Sun.’s Devo - Their Destiny

Read: Jeremiah 14:11-16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5 Jeremiah’s heart was so broken over the spiritual state of God’s people. He wanted them to repent but God knew they wouldn’t and their time to repent was over. It was judgment time and nothing could reverse it. Even if Moses and Samuel stood before God and plead for them, God would not turn his heart. Those who were destined for death would die, those destined for war would go to war; those destined for famine would starve and those destined for captivity would be taken into captivity. They had four choices. God was sending four kinds of destruction against them: the sword to kill, the dog to drag away, the vulture to devour and the wild animals to finish up what was left. They would be punished for the wicked sins Manasseh brought upon the nation. Even though he repented in the end, his wickedness had spread to the people and they refused to repent. God spoke individually to Jeremiah and told him what would happen to him. God would take care of him. His enemies would treat him well even though he will lose all of his worldly possessions. He would be taken a captive where he will take God’s fire. Jeremiah praised the Lord and told him that His word was the joy and rejoicing of his heart. He was blessed that he was called by His Name. Jeremiah cried out to the Lord for his own sake because he didn’t want to continue suffering for doing what was right. God told him his work was not over. He must go with God’s people to captivity and continue to be a mouth piece for the Lord. God promised to keep him safe. Jeremiah was young and unmarried. God told him not to marry while in Jerusalem or he would suffer seeing them die. He even told him not to go to funerals to mourn or show sympathy because a time was coming when so many would die and no one would be there to give them a funeral or mourn their death. God told him not to go to happy parties because there was nothing to celebrate now. When people asked him why he was not attending these events he was to tell them the truth. But one day they would talk about returning to this land from the countries they would be taken to. In Thessalonians, Paul continues to express his concern for them because he could not return to visit them. He sent Timothy instead and was so relieved to hear his good report about them. They had remained strong in their faith and he was so happy to hear that. He prayed that their love for one another would grow and overflow. Lord, may that be our prayer to grow in love for You and others.