Fri.’s Devo - Jeremiah’s Call -

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20 Jeremiah came on the scene around 65 years after Isaiah died. He was born in a priestly town and was commanded not to marry or have children to show that the next generation would be swept away. He prophesied during the reign of Josiah who brought spiritual reform after the evil reign of Manasseh. Josiah’s godly reign temporarily delayed God’s judgment. He rid the nation of idols and destroyed the pagan high places in Judah and Samaria. His three sons and a grandson followed him on the throne. They were not like Josiah and refused to heed the warnings Jeremiah gave them. *** Jeremiah began with the account of when God called him before he was formed in his mother’s womb. He was young when he was told him he would go where God sent him and he was not to fear the people he would be speaking to because God would protect him. God even told Jeremiah if he did fear them, God would make him look like a fool to them. God promised to strengthen Jeremiah so he could stand up to the whole land and all the leaders. They would oppose him, but God would take care of him. *** Jeremiah reminded the people of how they loved and trusted God in the beginning. God asked the people why they had abandoned the Lord to worship idols instead of asking for His help. The priests and the prophets, along with the people turned to Baal and wasted their time and effort asking dead idols for help. They would be tried at God’s judgment seat for their actions. *** God told them to look at other nations. They didn’t trade their gods for the gods of other nations so why had Israel? They had the only real God but traded him for worthless idols. The heavens were shocked at this. *** Egypt had taken Israel’s glory and power. Israel and Judah had made covenants with Egypt and Assyria instead of asking the Lord to deliver them. It will back-fire on them. *** No argument against God’s rebuke would stand. God accused them of being like thieves who only felt bad when they were caught. They would have to see if these gods they love can save them. God had warned them with his prophets but they killed them to shut them up. *** In Philippians, you can feel the love Paul has for the people there. He pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to settle their differences. These two women were deaconesses who disagreed about something in the church. *** Paul encouraged all the people not to worry about anything but to fill their thoughts with good things and anything worthy of praise. That is how they can live in peace. Paul had learned how to be content no matter his circumstances and they could too. *** Paul thanked them again for their financial gifts to him. He blessed them with the promise that God would supply all their needs according to his riches in heaven. *** Lord, thank you for your promises. You are our provision and our peace. We worship you.