TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 25:1-38
It is time for judgment to begin with the family of God. - 1 Peter 4:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s not unusual for organizations such as the music or film industries to grant lifetime achievement awards. These awards recognize individuals who have had a series of outstanding accomplishments. When the award is presented, the organization frequently presents a brief summary of the person’s distinguished career. Had there been a “Prophets Hall of Fame,” Jeremiah surely should have been presented a “lifetime achievement” award for his outstanding dedication and faithfulness. But unfortunately, after twenty-three years, he had very little to show for his efforts. This is no reflection on Jeremiah; rather, verse 3 in today’s reading helps us to see how stubborn and resistant the Israelites were.

For over two decades Jeremiah preached repentance and warned of the coming judgment. But steadfastly the nation refused to listen. Even after all that time, the Lord mercifully extended the offer to repent yet again (v. 5). Although we’ve been looking at God’s severe wrath for these past few days, the real wonder is the depth of His mercy and forbearance!

Today’s passage also shows us God’s sovereignty over all nations. Even though Nebuchadnezzar didn’t start off knowing the Lord (see Dan. 4:28–35), he was used by the Lord to administer His justice to Judah. But after judgment had come to God’s people, it would fall upon all nations who had rejected God. This is portrayed symbolically by means of the cup of God’s wrath, which is drunk by all the nations surrounding Judah. Some of the nations listed in verses 19 through 26 are not easy to locate today, but it’s clear that this is meant to be a comprehensive list indicating the extent of God’s wrath.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It can be hard to read the repeated descriptions of God’s wrath in Jeremiah. But as we read this part of God’s Word, let’s stop and praise our Savior who was willing to take the full brunt of God’s wrath so that we might be delivered from it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 26:1-24
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! - Matthew 23:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
The following words were offered at a young Christian’s memorial service: “The timeliness of death has nothing to do with one’s age, but it has everything to do with one’s relationship to the One who has made them, and who takes them in death at His appointed time.”

This would have encouraged Jeremiah, who came to know that he would not die before God’s appointed time. In keeping with the Lord’s mercy, today’s passage presents us with another appeal for repentance. But instead of listening to Jeremiah, these hardened individuals not only rejected him, they sought to kill him (v. . Notice the devious appeal to a sense of patriotism. Disregarding anything about their own character, the officials incited people by emphasizing what Jeremiah said against Jerusalem. It would be like someone who spoke out against the drug trade in a large city, and was then hauled into court on the charge of slandering the city itself!

If this had happened to most of us, we would probably protest. But notice Jeremiah’s response–he was only the messenger, they could do with him as they pleased (v. 14). At the same time, Jeremiah also redirected his accusers to the source of the message, the Lord God. And he pointed out that to kill an innocent man, such as himself, would only increase the coming judgment.

Apparently some did listen to Jeremiah and feared what might happen if they killed him. It’s not clear that their hearts were softened as much as they acted in self-interest! Others, however, weren’t persuaded. An editorial comment tells us that a previous prophet under the evil king Jehoiakim had fled to Egypt but was killed anyway (vv. 20–23).

In the end, Jeremiah’s life was spared through God’s sovereignty and the efforts of one individual (v. 24). The numerous attempts on Jeremiah’s life show that God’s servants only die at His appointed time.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Few of us have had our lives threatened because of our witness for Christ. Yet many of our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church throughout the world daily face the threat of death for their faith. Take some time this Sunday to see how your church cares for the persecuted church, perhaps by supporting missionaries to countries closed to the gospel or by praying for believers in places like Sudan or Indonesia.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 28:1-17
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. - Galatians 6:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s amazing what a powerful thing wishful thinking can be! Teachers often see this first-hand. For example, some students keep putting off studying for an exam, convincing themselves that they know enough to slide by or that they are good guessers. Despite repeated warnings that hard work is required, these students have great confidence in their short-term memory and spend all night “cramming” before the exam. All too often, however, exam results prove that these students were deceiving themselves, and they end up paying a price for all their wishing and procrastinating!

In some ways that’s how it was for Judah. Probably deep down people had a vague sense that judgment was inevitable. They certainly got this point loud and clear from Jeremiah. But even so, the lure of wishful thinking can be quite strong!

We could call Hananiah a prophet of wishful thinking. He probably uttered the prophecy recorded in today’s passage around 594 B.C., when Zedekiah was Judah’s king. By this time, Judah was paying a burdensome tribute to Nebuchadnezzar. Any-one who “prophesied” that this “yoke” might be broken would be gladly welcomed! The only problem was that Hananiah wasn’t prophesying God’s word!

Just prior to Hananiah’s appearance, Jeremiah had acted out another parable (see Jer. 27), during which he had placed a wooden animal yoke around his neck to symbolize Judah’s submission to Babylon. Even worse, Jeremiah claimed that Nebuchadnezzar was God’s servant, used by God to subjugate all nations (Jer. 27:6–7). Not only that, Jeremiah performed his pantomime in front of emissaries from several nations who were planning to revolt against Babylon. Then along came Hananiah, prophesying exactly what everyone wanted to hear, namely that freedom was just around the corner.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Hananiah’s “prophecy” was very appealing: continue rebelling without any consequences! But God’s way with the nation’s sin required submission to His discipline, in this case, the “yoke” of Babylon.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 29:1-23
For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you’ve ever lived overseas or in some location far from family and friends for any extended length of time, then you know how important letters and phone calls are! It’s amazing how a single card can reconnect you with loved ones who are miles away. Suddenly the distance separating you doesn’t seem so great.

In Jeremiah’s day, phone calls weren’t an option, which probably meant that letters were all the more important. This was especially true for the exiles in Babylon, about 900 miles from Judah. Today’s letter was sent in 594 B.C., after the second group of exiles left Judah.

This letter contains some startling commands! Recall Jeremiah’s yoke pantomime (see yesterday’s study), which indicated God’s plan for exile in Babylon to purge the nation’s sin and enable it to start over. The years in exile were also intended for blessing–notice the commands in verses 5 through 7: build houses, plant gardens, marry, have children. But God also intended that the people be a blessing to the Babylonians. Notice the command to seek the welfare of the city and to pray for its prosperity (v. 7). It’s remarkable how God’s plans can be so far-reaching. Babylon was an instrument of His divine justice, but His captive people were to be a blessing to this pagan nation!

This letter was vital for the exiles, because false prophets were present who were distracting the people from the Lord and His perfect plans. Many false prophets were saying that the exiles would return in only two years. But that would have been only enough time to march to Babylon and back. God’s perfect timing–70 years–involved entire nations. We know from the book of Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar came to know the living God (see Dan. 4). We also know that the Babylonians fell to the Persians, who allowed the Israelites to return home.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All of us, far from friends and family or not, need to hear the promise that God is always with us and that He loves us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 30:1-24
I will discipline you but only with justice. - Jeremiah 30:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Record-low interest rates have persuaded many people to refinance their homes recently. The procedure is fairly straightforward. A homeowner shops around for a new mortgage loan with a lower interest rate. Once the new loan is secured, the old loan agreement is nullified. The original house remains the same, but its mortgage has been changed.

In some respects, refinancing is similar to the promised new covenant. The basic agreement, or covenant, remains unchanged, but the way that it’s effected changed greatly. Under the old covenant, the people were supposed to remain obedient to God’s law, yet sin made that impossible. Sacrifices for sin were designed to show that a price had to be paid, and to point toward the future Messiah.

Today and tomorrow we’ll look at Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the new covenant, perhaps one of the most exciting sections in this book. Notice that this prophecy was addressed to both Israel and Judah (v. 3). You may recall that after Solomon’s reign, Israel split into two nations. The northern tribes followed Jeroboam and were known as Israel. The southern tribes formed Judah, under Rehoboam. A divided nation was never part of God’s plan, so it’s not surprising that the new covenant began with a promise of a restored, united kingdom.

As we have seen before, however, the path to future restoration led through present judgment (vv. 5–8). Yet after this devastation, the Lord promised to break the yoke from His people. Moreover, He would also restore “David their king” (v. 9), which is another reference to the true King, Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage ends curiously: “In days to come you will understand this.” Many prophecies made sense only after the Exile ended. At another level, however, “the days to come” have not yet come. Some prophecies will only make sense with the final fulfillment of all God’s plans. This encourages us to keep an “eternal perspective” this side of heaven. We also need to read Jeremiah in light of the whole Bible. As we’ll see tomorrow, the new covenant leads us to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 31:1-38
This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. - 1 Corinthians 11:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many couples renew their marriage vows on an anniversary of their wedding. Some couples plan large celebrations; others simply renew their vows before each other. Either way, this act declares a confirmation of original vows and a commitment to continued faithfulness.

Yesterday we considered refinancing as somewhat parallel to the new covenant. But we can also think of the new covenant with the tenderness and devotion of renewed marriage vows. Unlike a human marriage, however, the new covenant represents God’s declaration of His devotion and commitment, even though the other covenant partner, His people, had not remained faithful.

Today’s passage begins with a beautiful declaration : “I have loved you with an everlasting love!” (v. 3). These are words to melt a heart! It’s exactly what needed to happen to Israel’s hardened heart. These opening verses recall God’s original choice of Israel when He led them out of bondage in Egypt. Then He called the nation His firstborn; here He calls it His beloved. Then He had delivered them from slavery; here He brought them back from exile.

When judgment for sin had completed its purifying work, then God’s tender restoration would take over. Notice how extensive is this promised restoration. Fields will again produce, the people will again rejoice, and the exiles will be gathered back into the land. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful scene than the one beginning in verse 7. Even those who continued to weep for the nation’s devastation (v. 15) would at last receive comfort. Hope is present once again (v. 17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The new covenant is the greatest act of grace. God, in His mercy, sent His Son to pay for human sin. In pure love, God gave so that we might be restored to Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 32:1-44
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. - Jeremiah 32:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
May 2003 saw the first official game of the Gary, Indiana, South Shore Railcats in their newly constructed home, the U.S. Steel Yard. Many considered this new ballpark to be a risky business proposition because of Gary’s depressed economy. But supporters had a vision of what this ballpark could do to break down racial barriers and open investment doors in Gary, and so far, it’s bringing hope to this city.

When Jeremiah bought a field from his cousin, Hanamel, many people probably thought he was making a risky business decision. After all, this transaction probably took place in 588 B.C., only months before Jeru-salem would fall to the Babylo-nians. After the glorious visions that we looked at the past two days, the desperation portrayed in today’s passage is jarring. Why this stark contrast? First, because it underscored the necessity of judgment. Even with promises of future restoration, God’s justice still required that sin’s consequences be borne out. Second, the bleakness of the situation with Jeremiah in prison (v. 2) and the city facing destruction emphasized that the only possible source of hope was God, and God alone. Unless He acted to bring about restoration, humanly speaking, there was no hope.

Jeremiah’s cousin seems to have been a first-class opportunist! This relative reminded Jeremiah of his familial obligation to ensure that family land not be sold outside the family (v. 7). His timing couldn’t have been worse–Jeremiah was in prison! Still, Jeremiah saw the hand of God in this crass demand. He not only came up with the money, he made sure that proper deeds of sale were drawn up. This simple action revealed just how much Jeremiah believed that God would restore the land to His people (v. 15)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We can learn a lot from Jeremiah about how to pray when circumstances seem impossible. First, did you notice that Jeremiah began with praising God for His incomparable character? There were many legitimate needs he could have mentioned first, such as his imprisonment or the city’s siege! But he focused on God’s person, and as he did so, he began to see glimmers of hope once again. In the same way, when we focus on who God is, our hearts begin to change, even if our circumstances don’t.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 33:1-26
I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. - Jeremiah 33:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1871, disaster befell the burgeoning city of Chicago. At 9:00 p.m., a fire began in the city’s west side. Three days later, over 2,600 acres had burned, and over 80,000 people were homeless. Some thought recovery was impossible, but soon after the fire, a Chicago Tribune editorial proclaimed, “But to a blow no matter how terrible, Chicago will not succumb.” Indeed, from ruined city blocks arose entirely new architectural wonders. The city’s extensive reconstruction erased nearly all evidence of this horrible tragedy.

Given the extent of Jerusalem’s destruction, promises of restoration must have seemed as unlikely as Chicago’s future after the fire. Despite the specter of demolished houses and city streets filled with dead bodies, the Lord assured Jeremiah that health and healing would return to the ruined city (vv. 5–6).

Notice the tenderness of the Lord’s initial word to Jeremiah: “Call to me and I will answer you” (v. 3). This shows that God knew how hard the upcoming disaster would be for Jeremiah and He assured him of His unfailing presence and commitment to reveal His purposes to His servant.

The promises recorded in today’s passage go beyond what Jeremiah had heard before. The promise of restoration for the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah is repeated, but to this is added the picture of the entire world being struck by the Lord’s faithfulness to His chosen ones (v. 9). This promise also reconfirmed the Lord’s earlier promises concerning the coming Messiah who would sit on David’s throne forever. Today’s passage also promises priests who would never fail in their responsibilities.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“All nations on earth. . . will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide” (Jer. 33:9).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 36:1-32
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Try to imagine the following headline: “President Rips Up Constitution in Front of Cabinet Members!” In the United States, even if a president or other official disagrees with points in the Constitution, it is still respected and upheld. It would be ludicrous for anyone to believe that simply by ripping the Constitution into little pieces its validity was nullified.

Unfortunately, King Jehoiakim seemed to think that if he just cut up the scroll containing God’s Word and burned it, then the judgment it foretold would simply not happen. If his action weren’t so arrogant, we might even think it was funny.

There actually was a way for the coming judgment to be avoided, but it didn’t involve ripping up anything. Instead, it involved repentance (v. 3). Repentance was God’s purpose in sending His word to Jeremiah, and that was Jeremiah’s fervent hope when he sent Baruch to the temple (v. 7). But sadly neither the king nor the people opted for repentance.

Jeremiah’s faithful servant, Baruch, knew that he risked his life bringing this scroll to the king. Jeremiah 45 records his initial reluctance to this task, but in the end he obeyed.

A few other people in this account also showed their faithfulness. Micaiah made sure the officials higher up knew about the scroll. They in turn verified that it was authentic (v. 17) and then brought it to the king.

It’s clear that the king was unmoved by this reading of God’s Word. Notice that he didn’t impulsively tear the scroll up. Rather, he carefully cut columns and deliberately placed them in the fire. He then sought to harm Jeremiah, but the Lord protected him. Moreover, the Lord’s backup system was better than any computer product–He simply gave His Word to Jeremiah a second time (v. 28).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s easy to laugh at Jehoiakim’s naïve attempt to change the future by cutting up parts of God’s Word. But we can do the same thing, without using a knife! Parts of God’s Word aren’t easy to read, but that doesn’t mean we should avoid them. All of God’s Word is necessary for our spiritual growth. If you’ve never read through the entire Bible, consider doing so this upcoming year. There are “One Year” Bibles divided into daily readings, but regardless of the method, it’s important to have a balanced biblical diet.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. - Isaiah 53:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most remarkable men to emerge from the former Soviet Union was Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Despite his love for his Russian homeland, he was accused of treason for criticizing Joseph Stalin in a letter to a friend. He then spent eight years in prisons and labor camps. Finally, in 1974 he was exiled and eventually came to the United States.

Like Solzhenitsyn, Jeremiah was accused of treason and imprisoned for speaking against injustice. Today’s reading includes two accounts of imprisonment; one in a make-shift prison and the other in a dark, filthy well. Yesterday we read about Jeremiah’s abuse from King Jehoiakim. After his death, another wicked king took the throne, Zedekiah, who reigned until Jerusalem’s fall.

Perhaps the most telling verse in today’s reading is Jeremiah 37:2, which says that no one was paying attention to God’s Word. This one sentence tells the story of the nation’s ruin and exile. Ironically, though Zedekiah rejected God’s Word, he still had the audacity to ask for prayer! But notice that he didn’t ask for forgiveness, but only that God would protect him. Zedekiah thought he could have God on his own terms. Unfortunately many people still think this way

Part of Zedekiah’s boldness came from his false confidence in the Egyptian army. Their presence brought temporary peace, but they deserted Judah, leaving nothing to stop the Babylonians.

At some point during this slight pause in the war, Jeremiah returned home and was falsely accused of desertion. What irony! The one who preached so faithfully to save the people, even at risk of his own life, was accused of treason! We see this same accusation in Jesus’ life. The One who so faithfully pointed the way to God the Father was charged with blasphemy (Matt. 26:65).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Faithfully following the Lord doesn’t mean that we won’t be misunderstood or falsely accused, as the lives of both Jeremiah and Jesus show. Far from treason or blasphemy, they were urging the only course of action that could bring about salvation–repentance and faith. We’re not likely to face these formal charges, but it’s quite possible that we’ll be accused of being narrow-minded or intolerant when we affirm that Jesus is the only way to salvation. The examples of Jeremiah and Jesus prepare and encourage us for this response.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 39:1-40:6
No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame. - Psalm 25:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Our heavenly Father looks for faithfulness wherever it might be found. Consider, for example, Rahab. Thinking of her only as a prostitute might keep us from expecting that she could have acted so bravely. Joshua 2 recounts her willingness to risk her own life to protect the two Israelite spies. Later on, because of her faithful actions, she and her family were spared when Joshua destroyed Jericho (Josh. 6:23).

We find another example of godly faithfulness in an unexpected place in the life of Ebed-Melech, a foreigner serving Judah’s royal family. Recall that he helped save Jeremiah’s life (see yesterday’s reading), even though he risked his own. In today’s reading, we see earlier prophecies fulfilled, including Jerusalem’s fall. But woven throughout this account is also the story of God’s faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him.

This passage begins by describing Jerusalem’s fall in 587 B.C., after an 18-month siege. During this time, the city’s inhabitants faced starvation. Lamentations records the horrors of adults stealing food from babies and of cannibalism. Eventually, the Babylonians broke the city’s protective wall and captured the city.

They say that a person’s true character is seen in difficult circumstances, and this is certainly true with Zedekiah. He had refused to repent and surrender to Babylon. Had he done so, thousands of people would have been saved. In addition to stubbornness we also find cowardice. Realizing there was no hope, Zedekiah chose to flee rather than face the results of his choices. The gruesome fate that befell him (vv. 6–7) was no doubt worsened because of his persistent rebelliousness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Just as vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deut. 32:35), so also vindication only comes from Him. Because he risked his life for Jeremiah, Ebed-Melech was rescued by the hand of God (Jer. 39:17). Because of his obedience to the Lord and His word, Jeremiah was also vindicated. We also see that because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father, He has been exalted and given the name above all others (Phil. 2:9–11). This is powerful encouragement for us to remain faithful, even in the midst of opposition. Our final vindication is assured.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read:  Jeremiah 41:16-43:13
For the sake of your name lead and guide me. - Psalm 31:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Born in 1906, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a noted theologian, gifted writer, and compassionate pastor. As Nazism spread throughout his native Germany, Bonhoeffer worked to shelter Jews and assist their escape. Bonhoeffer could have easily fled to the United States or England, but he chose to remain in Germany throughout Hitler’s rule. He eventually ended up in a concentration camp. Finally, he was executed, just days before Allied troops liberated Germany.

Perhaps it’s fitting that one of Bonhoeffer’s most widely read books is The Cost of Discipleship, for his life illustrated the cost of following Jesus. Similarly, Jeremiah’s life showed just how high the cost of discipleship could be.

Jeremiah chose to remain with the remnant in Judah, although he could have had protection and provision in Babylon. Given the instability of this time, Jeremiah must have realized his choice was risky. Only a few months later, rebels assassinated the governor of Judah, Gedaliah, and fled to Ammon. Rather than facing Babylon’s wrath, those remaining in Judah fled to Egypt, taking along Jeremiah. Jeremiah eventually died in Egypt.

Interestingly, this same remnant had not hesitated earlier to ask Jeremiah to pray for them (v. 2). At first their prayer seems sincere, until we notice the personal pronouns here. Instead of asking Jeremiah to pray to “your God” (v. 3), they should have said “our God.” Their prayer revealed how far they were from God. Yet Jeremiah gently reminded them that God was still their God (v. 4). Notice how Jeremiah waited patiently for God’s reply to come to him–he was in no hurry.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It might seem that Jeremiah was taken to Egypt against his will, but this isn’t really so. Jeremiah had so aligned his will with God that he willingly served wherever that might lead. In the same way, Jesus obeyed completely the Father’s will, even being led to crucifixion.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 46:1-12, 25-28
He mocks proud mockers, but gives grace to the humble. - Proverbs 3:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Human history repeatedly illustrates how blinding pride can be. You may recall Adolf Hitler’s infamous line as he marched forth: “Today Europe, tomorrow the world!” Yet, only several years after this arrogant claim, he was dead and Germany was ruined.

Perhaps the greatest danger of pride is how it distorts reality. People often think that success justifies actions. Hitler also said: “The victor will never be asked if he told the truth.” This will never stand up before the True and Living God!

The countries surrounding Judah were also quite prideful, but, as we’ll see today, they were eventually humbled. At the same time, the prophecies in today’s passage also reveal God’s concern for these nations.

The first message concerns Egypt, who was defeated in the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. When Assyria fell in 612 B.C., the resulting power vacuum was eventually filled by Babylon, and this battle, one of the most decisive of the ancient world, marked the beginning of Babylon’s rise.

This prophecy takes us back to the battle preparations (vv. 3–6), and then even further back to Egypt’s driving pride. Using an incredible metaphor, Egypt’s arrogance is likened to the Nile surging over its banks in an effort to cover the world. But even behind this stands the Lord Almighty, who brings low the proud and arrogant.

After a brief message concerning Babylon, which we’ll look at in two days, this prophecy ends by denouncing the Egyptian god, Amon. Although it was possible that many Egyptians would not hear this oracle, recall that many Israelites had embraced Egyptian gods, and they needed to hear it. Following this, Jere-miah 47 contains God’s prophecy concerning the fall of the Philis-tines, and Jeremiah 48 addresses Moab, who–like Egypt–trusted in its own wealth and was a famous power at this time.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Hitler’s quote about victors not having to tell the truth is another way of saying that the end justifies the means. But Scripture teaches us just the opposite.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 49:1-39
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. - Matthew 6:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
When people think of the “Roaring Twenties,” jazz music, fancy cars, and carefree days come to mind. People put great confidence in the stock market, and it seemed that only progress and prosperity were possible. When the stock market fell 46 percent in October 1929, people were shocked; it seemed that the nation had been struck by a “fireball in the night,” as one historian put it.

The kingdoms addressed in Jeremiah 49 probably also felt they had been struck by a “fireball” when judgment finally came at Nebuchadnezzar’s hand. The first kingdom mentioned, Ammon, had instigated Gedaliah’s murder (see Oct. 27), thereby bringing Nebuchadnezzar’s final wrath upon Judah. Even worse was Ammon’s evil god Molech, whose cult included child sacrifice.

The next kingdom, Edom, was judged harshly because it was related to Israel through Esau and should have helped its “brother-nation.” Ezekiel 25 tells us that when Israel fell in 722 B.C., Edom looted the country and refused to help its many refugees. Edom was known for its impenetrable fortresses, such as Petra. Moreover, Edom was used to being feared, but today’s passage shows that this country would experience a much greater fear–the fear of the Lord.

Next is Syria. In addition to Damascus, Hamath and Arpad were key Syrian cities. Ben-Hadad was the name of a god whose worship would crumble like the country’s cities. Following this, we find a reference to Kedar and Hazor, which were nomadic eastern tribes. Although isolated, even they would be crushed by Nebuchadnezzar. Finally, we come to Elam, which was a trading nation and military power on the edge of the Persian Gulf. They, too, would be brought low.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s verse encourages us to make the Lord our first priority. Like Jeremiah, Jesus also warned people to trust only in God and His provision. Both the prophet and our Lord teach us that worshiping false gods, or relying on human wisdom and power, leads to ruin. Judgment prophecies were intended to bring people back to the Lord by showing them where their actions would ultimately lead. In the same way, Jesus warns us against storing up earthly treasures that will eventually rust and will keep our hearts from the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 50:1-10; 51:36-53
Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! - Revelation 18:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sooner or later, every child encounters the dreaded playground bully. Through threats and force, this child ends up first in line, gets more swing time, and generally makes things unpleasant. About the only thing that silences such a kid is a bigger, stronger kid!

We might think of Babylon as the bully on the playground of ancient nations. Through brutal power and sheer intimidation, Babylon either subdued nations or demanded tribute. The only thing that would stop this bully was the most powerful “player” in the playground–the Lord God. Yet even though God had raised up Babylon as His hammer of judgment, the country used its power arrogantly for its own brutal ends.

We have some indication of just how brutal Babylon was by the fact that two full chapters are given over to its judgment. Babylon was also singled out because it sacked Jerusalem and desecrated the temple.

Just as Babylon had once been the “enemy from the north,” so now another power would come from that direction to judge Babylon. The rest of Jeremiah 50-51 describe this judgment, and there’s also indication of the promised restored kingdom of Israel, who will turn to the Lord in an everlasting covenant (Jer. 50:4–5).

Today’s second passage shows God’s response to Judah’s cry for vengeance against Babylon: He would indeed defend and avenge His people (Jer. 51:36). Babylon, the one who gloated over conquered nations, would be leveled.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes the Old Testament seems quite remote from the New Testament. We may wonder how Jesus fits into the picture. As the reference to Revelation indicates, Old Testament prophecies can be fulfilled on both a physical and spiritual level. The Babylon in Revelation shows us the satanic reality behind all evil and brutality. But the last book of the Bible can also be summed up very succinctly: Jesus is victorious. We may not always grasp the details of prophecies, but we can cling to this great assurance.