Read: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-7A
God gave Judah a list of their offenses over and over again. Their sin had become so deep it had engraved itself in their hearts. God cursed the person who trusted in man for his strength and turned from the Lord. He would not be capable of being blessed when prosperity came but would live in a desert place. God blessed the man who trusted in the Lord and put his confidence in Him. He would be like a tree planted by the water who had deep roots in the spirit. That man would not fear when trials came.
God rebuked them for bringing in loads of merchandise into Jerusalem during the Sabbath. God was trying to keep his picture pure. The Sabbath has to do with the day of rest or the millennium of rest. There will be no work during that day. This was to be a reminder of what was ahead and when they didn’t honor the Sabbath, God was upset not only because they messed up his picture but because their hearts were bent on doing what they wanted to do.
God sent Jeremiah down to the potter’s house to show him a picture and give him a message for Judah. As he watched the potter form the vessel on his wheel, the Lord showed him that the clay is the people and he is the potter who had wanted to make them a vessel he could use but instead, they were marred as the pot in the hands of the potter was. He would have to reshape them through adversity since they refused to be molded into God’s plan.
Paul was teaching the Thessalonians the same principle. In the New Testament being molded was called sanctification. They were to be sanctified by avoiding sexual immorality, leading a quiet life and minding their own business. By their work ethics they were to win the respect of outsiders. Paul warned them that just like in Jeremiah when the false prophets were saying peace, peace, the end would come. Only those listening to the Holy Spirit would be ready.
Lord, help us to be ready for whatever trial or test you bring us. Sanctify us with your Word.
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