JESUS THE SON OF GOD PUT ON HUMANITY

PROCLAMATION

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph … had in mind to divorce her quietly … an angel of The Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘… what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ ”  Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  The first Bible Book of The New Testament, Matthew, begins with a presentation of the genealogy of Jesus, The Christ and The Messiah.  The Apostle Matthew starts with Abraham, the father of the faithful, and goes to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, The Christ.  Each male father figure in the forty-two generations was listed.  There were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen additional generation from David to the exile in Babylon, and then fourteen generations from the exile to the birth of Christ. (Matthew 1:17)  However, this omits the twenty generations before Abraham beginning with Adam.  While Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, Mary’s father Heli, the grandfather of Jesus, (Luke 3:23-38) was a direct descendant of David.  After Matthew links Jesus to David and to Abraham, he goes on to describe the immaculate human conception of Christ by The Holy Spirit of God.  He also describes how Joseph, Mary’s husband, had to be convinced to keep Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24)

APPLICATION

As a believer our salvation is based upon the acceptance of the virgin conception, the virgin birth, and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, as truth.  We also accept that Jesus, The Christ, is the promised seed of Abraham, the promised Messiah.  The virgin Mary’s Son was conceived by The Holy Spirit of God and they called “His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)  God, The Son, put on human flesh and dwelt among us.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)  “And The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)  If we confess with our mouth that Jesus, The Christ, is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, then we will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

THE LORD GOD WILL DESTROY THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL

PROCLAMATION

“For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines and to remove all survivors who could help Tyre and Sidon.  The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.”  Jeremiah 47:4 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and which he proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After the destruction of Egypt (Jeremiah 46:25), The Lord God will destroy Philistine (Jeremiah 47:4), and all of the enemies of Israel including Moab (Jeremiah 48:42), Ammon (Jeremiah 49:2), Edom (Jeremiah 49:17), Damascus (Jeremiah 49:27), Kedar and Hazor (Jeremiah 49:30), Elam (Jeremiah 49:37), and then Babylon. (Jeremiah 50:2-3 and 51:59-64)  From chapter forty-six to chapter fifty-one of The Bible Book of Jeremiah, there is the prophecy of the destruction of the enemies of Israel.  The very last chapter in The Bible Book of Jeremiah, chapter fifty-two, is a repeat of the history presented in Second Kings, chapter twenty-five, and the prophecy, which was presented earlier in chapter thirty-nine, regarding the fall of Jerusalem.

APPLICATION

It is very clear from reading the last five chapters of The Bible Book of Jeremiah, excluding chapter fifty-two, that The Lord God will destroy the enemies of Israel.  These prophecies have been fulfilled and the nations mentioned in these chapters have already been destroyed.  However, there are prophecies in The Bible Book of Revelation which foretell of other nations which will gather against God’s chosen people and they will also be destroyed. (Revelation 20:7-9)   It is not profitable or in one’s best interest to be an enemy of Israel.  God is on their side.  In any battle it is best to be on The Lord’s side.  All who oppose him, and all who do not know Him, who are not Jewish by circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29), will lose in the end. (Revelation 20:15)  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

A PROMISE OF PROTECTION FOR HIS PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘Do not be afraid, Jacob My servant, for I am with you,’ declares The Lord.  ‘Though I completely destroy all nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.  I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ ”  Jeremiah 46:28 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and which he proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The promise of protection which He previously made to a person, Baruch, (Jeremiah 45:5) He now makes to the people of Israel. (Jeremiah 46:27-28)  This promise only applies to the remnant of believers within the remnant of the rebellious people who fled to Egypt against His word. (Jeremiah 44:28)  The Lord God said that He would never forsake them.  His words of comfort to them (Jeremiah 46:27) is a repeat of the words which He spoke earlier. (Jeremiah 30:10)  Egypt, which had frequently encroached on other nations is now about to be encroached upon by the nation of Babylon. (Jeremiah 46:25-26)  His people will be spared but they will be punished. (Jeremiah 46:28)

APPLICATION
When we obey The Word of God and do what He says for us to do, He will bless us, protect us, preserve us, and provide for us.  His protection will keep us safe through the disasters that are going on around us.  He will protect us from dangers seen and unseen.  We may be punished for our sinful disobedience, but we will not be utterly destroyed. (Amos 9:8)  As believers we need to pray and confess our sins, and ask to be forgiven, because He is faithful and just, and He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)   

PROTECTION AMID DISASTER

PROCLAMATION

“… For I will bring disaster on all people, declares The Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.”  Jeremiah 45:5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and which he told to Baruch son of Neriah, who wrote the words that Jeremiah dictated to him which he later read to the people of Judah.  “The Lord, The God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, ‘Woe is me’ for The Lord has added grief to my sorrow. (Jeremiah 45:1-3)  But The Lord has told me to say to you: “I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted … but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.” (Jeremiah 45:2-5)

APPLICATION
When we obey The Word of God and do what He says for us to do, He will protect us, preserve us, and provide for us.  It does not matter what is happening around us.  If we focus on Him and not on the stormy chaos around us, then He will place a hedge of protection around us and keep us safe through the storm.  He will protect us from dangers seen and unseen.  There are many benefits and blessings that go along with being obedient to His Word.  So, let us obey God’s Holy Word and live.

DISASTER DUE TO WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE

PROCLAMATION

“Again and again I sent My servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!’  But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods.”  Jeremiah 44:4-5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and which he proclaimed to the people of Judah.  “You saw the great disaster I brought on Jerusalem and on the towns of Judah.”  They lie deserted and in ruins because of your sins and the sins of your ancestors. (Jeremiah 44:1-5)  Then The Lord God asked them why they were going to bring additional disaster upon themselves. (Jeremiah 44:7-8)  Their response was that while they were worshiping their idol god, they had plenty of food, they were well off, and they suffered no harm. (Jeremiah 44:17-18)  Because of their willful disobedience The Lord God said that they would all die in Egypt. (Jeremiah 44:28)

APPLICATION

Every sin is a sin against The Lord God. (Psalm 51:4)  We may do wrong to another person, but the sin that we commit is against God.  When we know what The Word of God says, and we intentionally choose to disobey it, then we should also know that we will be punished for doing so.  We may not pay the ultimate penalty for sin (Romans 6:23) but we will be punished for it.  However, if one is bold enough to say that they would rather serve an idol god than serve The Lord God, then there is nothing left for them but the coming judgment.  But if you are willing to repent, and humble yourself, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from your wicked ways, then The Lord God will hear you and forgive you. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE

PROCLAMATION

“When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of The Lord … Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, ‘You are lying!  The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’  But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.’  So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed The Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah.”  Jeremiah 43:1-4) (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After the remnant of the Israelites had returned to Judah, they sought out Jeremiah and asked him to pray to God for them saying, “May The Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything …” (Jeremiah 42:5-6)  When Jeremiah told them what The Lord God had said they called him a liar.  They said that he was trying to get them killed or captured, so they disobeyed the word of God and went to Egypt. (Jeremiah 43:1-7)

APPLICATION

Some of the bad times that we go through in this life are part of our punishment as a direct result of our willful disobedience to The Word of God.  We have heard God’s Word preached to us, but the preacher was not saying what we wanted to hear so we ignored it.  The Bible says that the time will come when men will not want to hear sound doctrine but will prefer to hear teachers who say what they like. (2 Timothy 4:3)  If what the preacher is saying is consistent with that which is in The Bible, it would be in our best interest to listen to him.  Read The Bible for yourself and verify that what has been said is the truth.  If it is true, then do it.  Christ said, “If you love me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 and 14:23) 

BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU ASK GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Remnant of Judah, The Lord has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’  Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to The Lord your God and said, ‘Pray to The Lord for us; tell us everything He says and we will do it.’  I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed The Lord your God in all He sent me to tell you.”  Jeremiah 42:19-21 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After the remnant returned to Judah, they sought out Jeremiah and asked him to pray to God for them. (Jeremiah 42:1-3)  They said, “May The Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything …” (Jeremiah 42:5-6)  The Lord God told Jeremiah to tell them to stay in this land and He will build them up. (Jeremiah 42:7-12)  However, if they choose not to stay and go to Egypt then they will die there by the sword, famine, or plague. (Jeremiah 42:13-18)  Unfortunately, they chose to go to Egypt.  They did not believe that God sent Jeremiah to tell them to stay in that land. (Jeremiah 43:2-3)

APPLICATION

Some people will occasionally ask a question when they really do not want to hear the truth as an answer.  The only answer they want to hear, and the only option that is acceptable to them, is the one that they want to hear.  Don’t pretend to ask The Lord God for guidance and direction when you have already made up your mind what you are going to do.  We should only go to God with sincere requests.  We should not pray publicly to impress others with our words.  God knows our hearts and our intentions.  Be sincere when you pray or don’t pray.

DON'T BE AN AGENT OF THE ENEMY

PROCLAMATION

“… While they were eating there, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam … with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.”  Jeremiah 41:1-2 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had attacked, captured, and burned Jerusalem and Judah, he carried off the people into exile, and left behind the poor who owned nothing to tend the vineyards and fields.  He put Gedaliah over them. (Jeremiah 39:1-14 and 40:7)  When Ishmael heard that Gedaliah had been appointed governor, he and his men went to Mizpah to find him.  Gedaliah was warned that Ishmael planned to kill him, but he did not believe it. (Jeremiah 40:13-14)  Ishmael killed Gedaliah, the men with him, and the Babylonian soldiers who had been left there. (Jeremiah 41:1-3) 

APPLICATION

We should not let ourselves be used by the enemy.  Helping the enemy, especially taking a position of authority or leadership with the enemy of God’s people is like taking a stand against The Lord God.  Who can stand before God or against Him? (Nahum 1:6)  If we “sell our soul to the devil” then we can be sure that we will have to answer to The Lord God.  As believers we have a choice, we can choose not to give in to temptation or yield to sin.  Don’t be so earthly focused on getting ahead that you lose sight of our heavenly goal.  Let us keep our focus on Christ and we will not sink into sin or be led astray by the enemy. (Philippians 3:14)

THE LORD GOD CAN FREE US FROM THE CHAINS THAT BIND US

PROCLAMATION

“But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists.  Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come … go wherever you please.”  Jeremiah 40:4 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The captain of the guard of the imperial army of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appears to be elated that he was chosen to be the instrument which The Lord God used to fulfill the prophecy which He had Jeremiah to foretell. (Jeremiah 40:1-3)  The captain told Jeremiah that he was freeing him of the chains on his wrists and freeing him from prison, allowing him to go wherever he wanted to go. (Jeremiah 40:4-5)  Jeremiah chose to go back to Judah to be among his people, the poor remnant of God’s chosen people that had been left behind and not taken into captivity. (Jeremiah 40:6)

APPLICATION

There are all types of chains that can bind us including physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual.  However, The Lord God can “Break Every Chain” that holds us back and restrict us.  He has freed us from a life of sin with His gift of salvation and justification.  He has freed us from the penalty of sin with His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.  All we have to do to be free from our chains is to believe. (John 3:16)

GOD'S PROMISE OF PROTECTION

PROCLAMATION

“While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of The Lord came to him: ‘Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, This is what The Lord Almighty, The God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill My words against this city, words concerning disaster, not prosperity.  At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes.  But I will rescue you on that day, declares The Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear.  I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in Me, declares The Lord.’ ”  Jeremiah 39:15-18 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After Jeremiah was pulled from the cistern he was again confined to the courtyard of the guard. (Jeremiah 38:13)  He was back in prison.  While he was there The Lord God spoke to him and told him to give a message to the Ethiopian Ebed-Melek.  The city would be attacked and destroyed but The Lord God was going to save him because he trusted in Him. (Jeremiah 39:15-18)  Ebed-Melek had helped the prophet of God when he was in trouble. (Jeremiah 38:7-13)  The Lord God also made a way for Jeremiah to escape all harm during the attack on the city.  Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to the commander of his imperial guard not to harm Jeremiah.  In fact, they were told to look after him and to do whatever he asks. (Jeremiah 39:11-14)

APPLICATION

Even when things are going bad all around us, The Lord God can save us and protect us from all harm.  He can use whomever He wants in order to accomplish His purpose.  The Lord God also blesses those who are a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25)  Helping a child of God in their hour of need will result in a blessing for you later on down the line.

THE LORD GOD CAN GET US OUT OF THE MUD

PROCLAMATION

“Ebed-Melek the Cushite said to Jeremiah, ‘Put theses old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.’  Jeremiah did so, and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern…”  Jeremiah 12-13 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  Jeremiah was overheard telling the people that The Lord God says: “Whosoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live.”  The officials who heard him say that told the king that he should be put to death for discouraging the soldiers and the people. (Jeremiah 38:1-4)  The king told them to do with him as they pleased, so they took Jeremiah and put him in a cistern which had mud in it but no water. (Jeremiah 38:5-6)  When Ebed-Melek, a Cushite, an official of the royal palace, heard what they had done to Jeremiah, he went to the king and said that they had done evil to the prophet.  The king then said take thirty men and lift Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies. (Jeremiah 38:7-10)  Afterwards, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and again asked him what The Lord God says. (Jeremiah 38:14-16)

APPLICATION
Life will not always be a bed of roses.  Sometimes we will fall into the mud, or get pushed into the mud, or get thrown into the mud.  However it happens that we find ourselves in the mud, The Lord God is still in control.  He will not leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  He will send someone to our rescue.  He can even use some of the people who helped to put us in the mud to help get us out of the mud.  Our help may not come from our family or friends.  Those who did us wrong may later on be put in a position where they need our help.  Regardless of how they treat us, as believers we are to love our enemies and pray for those who misuse us. (Matthew 5:44)  If we only love them who love us, then we are no different from the lost sinners of the world. (Matthew 5:46-47)

IF YOU IGNORE HIS WORD DON'T ASK FOR HIS HELP

PROCLAMATION

“Zedekiah son of Josiah was made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; he reigned in place of Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim.  Neither he nor his attendants nor the people  of the land paid any attention to the words The Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.  King Zedekiah, however, sent Jehukal son of Shelemiah with the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message: ‘Please pray to The Lord our God for us.’”  Jeremiah 37:1-3 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After Nebuchadnezzar defeated Judah and took Jehoiachin into captivity, he made Zedekiah king of Judah.  Zedekiah did not follow the words of The Lord.  But when things began to go bad for him, he sent word to Jeremiah to pray to The Lord God for him and the people of Judah. (Jeremiah 37:1-3)

APPLICATION

It is amazing to hear people, who will not follow The Word of God, call upon Him for help when they get into trouble.  They do not have time for Him, or they just plain ignore Him, when times are going good for them but let trouble strike and they will pray like there is no tomorrow.  Do not deceive yourself, The Lord God is not to be played with, (Galatians 6:7) those who deny Him will be denied by Him. (Matthew 10:33)  The day will come when they will call on Him and He will tell them “Depart from Me …” (Matthew 7:23)  Wicked people will often desire the prayers of the righteous in times of distress.  Believers are taught to love and pray for their enemies. (Matthew 5:44)  We are to pray for them, but they want us to pray for God to get them out of a bad situation and not to change them.  We need to be very careful regarding what we pray for, to be sure that it will glorify The Lord God. (John 14:13)

DO NOT DESTROY THE WORD OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Also tell Jehoiakim king of Judah, ‘This is what The Lord says: You burned that scroll… I will punish him and his children and his attendants for their wickedness…’ ”  Jeremiah 36:29-31 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  He told Jeremiah to write down on a scroll all that He had told him. (Jeremiah 36:1-2)  Jeremiah called Baruch and dictated to him all that The Lord God had told him, and he wrote it on a scroll.   Baruch read the scroll to the people in the temple, to the officials in the secretary’s room, and to the king in his winter apartment. (Jeremiah 36:3-22)  When the king heard the reading of the scroll, he cut it into pieces, threw the pieces into the fire, and then he ordered that Baruch and Jeremiah be arrested. (Jeremiah 36:23-26)  Then The Lord told Jeremiah to take another scroll and write on it all the words which were on the first scroll that the king had burned. (Jeremiah 36:27-28)  God then told him to tell the king that He would punish him for burning that scroll containing His words to Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:29-32)

APPLICATION

We should reverence and respect The Word of God.  This also applies to those who do not believe the content of His Holy Word.  There will be serious consequences for those who disrespect or destroy The Word of God.  Those of us who are believers should also be very careful regarding how we handle and treat our Bibles.  The Bible is not just any old ordinary book, it is The Word of God and it should be handled with care and treated with respect.

SOME PEOPLE OBEY MAN BETTER THAN OTHERS OBEY GOD

PROCLAMATION

“The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed Me.”  Jeremiah 35:16 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  Chapter thirty-five of The Bible Book of Jeremiah begins  with The Lord God telling Jeremiah to go to the Rekabite family and invite them to the temple and give them wine to drink. (Jeremiah 35:1-2)  Jeremiah did as The Lord God told him and when they got to the temple, they refused to drink the wine.  They said that their forefather Jehonadab had commanded them not to drink wine, build houses, sow seed, or plant vineyards.  They were to live in tents as nomads. (Jeremiah 35:3-10)  Then The Lord God spoke to Jeremiah and said these people obeyed the command of their forefather, a man, and yet My people will not obey Me. (Jeremiah 35:12-16)  Because of their disobedience I am going to bring disaster on Judah and Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 35:17)

APPLICATION
Most people obey the laws of man and the traditions of the ancestors much better than most Christians obey The Word of God.  Man can do nothing for us compared to what The Lord God can do.  Yet some Christians act as if they do not believe that God is real.  They reverence Him for several hours one day of each week and then they behave like the rest of the world for the remainder of the time.  Worldly people do not take Christians seriously because, based upon our behavior, we do not take our God seriously.  We should put The Lord God before everything else. (Exodus 20:1-5)  After all that He has done for us we should love The Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)  If we love Him then we should keep His commands. (John 14:15)  Remember, our actions speak louder than our words.  Let us pray that we will be doers of God’s Holy Word and not just hearers only. (James 1:22)

FREEDOM FOR THE SLAVES

FREEDOM FOR THE SLAVES

PROCLAMATION

“Every seventh year each of you must free any fellow Hebrews who have sold themselves to you.  After they have served you for six years, you must let them go free. …”  Jeremiah 34:14 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  While Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his army were attacking Jerusalem and Judah, The Lord God spoke to Jeremiah and again told him to go to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that the city would fall and be captured and burned. (Jeremiah 34:1-3)  Then the word came to Jeremiah that everyone was to free their Hebrew slaves. (Jeremiah 34:8-10)  They did, but afterwards they changed their minds and took the slaves back and enslaved them again. (Jeremiah 34:11)  The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said that He made a covenant with their ancestors when He brought them out of Egypt, that every seventh year, the sabbatical year, they would free any Hebrew slaves. (Jeremiah 34:12-16)  Because they went back on their word, He was going to punish them. (Jeremiah 34:17-22)

APPLICATION

Slavery and indentured servitude have for the most part been eliminated.  The Emancipation Proclamation, which was sign by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, freed the slaves in America.  Although the slaves in Texas did not find out about it until June 19, 1865, “Juneteenth”, and “freedom” did not really occur until Congress passed and ratified the 15^th Amendment in 1870.  However, a loophole in that amendment allowed for “slavery” in the form of incarceration.  All believers, those who have undergone circumcision of the heart, need to understand that, just as in days of old, those who enslave us today will be punished.  Biblically, indentured servitude, work without pay, was not intended to last for a lifetime.  Some employees get paid so little that they feel like indentured servants and those employers will have to give an account. (Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1)  So, pray for those who are holding you down or back.  We all should be helping each other to achieve and accomplish more and not trying to limit or restrict each other.  We should help one another to become the best person that they can be and not use people for our personal gain.  Pray for each other because we all have something that we are a slave to and need to be free from.

CALL ON THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“This is what The Lord says, He who made the earth, The Lord who formed it and established it; The Lord is His name: ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great unsearchable things you do not know.’ ”  Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the prison, The Lord God spoke to him again.  He told Jeremiah to call upon Him and He would answer him and show him many great and wonderful things that he didn’t know.  The Lord knew that Jeremiah had questions that he had not asked.

APPLICATION

The Lord God told the people of Judah to circumcise their hearts. (Jeremiah 4:4)  The people who circumcise their hearts are truly God’s people, even the non-Jews. (Romans 4:9-12)  All believers can call upon The Lord God and He will answer.  We can call on Him for more than help.  We can also call on Him when we do not understand.  The most frequently asked question is “Why?”  We may not get the answer that we want to hear, but we will understand His answer better “by and by”.  We should not trust our own understanding, (Proverbs 3:5) but we should pray and get as much understanding as we can. (Proverbs 4:7)

THE LORD GOD WILL NEVER STOP DOING GOOD TO US

PROCLAMATION

“I will make an everlasting covenant with them; I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear Me, so that they will never turn away from Me.”  Jeremiah 32:40 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The Lord God stated that in the future houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this now desolate land. (Jeremiah 32:15)  Jeremiah prophesied this while he was confined to the courtyard of the prison where Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him because of his prophecies. (Jeremiah 32:1-3)  The word of The Lord came to Jeremiah again saying that the city would fall into the hands of the Babylonians.  They would attack the city and burn it down. (Jeremiah 32:26-29)  The Lord God repeated that the people of Israel had repeatedly turned away from Him and worshiped idols, and He was going to punish them for it. (Jeremiah 32:30-36)  Then He said afterwards, He would bring them back to their homeland. (Jeremiah 32:37-44)

APPLICATION

The Lord God is a God of justice, and He is also a God of mercy.  He may punish us, but He will still protect us and provide for us.  Just because He spanks us does not mean that He does not love us.  In fact, He disciplines those that He loves. (Proverbs 3:12)  We will always have His goodness and mercy. (Psalm 23:6)  He actually enjoys doing good for us. (Jeremiah 32:41)  Our troubles and bad times are only temporary. (Psalm 30:5)  So, keep the faith and don’t lose hope, joy is coming.  God promises that He will never stop doing good to us.

SINS WILL BE FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares The Lord.  ‘I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts.  I will be their God, and they will be my people.  No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know The Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares The Lord.  ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’ ” Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The Lord God promises peace, prosperity, joy, and happiness to Israel and Judah after He returns them to their homeland. (Jeremiah 31:1-17)  He says that He will watch over them as they build and plant. (Jeremiah 31:27-28)  He also said that the days are coming when He will establish a new covenant the people of Israel and Judah. (Jeremiah 31:32-34)  Then He says that He will forgive and forget their sins. (Jeremiah 31:34)

APPLICATION

If we would live like we recognize and remember that The Lord God is our God and we are His people, then we would enjoy the promises of God, His peace, prosperity, joy, and happiness.  Our problem is that we want to do whatever it is that we want to do, and we don’t want to obey God’s Holy Word.  We claim that we love The Lord, but we don’t want to obey Him.  Jesus, The Christ, said “If you love me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)  Sinless perfection is not required.  However, after we sin, believers must ask God to be forgiven, and then our sins will be forgiven and forgotten.

THE RESTORATION PREDICTED

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘I am with you and will save you,’ declares The Lord.  ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.  I will discipline you but only in measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ ”  Jeremiah 30:11 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The Lord God wanted the people of Judah and Israel to know that the day is coming when He will bring them back from captivity to the land that He gave to their ancestors. (Jeremiah 30:1)  He said that He will break the yoke that has been on their necks and He will take off their bonds.  Then He said that no longer would foreigners enslave them. (Jeremiah 30:8)  He wanted to make it clear, however, that He would save them from captivity, but first He was going to punish them for their sins. 

APPLICATION

We need to understand that some of the bad times that we go through are the punishment for our previous sinful behavior and that we brought it upon ourselves.  The Lord God is still with us while we are being punished but He is allowing it to happen.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  He is merciful, and He will not destroy us, but He will chastise and correct us appropriately according to our sins. (Proverbs 3:12 and Hebrews 12:6)  Our punishment is designed to change our future behavior.  Let us pray for His help, guidance, and direction so that when He restores us will do that which is right and just.  Better days are coming. (Psalm 30:5)

THE LORD GOD HAS PLANS FOR US

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares The Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.’”  Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After the people of Judah and Jerusalem were taken into captivity in Babylon, Jeremiah sent them a letter which was hand delivered to them. (Jeremiah 29:1)  In the letter he conveyed to them what The Lord God revealed to him.  They were to settle down, build homes, get married, and have children so that they could increase in number. (Jeremiah 29:3-6)  He also again told them not to listen to the false prophets among them.  He said that after seventy years The Lord God would free them and bring them back to their homeland. (Jeremiah 29:10)  He has plans for them to prosper.

APPLICATION

The Lord God has plans for His people and He also plans for us to prosper in the future.  Exactly what that prosperity will be, or what it will look like, no one knows.  No man has seen, or heard of, or even perceived of what The Lord God has prepared for those who love Him. (Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9)  All we know is that it will be good because He said that He would give us “an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV)  So, let us pray and seek Him with all of our heart and He will hear us.

PROPHECY AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS

PROCLAMATION

“Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, ‘Listen, Hananiah!  The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies.  Therefore this is what The Lord says: “I am about to remove you from the face of the earth.  This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against The Lord.” ’ ”  Jeremiah 28:15-16 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  In chapter twenty-seventh of The Bible Book of Jeremiah, the prophet told the people that they would be attacked and overpowered by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.  He warned them that false prophets would tell them that no harm would come to them. (Jeremiah 27:9)  He told them not to listen to the false prophets and they should serve the king of Babylon after they are captured. (Jeremiah 27:9-17)  The false prophet Hananiah said that they would free them from captivity in Babylon in two years, instead of the seventy years prophesied by Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 28:2-4)  The Lord God told Jeremiah to make a yoke and put it on his neck and then go speak to the people. (Jeremiah 27:2)  Hananiah took this wooden yoke off of Jeremiah and broke it saying that was how The Lord was going to break Babylon. (Jeremiah 28:10-11)  Jeremiah told Hananiah that The Lord God said you have broken a wooden yoke, but I will put a yoke of iron on this nation and they will serve Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 28:13-14)  Then Jeremiah told Hananiah that he was going to die within the year because of the lies that he spoken to the people. (Jeremiah 28:15-16)

APPLICATION

Lying is bad, lying to the people of God is worse, but lying in the name of The Lord is much worse.  The Ten Commandments tell us not to lie, or “bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16), and not to use the name of The Lord God in vain. (Exodus 20:7)  Let us not be false prophets.  The Bible also tells us that it will be very bad for us if we cause a child of God to go astray. (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:2)  It would be better for us to say nothing at all than to lie.  One day we will be judged on every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36)  Let us think before we speak and let us ask The Lord God to help us control our tongue so that we do not hurt or deceive others.

A PROPHET'S LIFE THREATENED

PROCLAMATION

“But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything The Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, ‘You must die!’ ”  Jeremiah 26:8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  In chapter twenty-five of The Bible Book of Jeremiah, the prophet told the people that again and again The Lord God had sent prophets to them who told them to turn from their evil practices of idol worship but they did not listen to them. (Jeremiah 25:3-7)  Because they did not listen to the words of The Lord, He was going to punish them and let the Babylonians take them into captivity for seventy years. (Jeremiah 25:8-11)  In the twenty-sixth chapter, Jeremiah repeated this prophesy in the courtyard of the temple.  When he had finished speaking, the priests, the false prophets, and the people who heard him, seized him, and threatened to kill him. (Jeremiah 26:1-15)  Jeremiah was willing to die for The Lord. (Jeremiah 26:14-15)  However, he was spared when some of the elders came forward and told the people that other prophets had spoken to them and their ancestors in the name of The Lord and they were not killed.  The elders said that killing Jeremiah would bring an even more terrible disaster on them. (Jeremiah 26:17-24)  The Lord made a way to save his life.

APPLICATION

There are times and places where a believer would place their life in danger if they made a positive public statement about The Lord God.  Believers know that The Lord God protects us from dangers seen and unseen.  However, we should be willing to give up our life for belief in Christ.  In fact, Jesus, The Christ, said that whoever shall lose his life for His sake shall save it. (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, and Luke 9:24)  He also said that if we deny Him before men, in order to save our life, then we will lose because He will deny knowing us before our heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:33)  Remember, He died for us.  Christ said that greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend, and He said that we are His friends if we keep His commands. (John 15:13-14)  The question is, do we love Him enough to die for Him?

THE PROPHECY OF THE TWO BASKETS OF FIGS

PROCLAMATION

“This is what The Lord, The God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.  My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land.”  Jeremiah 24:5-6 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After Jeremiah had complained to The Lord God and cursed the day that he was born, King Zedekiah sent two priests to Jeremiah to inquire of The Lord God for them as they were under attack. (Jeremiah 21:1-2)  He repeated the prophecy of destruction and captivity by the Babylonians. (Jeremiah 21:3-14)  Then he went to the palace and prophesied destruction and captivity to the king of Judah. (Jeremiah 22:1-30)  After that he prophesied against the shepherds who were destroying and scattering the people of Israel, (Jeremiah 23:1-8) and against the lying prophets who were deceiving the people with false prophecies. (Jeremiah 23:9-40)  Then The Lord God showed him two baskets of figs, one good and ripe and the other was bad and could not be eaten.  The basket of good figs represented the good people in exile whom He would save.  The basket of bad figs represented the people whom He would destroy. (Jeremiah 24:1-10)

APPLICATION
Even in the midst of death and destruction The Lord God will make a way out of no way for those who believe and who have a good heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)  He will never leave us or forsake us, (Hebrews 13:5) the problem is that we turn away from Him.  If we are obedient and keep our faith in Him, then He will look after, protect, and provide for us regardless of what is going on around us.

LIKE FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES

PROCLAMATION

“But if I say, ‘I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,’ His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.  I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”  Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  In chapter nineteen of The Bible Book of Jeremiah The Lord God told him to go and buy a jar of clay from the potter and to take some of the elders along with him. (Jeremiah 19:1-2)  There he again told them that The Lord was going to destroy them because they had forsaken Him and turned to idol worship. (Jeremiah 19:3-9)  Then The Lord God told Jeremiah to break the jar while the elders were watching and tell them that He will smash their nation as the potter’s jar was smashed. (Jeremiah 19:10-12)  When the high priest Pashhur heard of Jeremiah’s prophecy, he had him publicly beaten and put in the stocks. (Jeremiah 20:1-2)  When he was released the following day, he told Pashhur that he would witness the slaughter of his people at the hands of their enemies.  He said that the king of Babylon would take him into captivity, along with those who survive the massacre, because of his lies and false prophecies. (Jeremiah 20:3-6)  Afterwards, Jeremiah privately complained to The Lord God because of the treatment which he had received from the people after delivering His messages. (Jeremiah 20:7-8)  He even threatened to keep quiet and not speak in His name, but he recognized that he couldn’t do that because God’s words within him were like fire shut up in his bones.  Jeremiah was so conflicted that he even cursed the day that he was born. (Jeremiah 20:14-18)

APPLICATION

Standing up and speaking up for The Lord God is not easy.  All too often the people do not want to hear “what thus saith The Lord.”  Verbal attacks occur quite frequently, and in some places even physical attacks occur.  Sometimes our old friends will stand by and not come to our aid or defense.  There is also the personal internal struggle with our human nature in the face of temptation, with our moral nature in the face of injustice to our fellow man, and with our spiritual nature as we watch the wicked prosper and obtain positions in high places.  We speak up because there is something inside of us that says speak.  This could be The Holy Spirit of God within us.  Jeremiah described it as “a fire shut up in my bones.” (Jeremiah 20:9)  So, let us tell others about Christ, and salvation.  Let us obey the great commission and share The Word of God with everybody. (Matthew 28:19-20)  Let us also publicly praise Him.  For if we keep quiet, then the rocks will cry out in our place. (Luke 19:40)

THE LORD IS THE POTTER AND WE ARE THE CLAY

PROCLAMATION

“Then the word of The Lord came to me.  He said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares The Lord.  ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, Israel.’ ”  Jeremiah 18:5-6 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The Lord God told Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house and He would give him His message when he got there. (Jeremiah 18:1-3)  When he arrived at the house the potter was working at the wheel with some clay.  However, the pot that he was shaping was marred so he reformed it into another type of pot, shaping it as it seemed best to him. (Jeremiah 18:3-4)  The Lord told him that He was like the potter and Israel was like the clay.

APPLICATION

The Lord God is the potter and we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)  The potter has power over the clay, and He can shape it into whatever seems good to Him. (Romans 9:21)  We are His property.  We were bought and paid for with the blood of Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:20)  The good news is that He is not finished with us yet.  As believers we know that the good work that He began in each of us will be completed. (Philippians 1:6)  

TRUST IN THE LORD AND BE BLESSED

PROCLAMATION

“But blessed is the one who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  Chapter seventeen of The Bible Book of Jeremiah begins by stating the consequences that the Jews will face for their idolatry. (Jeremiah 17:1-4)  The Lord says cursed is the one who trusts in man and turns away from God. (Jeremiah 17:5-6)  Then He says blessed is the one who trusts in The Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)  The words used here are very similar to the words used in the beginning of the first Psalm. (Psalm 1:2-3)  After this He states that the heart of man is deceitful and beyond cure.  He will judge the heart of each person and will reward them as their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)  After Jeremiah again makes a plea for his personal safety, The Lord goes on a discourse to say that the people should keep the Sabbath Day holy. (Jeremiah 17:19-27)

APPLICATION

The phrase “trust in The Lord” appears in The Bible nineteen times.  It appears as a command, and it appears as a statement of planned personal activity.  Those who trust in The Lord are blessed.  They are the ones who look to The Lord for forgiveness, peace, righteousness, protection, grace, and mercy.  Trust in The Lord and be blessed.

THE LORD GOD IS ALL POWERFUL AND MIGHTY

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore I will teach them; this time I will teach them My power and might.  Then they will know that My name is The Lord.”  Jeremiah 16:21 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  The Lord God told them not to marry or have children in this land at that time, nor were they to enter a house where they are having a funeral meal or a feast, for they will die of deadly diseases. (Jeremiah 16:1-9)  When they asked Jeremiah why The Lord has decreed such a disaster on them, he was to tell them that their ancestors forsook The Lord God and worshiped idols, and they had behaved even more wickedly than their ancestors. (Jeremiah 16:10-12)  Now He was going to punish them and teach them that He was The Lord God of all.

APPLICATION

Today, our country and many others pay “lip service” to The Lord God, but their behavior suggests that they don’t know Him or believe in Him.  They have taken God out of the work-place, out of the schools, and out of most homes.  Unfortunately, we must be taught who He really is.  In times of trouble, He is our refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1)  We will all cry out for His mercy. (Psalm 123:3)  One day very soon all men will know that He is The Lord God, The One and Only God. (Psalm 83:18)  The day will come when every knee will bow down and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. (Romans 14:11) 

GOD'S CONDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore this is what The Lord says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman.  Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.’ ”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After The Lord God told Jeremiah that He was going to destroy the people of Israel because they had repeatedly rejected Him, (Jeremiah 14:10-12) He said that He would not change His mind about them even if Moses and Samuel appeared and asked Him to spare them. (Jeremiah 15:1)  After He repeated what He was going to do them, Jeremiah asked The Lord God to protect him from his persecutors and He said that He would protect him. (Jeremiah 15:15-21)  Jeremiah was unpopular with the king and the people because they did not like the messages from God that he delivered. (Jeremiah 15:10)

APPLICATION

We are blessed by The Lord God in so many ways, but there are some additional blessings that we will receive only if we do that which He asks of us.  If we humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, (2 Chronicles 7:14) and if we repent, and speak that which is worthy, (Jeremiah 15:19) then we will receive His special blessings.   

HARD TIMES AND FALSE PROPHETS

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore this is what The Lord says about the prophets who are prophesying in My name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’  Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine.”  Jeremiah 14:15 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and proclaimed to the people of Judah.  After telling Jeremiah that He was going to destroy the Israelites because of their many sins rejecting Him, (Jeremiah 13:15-27) here in chapter fourteen of The Bible Book of Jeremiah The Lord God reveals how He is going to destroy them.  He begins by describing the drought which is to come. (Jeremiah 14:1-6)  He continues by saying how He will ignore their cries and pleas. (Jeremiah 14:7-10)  Then He tells Jeremiah not to pray for “this people”, choosing not to call them His people. (Jeremiah 14:11-12)  Jeremiah says to The Lord God that there are prophets telling the people that they will not suffer the sword or famine, but He replies that He did not send them, and they are lying. (Jeremiah 14:13-15)  He said that the false prophets will die as will the people of Judah and Jerusalem by the sword and famine. (Jeremiah 14:15-16)

APPLICATION

People who tell you only what you want to hear are usually not telling you the truth.  Just like those with “itching ears”, (2 Timothy 4:3) some people will only listen to that which they want to hear.  This is why false prophets are usually immensely popular.  They will often say things which are in direct opposition to The Word of God.  When times are bad, people do not want to hear the truth.  In desperate situations, like the proverbial drowning man, they will grab for anything including straws that will not save them.  In hard times, people will turn away from God because they did not really believe, or because He did not respond fast enough to give them what they wanted.  Beware of false prophets; verify whatever they tell you by reading The Bible for yourself.  A strong foundation in The Word of God will keep us from being mislead by false prophets.  Read and study God’s Holy Word (2 Timothy 2:15) in good times and when times are bad.