Mon.’s Devo - Prophecy Endures

Read: Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102; 1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22 This is Jeremiah’s third poem about God’s severity and yet his mercy. Jeremiah had seen all of this happen before it happened and then had to see it again in real time. Nothing he did could stop what God was bringing against Israel and Judah. His people had made fun of all his prophecies and laughed and mocked him. They had refused to repent and now he was being punished for their lack of responding to his words from God. It was a bitter pill to swallow. *** In spite of all of this, Jeremiah still dares to hope in the faithful love of the Lord that never ceases. He declares that God’s mercies never come to an end but are new every morning. He knows that God never abandons a people forever. He brings grief but also shows compassion. God sees everything that happens on the earth. He punishes and disciplines but he doesn’t enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow. He allows pain for a season to get a positive response so he can turn and bless his people. *** Jeremiah felt the discipline of the Lord on his people and felt the fear of being trapped and ruined by their enemies. Jeremiah’s heart was broken over the fate of the women of Jerusalem. Jeremiah himself was rescued from the cistern which was to take his life. His own people tried to kill him as well as their enemies. He asked the Lord to avenge him and pay them back for the all the evil they had done. *** Hebrews tells us that God spoke in the Old Testament through his prophets but now, he speaks to us through Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of what the prophets foretold. Jesus is the very character or God, His expression on the earth. Jesus is far greater than all the angels just as God’s name is greater than any name. Angels are flames of God’s fire but Jesus is his son. *** God rules with justice. He made the heavens and the earth which lives and dies, but one day it will be changed and made different. *** Hebrews tells us that the angels are servants sent to minister to us that will inherit eternal salvation. How comforting is that! *** Lord, thank you for your love for us in the midst of turmoil. Thank you that your mercies triumph over your judgment. We plead for your mercies in our land and the nations of the world. Bring change that changes hearts.