Mon.’s Devo - God’s Plan of Redemption

Read: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22 The day was coming when Israel would multiply and be blessed. Where God tore them down because of their rebellion, he would rebuild them because of his love and faithfulness. He would make a new covenant with them. He will put his laws in their hearts and every man would be responsible for his own sin. God would forgive their sin and remember it no more. Jerusalem would be rebuilt. When Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians, Jeremiah had been put in the royal prison for prophesying against the city. God gave him a word while he was in prison. He told them that God was about to turn the city over to Nebuchadnezzar and King Zedekiah would be be taken to Babylon to meet the king face to face. Fighting against the Babylonians would prove futile. God gave Jeremiah another message that his cousin Hanamel would come and want him to but his field at Anathoth. Jeremiah had first rights to buy it if he wanted to. God told him to buy it as proof to the people that he believed they would return one day. So Jeremiah bought the field and gave him 17 pieces of silver for it. He took the legal document of the sale to Baruch. There was a sealed deed and a copy of it which was unsealed. Jeremiah told Baruch to take them both and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time. One day the people would own property in this land and buy and sell houses once again. Jeremiah prayed to the Lord reminding himself of the goodness and ways of God. God answered Jeremiah and told him that he was turning their land over to the Babylonians. They would set fire to the city of Jerusalem and burn it down. All of the places of idolatry would burn and be cleansed. God would bring them back to this city and rebuild them as a nation. He would bless them and they would have a heart to know him. He would make an everlasting covenant to never stop doing good for them. Fields would once again be bought and sold there and God would restore prosperity to them. Paul describes a church leader. He must be a man whose life is above reproach: a faithful husband who exibited self-control and wisdom and a good reputation. He must be hospitable and able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or violent but gentle and peaceable, not loving money. He must manage his own home well and care for God’s church. He must be a mature believer, committed to the faith. Their wives must be respected and not gossipers. They must be able to pass the same test of integrity as their husbands. Lord, may we all pass the test of integrity in your kingdom. Thank you that you always have a plan of redemption for us. You are the faithful Father.