsiness, and of dim apprehensions concerning spiritual things. At first, when uneasy, some feeble efforts are made to obtain the comfort of communion with Christ. This proves in vain; the believer is then roused to increased diligence. The streets and broad-ways seem to imply the means of grace in which the Lord is to be sought. Application is made to those who watch for men’s souls. Immediate satisfaction is not found. We must not rest in any means, but by faith apply directly to Christ. The holding of Christ, and not letting him go, denotes earnest cleaving to him. What prevails is a humble, ardent suing by prayer, with a lively exercise of faith on his promises. So long as the faith of believers keeps hold of Christ, he will not be offended at their earnest asking, yea, he is well pleased with it. The believer desires to make others acquainted with his Saviour. Wherever we find Christ, we must take him home with us to our houses, especially to our hearts; and we should call upon ourselves and each other, to beware of grieving our holy Comforter, and provoking the departure of the Beloved.

3:6-11 A wilderness is an emblem of the world; the believer comes out of it when he is delivered from the love of its sinful pleasures and pursuits, and refuses to comply with its customs and fashions, to seek happiness in communion with the Saviour. A poor soul shall come up, at last, under the conduct of the Comforter; like a cloud of incense ascending from the altar, or the smoke of the burnt-offerings. This signifies pious and devout affections, and the mounting of the soul heaven-ward. The believer is filled with the graces of God’s Spirit; his devotions now are very lively. These graces and comforts are from the heavenly Canaan. He, who is the Peace of his people, the King of the heavenly Zion, has provided for the safe conveyance of his redeemed through the wilderness of this world. The bed, or palanquin, was contrived for rest and easy conveyance, but its beauty and magnificence showed the quality of its owner. The church is well guarded; more are with her than are against her: believers, when they repose in Christ, and with him, though they have their fears in the night, are yet safe. The chariot here denotes the covenant of redemption, the way of our salvation. This is that work of Christ, which makes him loved and admired in the eyes of believers. It is framed and contrived, both for the glory of Christ, and for the comfort of believers; it is well ordered in all things and sure. The blood of the covenant, that rich purple, is the cover of this chariot, by which believers are sheltered from the wind and storms of Divine wrath, and the troubles of this world; but the midst of it is that love of Christ which passes knowledge, this is for believers to repose upon. Christ, in his gospel, manifests himself. Take special notice of his crown. Applying this to Christ, it speaks the honour put upon him, and his power and dominion.

I encourage each of you to study and pray as you seek to understand all that God’s word has for you.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Worship the LORD and Give Him Glory

In good times and in times of suffering and struggles, we do well to remember the power and glory of our Lord… He sits as King of Kings forever. He is above all and has authority over all. Praise Him! Accept and celebrate the peace He offers!

Psalm 29

      1Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

      2Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in holy array.

      3The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
The God of glory thunders,
The LORD is over many waters.

      4The voice of the LORD is powerful,
The voice of the LORD is majestic.

      5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

      6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.

      7The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire.

      8The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

      9The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everything says, “Glory!”

      10The LORD sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.

      11The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Take comfort in trusting the Lord. He is in control. We can trust Him whether or not things are going the way we want or expect. We can find peace in Him and in no one else throughout our lives in every situation through our faith in our God!

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.