Thurs.’s Devo - God’s Word to the Remnant -

Read: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5 The military leaders who just saved the people from Ishmael came to Jeremiah and asked him to pray for guidance for them. The men promised to follow what God said to Jeremiah whether they liked it or not. *** Ten days later, God spoke to Jeremiah and told them to stay in the land of Judah and God would help them rebuild. They did not need to fear what Babylon would do to them because God is with them. God would only help them if they stayed in their land. *** If they decide to disobey the Lord and go to Egypt then the war and famine they think they are running from would follow them to Egypt and they would die in Egypt. They would never be able to return to their homeland. *** Jeremiah told them they had lied to him because they had no intention of doing what he said. They would die of war, famine and disease in Egypt because the Babylonians would bring it to them. *** The military men called Jeremiah a liar and took the people with Jeremiah to Egypt. When they came to the city of Taphanes, Jeremiah gave them another word from the Lord. God told Jeremiah to take some stones and bury them under the pavement stones of Pharoah’s palace and declare that the king of Babylon would come there and set his throne over these stones. All would either die or go into captivity. All of Egypts temples of their gods would be torn down. *** Jeremiah gave a word to all the captives of Judah who lived throughout Egypt that they had not learned their lesson. They refused to give up their idols so God destroyed Jerusalem and sent them to Egypt. Here they had worshipped Egypt’s idols so only a handful would live to return. The rest would die. They blatantly refused to listen. *** Paul admonished Timothy to be strong in the grace Christ purchased for them. He was to teach people who would faithfully pass it on to the next generation. *** Paul gave him three examples of how to endure suffering. Like a soldier we should not get tied up in the affairs of this earthly life, but put our attention on how to please God. Like an athlete we must follow God’s laws to win the prize. Like a farmer, we should enjoy the fruit of our labor. *** Always remember that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. We will go through the things Jesus went through. He endured hardships and death to gain kingship and eternal life. *** Everything we do should glorify God. If we are his, then we must turn from evil. Then we will be honored and exalted. *** Lord, may we pursue righteousness and peace. May our nation return to you with your laws and your ways. Anoint our leaders with wisdom to lead us back to you.