Tues.’s Devo - Jeremiahs Commission

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 Isaiah had prophecies up till the reign of Hezekiah but two kings later, Jeremiah began to prophecy. He prophesied during the last five of Israels kings. Jeremiah means “God will cast forth.” That was prophetic since at the end of the last king, they were cast forth out of Jerusalem and taken captives. *** God anointed Jeremiah from the womb to be a prophet to the nations. He would stand up against nations and kingdoms. With his words he would uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow nations. To other nations he would build up and plant. This is a great definition of what we can do in spiritual warfare with our decrees. *** The first thing God showed Jeremiah was a branch of an olive tree. It was the picture of Him watching over all his plans. Next he showed him a pot of boiling water, spilling from the north. God said that it was armies coming from the north spilling into to Jerusalem. They would set their thrones at the gates of Jerusalem and attack it. This would be God’s pronouncement of judgment against their evil lifestyles. *** God told Jeremiah to go and tell the people what he said and if he was afraid of them, he would make Jeremiah look foolish to them. He had given Jeremiah the strength to stand against the whole land - the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. God told Jeremiah that they would fight him but they would fail. *** The first message Jeremiah was given to tell the people of Jerusalem was about their past. At their conception they were so eager to please the Lord. Israel was holy to the Lord and he protected them against their enemies. Then they began to stray away and worship worthless idols which made them become worthless themselves. Their prophets spoke in the name of Baal. Why did they reject their God. No other nation traded their gods for another, but they had traded the only God for false ones. This shocked the heavens! *** They abandoned the fountain of living water to dig wells that can not hold any water. Israel has become a slave, their land is destroyed and the towns in ruins. No one lives there anymore. (Sounds like Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles.) They brought this all upon themselves because they rebelled against the Lord. God asked them what good was it to make alliances with Egypt and Assyria. *** God had delivered them once from Egypt’s bondage and given them their own land and they refused to worship him. He compared Israel to a thief who only felt remorse when they were caught. They only cried out to the Lord when they were in trouble. Why weren’t they asking their gods to help them. Instead, they killed the prophets of God. *** Paul closes his letter encouraging them to help those who minister, don’t worry about anything but instead be filled with joy, thanksgiving and love. Then they will experience God’s peace which will be a guard around your heart. Think about things that are true, honorable, right , pure, lovely and admirable. this about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. *** Paul thanks them again for their financial help they gave to him. He blesses them with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. *** Lord, help us to watch over our hearts and not let them be filled with fear or anxiety. May we always keep our eyes on you and your goodness and glory. You have anointed us for this hour.