Ezekiel 20
Ezekiel mentions “in the seventh year” this is the Seventh year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. This precise dating gives this message formal quality and special significance.
As stated in the title, Israel was still rebellious to the GOD’s spoken word. The elders came to inquire of the Lord But GOD turn away. HE demanded uncompromising allegiance and refused to tolerate pluralism.
How often only through storms GOD seem so needed? But when all is well, we indulge ourselves with complacent and ungratefulness sometimes.
It’s a fact GOD judges; Israel has desecrated commandments and their own faith. As GOD purge and separates his people so will HE restore them to an even greater glory.
V41 I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations
Be like fragrant incense by offering him your soul, bodies and offerings.
Ezekiel 21
As I read this chapter, I realize how fiercely GOD judge. Really thank Christ of what he has done, do and will do.
V4 Because I am going to cut off the righteous and the wicked, my sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.
Punishing the righteous along with the wicked emphasizes the degree of GOD’s anger, as well as the corporate solidarity of the covenant community in GOD’s sight. Sin has adverse consequences, and frequently the innocent suffer because of misdeeds of the wicked.
As GOD judges not only Israel but the Ammonites. GOD used Babylon as his decree of judgment. The exalted will be brought down but the lowly will be exalted. The dynasty of David would not be restored until the rightful ruler arrived on the scene.
Why punish the ammonites now?
God exacts judgment and he acts on HIS time not outs. Often he waits for us to be totally dependent on his grace and provision before he chooses to act, even to sweep away the wicked.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Ezekiel 18 - 19 (1st September) - Kelvin
Chapter 18 touches on the prophesy of Ezekiel where God uses him to warn the people in the land of Israel. Ezekiel defined what it means to have our souls saved and have our souls lost to death. He quoted from Ezekiel 18: 5-13 all of it. Of which something that raised my eyebrows was when Ezekiel compared between those who did evil and turn to righteousness and those who were righteous turned to sins.
He said those who did evil and turn back to righteousness will surely enter the Kingdom and while those who were righteous and succumbed to the things which the Lord detests would surely lose their souls. I guess the Lord's focus of this chapter is really on these 2 comparisons.
In the same chapter, Ezekiel did mentioned that the Lord is not unjust to have said that as he who turned from his wicked ways know/consider the offenses he had committed and he would turn away from them. One of the righteous ways quoted in the chapter captured my thoughts for a moment. It says "He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungary" - Ezekiel 18:7.
During one of my lectures in school, my professor actually mentioned about this chap back in his nation who was poor and committed robberies but gave away whatever he had robbed to the poor as well. Sadly, in the end he was shot dead in one of his attempts. The moral of the story he gave us was that it is a pity that he died because he was committing crime due to the harsh and unfair environment he was placed in and most importantly he was helping others. After the lecture, i was thinking, maybe we all should have some compassion for this kind of people. Well, after reading that verse, i suddenly feel that sometimes people misunderstand the value of righteousness in today's world, including myself. In another words, my prof was saying "its okie to sin because you are helping others".
Above all, i feel that regardless of the situations you're put in, whether you are in need or others are asking you of a small favour ( it can be a favour such as asking you to lie about something), we must not give in to sins because the Lord has mentioned through that verse that He does not consider it righteous to help others when you choose to sin. Stay firm!
He said those who did evil and turn back to righteousness will surely enter the Kingdom and while those who were righteous and succumbed to the things which the Lord detests would surely lose their souls. I guess the Lord's focus of this chapter is really on these 2 comparisons.
In the same chapter, Ezekiel did mentioned that the Lord is not unjust to have said that as he who turned from his wicked ways know/consider the offenses he had committed and he would turn away from them. One of the righteous ways quoted in the chapter captured my thoughts for a moment. It says "He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungary" - Ezekiel 18:7.
During one of my lectures in school, my professor actually mentioned about this chap back in his nation who was poor and committed robberies but gave away whatever he had robbed to the poor as well. Sadly, in the end he was shot dead in one of his attempts. The moral of the story he gave us was that it is a pity that he died because he was committing crime due to the harsh and unfair environment he was placed in and most importantly he was helping others. After the lecture, i was thinking, maybe we all should have some compassion for this kind of people. Well, after reading that verse, i suddenly feel that sometimes people misunderstand the value of righteousness in today's world, including myself. In another words, my prof was saying "its okie to sin because you are helping others".
Above all, i feel that regardless of the situations you're put in, whether you are in need or others are asking you of a small favour ( it can be a favour such as asking you to lie about something), we must not give in to sins because the Lord has mentioned through that verse that He does not consider it righteous to help others when you choose to sin. Stay firm!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Ezekiel 16 - 17 (31st August) - Weiling
Ezekiel 16
In this chapter, Ezekiel used the allegory and image of an unfaithful wife to illustrate the sins of Judah. Like a wife who made use of what the husband gave her to prostitute herself, and turns her back against her husband, Judah betrays the Lord by going after other gods. And spiritual adultery would lead to judgment.
But note that the judgment was also so that Judah would stop playing the harlot (temple prostitute) [v.41, 43] and stop her sinning and to remember the days of her youth. Similarly, we should always try to recall the days of our “youth” – our first love for God, when our heart was tender, and we delighted simply in God’s love. Remember God’s covenant.
Ezekiel 17
The riddle:
“great eagle”(v.3) = Nebuchadnezzar
“highest branch of the cedar” (v.3) = house of David
“the top of his young twigs” (v.4) = Jehoiachin
“land of merchants” (v.4) = Babylon
“seed of the land” (v.5) = Zedekiah
“another great eagle” (v.7) = king of Egypt
We see actually the interpretation of the riddle from v.12-15
The house of David was taken captive into Babylon but it was like placed in fertile soil and abundant water. Importantly, they made a covenant. We see in v.19 that oaths and covenants are important to God. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But the house of David tried to rebel and seek help from Egypt instead. However, in v.24 we see hope. The worthless dead vine will be replaced by a productive cedar and God’s people will be restored to proper relationship with Him.
In this chapter, Ezekiel used the allegory and image of an unfaithful wife to illustrate the sins of Judah. Like a wife who made use of what the husband gave her to prostitute herself, and turns her back against her husband, Judah betrays the Lord by going after other gods. And spiritual adultery would lead to judgment.
But note that the judgment was also so that Judah would stop playing the harlot (temple prostitute) [v.41, 43] and stop her sinning and to remember the days of her youth. Similarly, we should always try to recall the days of our “youth” – our first love for God, when our heart was tender, and we delighted simply in God’s love. Remember God’s covenant.
Ezekiel 17
The riddle:
“great eagle”(v.3) = Nebuchadnezzar
“highest branch of the cedar” (v.3) = house of David
“the top of his young twigs” (v.4) = Jehoiachin
“land of merchants” (v.4) = Babylon
“seed of the land” (v.5) = Zedekiah
“another great eagle” (v.7) = king of Egypt
We see actually the interpretation of the riddle from v.12-15
The house of David was taken captive into Babylon but it was like placed in fertile soil and abundant water. Importantly, they made a covenant. We see in v.19 that oaths and covenants are important to God. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But the house of David tried to rebel and seek help from Egypt instead. However, in v.24 we see hope. The worthless dead vine will be replaced by a productive cedar and God’s people will be restored to proper relationship with Him.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ezekiel 13 - 15 (30th August) - Andrew
Ezekiel 13
These chapter talked about God’s judgement against false prophets.
“Now, son of man, also speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations.” – verse 17
Let us pray against all those who are into fortune telling in Singapore. Pray that God’s power will come against these things and that He will remove these things from Singapore so that people will not fall into believing about what those fortune tellers say.
“But you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you practice your magic. For I will rescue my people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
- verse 23
Ezekiel 14
“I, the Lord, will punish all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts so they fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.” - verse 7
“……and set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS...”
It does not mean physically setting up the idols but rather its those idols that we “worship” secretly in our hearts. Those sins that we secretly been committing without people knowing it. Confess it.
Follow on, the Lord revealed to Ezekiel that even if Noah, Daniel and Job (3 righteous men) were in Jerusalem, He would still carried out His anger on the land by causing war, famine, plague to the land or unleash beasts to the land. It really showed how angry the Lord is with the people of Jerusalem.
“Yet there will be survivors, and they will come here to join you as exiles in Babylon. You will see with your own eyes how wicked they are, and then you will feel better about what I have done to Jerusalem.” - verse 22
Yet despite all these destructions on Jerusalem, God still love the people in the land. He punished them just so that the people will confess their sins and repent and turn back towards the Lord.
Ezekiel 15
The Lord compared the people of Jerusalem as grapevines growing among the trees of the forest. They will be burned and like forest fire which spreads quickly, if the people escape from one fire (the Lord’s anger), they will fall quickly into another one.
Let us not test our Lord. When we think that we have escape God’s punishment, there will be another one coming. All so, because God want us to learn from our mistakes.
These chapter talked about God’s judgement against false prophets.
“Now, son of man, also speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations.” – verse 17
Let us pray against all those who are into fortune telling in Singapore. Pray that God’s power will come against these things and that He will remove these things from Singapore so that people will not fall into believing about what those fortune tellers say.
“But you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you practice your magic. For I will rescue my people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
- verse 23
Ezekiel 14
“I, the Lord, will punish all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts so they fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.” - verse 7
“……and set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS...”
It does not mean physically setting up the idols but rather its those idols that we “worship” secretly in our hearts. Those sins that we secretly been committing without people knowing it. Confess it.
Follow on, the Lord revealed to Ezekiel that even if Noah, Daniel and Job (3 righteous men) were in Jerusalem, He would still carried out His anger on the land by causing war, famine, plague to the land or unleash beasts to the land. It really showed how angry the Lord is with the people of Jerusalem.
“Yet there will be survivors, and they will come here to join you as exiles in Babylon. You will see with your own eyes how wicked they are, and then you will feel better about what I have done to Jerusalem.” - verse 22
Yet despite all these destructions on Jerusalem, God still love the people in the land. He punished them just so that the people will confess their sins and repent and turn back towards the Lord.
Ezekiel 15
The Lord compared the people of Jerusalem as grapevines growing among the trees of the forest. They will be burned and like forest fire which spreads quickly, if the people escape from one fire (the Lord’s anger), they will fall quickly into another one.
Let us not test our Lord. When we think that we have escape God’s punishment, there will be another one coming. All so, because God want us to learn from our mistakes.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ezekiel 9 - 12 (29th August) - Andrew
Ezekiel 9
“He said to him, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who weep and sigh because of the sins they see around them.”
Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity!
- Verses 4 – 5
Before I started reading today’s words, I prayed to God that I will learn more about Him, about His character and indeed through the above verses we can learn something about Him and that we too have to be like Him – to have compassion for the people out there (“…mark on the foreheads of all those who WEEP AND SIGH BECAUSE OF THE SINS THEY SEE AROUND THEM.”).
Ezekiel 11 – Judgment on Israel’s Leaders
“Then the Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are responsible for the wicked counsel being given in this city. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? Our city is like an iron pot. Inside it we will be like meat – safe from all harm.’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.” - verses 2 – 4
“No, this city will not be an iron pot for you, and you will not be the meat, safe inside. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel, and you will know that I am the Lord. For you have refused to obey me; instead, you have copied the sins of the nations around you” – verses 11 – 12
Yes, do not follow the ways of the nations around you – do not fall into the hands of the world, do not follow their ways because our homes are not on earth but in heaven. If you have anyone that are accountable to you, you have to be someone who does not follow the ways of man but rather be someone that the person whom is accountable to you will see you as a role model to follow.
Remember, we are to be a disciplemaker – In order to be one, we would have to follow the ways of the Lord and not the ways of man and the people under us would then follow the ways of the Lord because we do first.
“He said to him, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who weep and sigh because of the sins they see around them.”
Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity!
- Verses 4 – 5
Before I started reading today’s words, I prayed to God that I will learn more about Him, about His character and indeed through the above verses we can learn something about Him and that we too have to be like Him – to have compassion for the people out there (“…mark on the foreheads of all those who WEEP AND SIGH BECAUSE OF THE SINS THEY SEE AROUND THEM.”).
Ezekiel 11 – Judgment on Israel’s Leaders
“Then the Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are responsible for the wicked counsel being given in this city. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? Our city is like an iron pot. Inside it we will be like meat – safe from all harm.’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.” - verses 2 – 4
“No, this city will not be an iron pot for you, and you will not be the meat, safe inside. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel, and you will know that I am the Lord. For you have refused to obey me; instead, you have copied the sins of the nations around you” – verses 11 – 12
Yes, do not follow the ways of the nations around you – do not fall into the hands of the world, do not follow their ways because our homes are not on earth but in heaven. If you have anyone that are accountable to you, you have to be someone who does not follow the ways of man but rather be someone that the person whom is accountable to you will see you as a role model to follow.
Remember, we are to be a disciplemaker – In order to be one, we would have to follow the ways of the Lord and not the ways of man and the people under us would then follow the ways of the Lord because we do first.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ezekiel 5 - 8 (28th August) - Sylvia
Ezekiel 5
God uses the example of a man's shaven hair and him dividing it into three parts with their different outcomes to signify the punishments He is going to inflict upon Jerusalem.
one third will die by plagues and famines, one third will die by war/battles/fights, and the other third will be exiled or running away from enemies of Jerusalem but they will be pursued.
As God has spoken, the disasters are so scary and so unimaginable of a God who loves His people such that He sent His only son Jesus to die for our sins.
Do not ever incur God's wrath.
Ezekiel 6
God has to go to such drastic measures to make the people of Israel realise that He is the Lord Almighty.
Dear family, understand that sometimes when undesirable things happen to us, it happens for a reason. Perhaps we have taken God for granted or strayed. God wants to bring us back to Him and that is the only way to go about it.
Ezekiel 7
Ezekiel speaks further about the inflictions and punishments that God will bring upon Israel - a faboured land of God. Imagine the pain God went through - having to make your beloved suffer. On top of that, ignorance and merciless blow after blow.
Ezekiel 8
The children of Israel turn to false gods and speak against God. They defile the temple of Jerusalem and worship different idols in place that was meant to be holy and set apart for God.
It is such a shame to see generations being punished for the sins of thier fathers. it is also a shame that generations take on the curses and sins of their fathers that it becomes a never ending cycle of unrepentance till God has to step in and bring down punishment.
God uses the example of a man's shaven hair and him dividing it into three parts with their different outcomes to signify the punishments He is going to inflict upon Jerusalem.
one third will die by plagues and famines, one third will die by war/battles/fights, and the other third will be exiled or running away from enemies of Jerusalem but they will be pursued.
As God has spoken, the disasters are so scary and so unimaginable of a God who loves His people such that He sent His only son Jesus to die for our sins.
Do not ever incur God's wrath.
Ezekiel 6
God has to go to such drastic measures to make the people of Israel realise that He is the Lord Almighty.
Dear family, understand that sometimes when undesirable things happen to us, it happens for a reason. Perhaps we have taken God for granted or strayed. God wants to bring us back to Him and that is the only way to go about it.
Ezekiel 7
Ezekiel speaks further about the inflictions and punishments that God will bring upon Israel - a faboured land of God. Imagine the pain God went through - having to make your beloved suffer. On top of that, ignorance and merciless blow after blow.
Ezekiel 8
The children of Israel turn to false gods and speak against God. They defile the temple of Jerusalem and worship different idols in place that was meant to be holy and set apart for God.
It is such a shame to see generations being punished for the sins of thier fathers. it is also a shame that generations take on the curses and sins of their fathers that it becomes a never ending cycle of unrepentance till God has to step in and bring down punishment.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Ezekiel 1 - 4 (27th August) - Sky
Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel is filled with bizarre visions and puzzling revelations. If you dig beneath the relationships with the surface of the book, you’ll find timeless lessons about GOD and his relationship with his people. He’d rather forgive than judge us; remains faithful even if we don’t
GOD reveals his will in many ways, whether its through prophetic words, parables analogies and poetry. In this case, GOD caused Ezekiel to see vivid mental pictures of visions of what HE is going to do.
This “weird” vision was seen as GOD reveals his will. The 4 faces of the creatures were man declared ruler over creation; the lion, “king of beasts”; thx ox, most powerful of the domesticated animals; the eagle, greatest of the birds. It all ended beautifully that “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And one voice spoke”
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel was called to the Israelites to be GOD’s speaker among them. This chapter shows words of encouragement and commission.
Ezekiel 3
This chapter shows a very graphic way of saying things. Ezekiel was to preach the words GOD gave him nothing else thus eating the scroll GOD told him shows he could not fulfill GOD’s commission in his own strength, only His.
Once again, GOD’s mercy precedes judgment.
Warning to Israel has been a repetition procedure but as they fail to listen, there be no excuse when judgment comes.
In V11 “this is what the Sovereign LORD says, whether they listen or fail to listen”
Been pondering, how often we obey GOD’s commands knowing the outcome, but what if we don’t know the outcome?
Once again, we won’t know the future, but we can trust.
Ezekiel 4
This is the start of “bizarre behavior” that my first impression was SIAO! But looking deeper, each of these actions and prophecies were designed to make the most forceful impact possible on the people.
Ezekiel was to lie on his left side and to bear their sin for the number of days he did so for the house of Judah and Israel.
The numbers of days are of great significance, a total of 430 days. This was the total number of years the Israelites been enslaved in Egypt.
Although the strange drama of Ezekiel failed to win his audience but the lessons taught are still appropriate for us. We must not underestimate our sin or GOD’s holiness. HE will not be mocked by sin.
Ezekiel is filled with bizarre visions and puzzling revelations. If you dig beneath the relationships with the surface of the book, you’ll find timeless lessons about GOD and his relationship with his people. He’d rather forgive than judge us; remains faithful even if we don’t
GOD reveals his will in many ways, whether its through prophetic words, parables analogies and poetry. In this case, GOD caused Ezekiel to see vivid mental pictures of visions of what HE is going to do.
This “weird” vision was seen as GOD reveals his will. The 4 faces of the creatures were man declared ruler over creation; the lion, “king of beasts”; thx ox, most powerful of the domesticated animals; the eagle, greatest of the birds. It all ended beautifully that “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And one voice spoke”
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel was called to the Israelites to be GOD’s speaker among them. This chapter shows words of encouragement and commission.
Ezekiel 3
This chapter shows a very graphic way of saying things. Ezekiel was to preach the words GOD gave him nothing else thus eating the scroll GOD told him shows he could not fulfill GOD’s commission in his own strength, only His.
Once again, GOD’s mercy precedes judgment.
Warning to Israel has been a repetition procedure but as they fail to listen, there be no excuse when judgment comes.
In V11 “this is what the Sovereign LORD says, whether they listen or fail to listen”
Been pondering, how often we obey GOD’s commands knowing the outcome, but what if we don’t know the outcome?
Once again, we won’t know the future, but we can trust.
Ezekiel 4
This is the start of “bizarre behavior” that my first impression was SIAO! But looking deeper, each of these actions and prophecies were designed to make the most forceful impact possible on the people.
Ezekiel was to lie on his left side and to bear their sin for the number of days he did so for the house of Judah and Israel.
The numbers of days are of great significance, a total of 430 days. This was the total number of years the Israelites been enslaved in Egypt.
Although the strange drama of Ezekiel failed to win his audience but the lessons taught are still appropriate for us. We must not underestimate our sin or GOD’s holiness. HE will not be mocked by sin.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Lamentations 3:37 - 5 (26th August) - Vivien
Lamentations 3:37 – 3:51
We live in a more and more selfish world. The world is teaching us to focus on ourselves and take care of yourself. The fittest survives. So keep fighting in life, when we are in school, at work and even at home. We have learnt to complain and grumble about life when things don’t go our way, making us impatient people.
Verse 38-40: “Doesn't the High God speak everything, good things and hard things alike, into being? And why would anyone gifted with life complain when punished for sin?”
Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God.
There is room for complaining, but if it is a sin that has been committed, then complaining just makes you look like a fool, especially in front of Satan. I believe we all don’t want to be a fool that entertains Satan. So before complaining, let’s us check on ourselves and reorder our lives under God and repent of our sin.
Lamentations 3:52 – 3:66
This part of the poem reflected sufferings of the poet, and his cry for God’s help. He was very transparent towards his feelings, and even told God to make those who have plotted against him for no cause repay for the harm that was inflicted unto him.
Lamentations 4
As I read this chapter, it shocked me how God’s chosen people had turned so evil. I believe that saddened God a lot. Being a God of Justice, He had to punish them. Although that brought joy to the enemies, it was temporary. God’s a professional in turning things around! Amen!
Verse 22: “And that's it for you, Zion. The punishment's complete. You won't have to go through this exile again. But Edom, your time is coming: He'll punish your evil life, put all your sins on display.”
God will not let the enemies laugh too long. He will definitely get them! So believe that justice prevails! Feeling unjustified? Nobody knows that you are being taken advantage of? Remember, God knows, and He will give you justice.
Lamentations 5
In this last poem of Lamentations, The people of God seemed to have realized so the seriousness of the consequences of their sins. It affected them so badly that they can no longer be joyful. So they asked for a new start. Our God is a god of 2nd chances. Nothing makes God happier than to see His children returning back to Him. He is always waiting…
We live in a more and more selfish world. The world is teaching us to focus on ourselves and take care of yourself. The fittest survives. So keep fighting in life, when we are in school, at work and even at home. We have learnt to complain and grumble about life when things don’t go our way, making us impatient people.
Verse 38-40: “Doesn't the High God speak everything, good things and hard things alike, into being? And why would anyone gifted with life complain when punished for sin?”
Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God.
There is room for complaining, but if it is a sin that has been committed, then complaining just makes you look like a fool, especially in front of Satan. I believe we all don’t want to be a fool that entertains Satan. So before complaining, let’s us check on ourselves and reorder our lives under God and repent of our sin.
Lamentations 3:52 – 3:66
This part of the poem reflected sufferings of the poet, and his cry for God’s help. He was very transparent towards his feelings, and even told God to make those who have plotted against him for no cause repay for the harm that was inflicted unto him.
Lamentations 4
As I read this chapter, it shocked me how God’s chosen people had turned so evil. I believe that saddened God a lot. Being a God of Justice, He had to punish them. Although that brought joy to the enemies, it was temporary. God’s a professional in turning things around! Amen!
Verse 22: “And that's it for you, Zion. The punishment's complete. You won't have to go through this exile again. But Edom, your time is coming: He'll punish your evil life, put all your sins on display.”
God will not let the enemies laugh too long. He will definitely get them! So believe that justice prevails! Feeling unjustified? Nobody knows that you are being taken advantage of? Remember, God knows, and He will give you justice.
Lamentations 5
In this last poem of Lamentations, The people of God seemed to have realized so the seriousness of the consequences of their sins. It affected them so badly that they can no longer be joyful. So they asked for a new start. Our God is a god of 2nd chances. Nothing makes God happier than to see His children returning back to Him. He is always waiting…
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Lamentations 1:1 - 3:36 (25th August) - Li Juan
Lamentations was written by Jeremiah for the mourning of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s intense burden of sympathy for Jerusalem discloses the love and sorrow of the Lord for the very people whom He is chastening. It is a similar burden to that which the Lord Jesus Christ expressed in His lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39).
Lam 3:22-39 is a recount of God’s faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lam 3:22-39 is a recount of God’s faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Jeremiah 51-52 (24th August) - Crystal
Jeremiah 51
Babylon will come to an end. This chapter elaborates the details of the disaster that God is going to bring about. Babylon will be destroyed entirely. Not a single living thing will live. God will accomplish what He says. If God says that He will not tempt you beyond what you can bear, he will not because he knows you best and he will bring you through anything that he has placed to test you. Our God is holy, He will not give way or allow anything that falls short of His standard. Are you living up to His standard?
One of the reasons that God wants to destroy Babylon is because of the idols that the people had worship. In the month of the ghost festival, let us be vigilant and guard our heart in the things we see, we do and we say to pre-believers. This is a time when the devil wants to use to attack us and the pre-believers around us. Do not let Singapore become a land like Babylon.
Jeremiah 52
The fall of Jerusalem came to past as they too did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It is recorded that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon and the king build a siege to surround Jerusalem. There was a famine that came upon Jerusalem, it was so bad that the army broke through the gate and fled. Zedekiah was then captured. Soon after that, the commander of Babylon king came and set fire to all the royal buildings in Jerusalem which includes the temple of the Lord. Everything was torn down and valuables were taken away. The kingdom of Jerusalem which God had built on came to an end. Nothing last, not the king, not even the temple of the Lord because the presence of God had left. As you strive hard for your career, your studies, do not neglect your time for the Lord. The things on earth will not last. If God wants to take them away, He will and He can.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Is your crown a paper one?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jeremiah 49 – 50 (23rd August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 49
God speaks out of the things He is going to bring upon the cities that went against Him.
Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam.
What do they have in common?
All of their rulers and people did wrong in God’s eyes thus He is going to bring about a downfall that will shock other cities as they see the ruins of once a mighty and glorious kingdom.
Notice that for Ammon and Edom, God is merciful and says He will restore their fortunes.
V6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites” declares the Lord.
V39 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come” declares the Lord.
And surely we know that God NEVER goes back on His word.
Jeremiah 50
This passage is entirely about the Lord speaking on how Babylon will be destroyed.
Babylon which dared to attack Israel, would be attacked by a strong and mighty army. IT would be in such ruins and despair that when the city has finally been captured, nations would hear its cry, there would be such a great impact.
This speaks of our Lord’s mighty wonder. Only by His hand can there be great victory over the strongest enemies impossible to defeat and overcome by human means.
“But by His might, we are set free!”
God speaks out of the things He is going to bring upon the cities that went against Him.
Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam.
What do they have in common?
All of their rulers and people did wrong in God’s eyes thus He is going to bring about a downfall that will shock other cities as they see the ruins of once a mighty and glorious kingdom.
Notice that for Ammon and Edom, God is merciful and says He will restore their fortunes.
V6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites” declares the Lord.
V39 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come” declares the Lord.
And surely we know that God NEVER goes back on His word.
Jeremiah 50
This passage is entirely about the Lord speaking on how Babylon will be destroyed.
Babylon which dared to attack Israel, would be attacked by a strong and mighty army. IT would be in such ruins and despair that when the city has finally been captured, nations would hear its cry, there would be such a great impact.
This speaks of our Lord’s mighty wonder. Only by His hand can there be great victory over the strongest enemies impossible to defeat and overcome by human means.
“But by His might, we are set free!”
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Jeremiah 46 - 48 (22nd August) - Sky
In the following chapters we gain several insights about God and his plan for the world.
1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose he loves all people and wants them to come to him
2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin
3) God's judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice
4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation
5) God is impartial he judges everyone by the same standard
Whatever the outcome of each nation, the 5 truths is showed and may even explain the action and consequence of each nation.
Jeremiah 46
Gentiles or Non-Gentiles. GOD commissioned Jeremiah to speak not only to Israel but to non Jewish people.
3 different nations and prophesies is mentioned here, Egypt, Babylon and Israel.
Egypt-
As the Lord says that a day of vengeance for his foes has come. Egypt will fall and be defeated.
Babylon-
The Lord will be their support. That victory will be with them as Egypt will be put to shame and handed over to them.
Israel-
Assuring them that they will be saved, only disciplined with justice.
Reflect how each truth is showed in each nation.
Jeremiah 47
Images of overflowing torrents, galloping steeds, the Lord says that the day has come to destroy all Philistines, sweeping them away.
V7 how can it rest when the LORD has commanded it.
Their destruction came true enough as they ceased to exist as a nation. The last Biblical reference to a Philistine City is found in Nehemiah 13:24.
Jeremiah 48
As Jeremiah prophesized Moab, impending doom, destruction and calamity awaits them. And all of them end with “declares the Lord”. Seems quite dead serious isn’t it?
Jeremiah emotions showed in V31 Jeremiah wept over Moab’s impending doom though he preaches judgment, his heart was tender, causing him to mourn human tragedy, even when it happens to Israel’s enemies.
But he end with V47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” Declares the Lord.
It was hope, a light, a promise after a storm
Something I learn this year, through a storm you see Christ.
1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose he loves all people and wants them to come to him
2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin
3) God's judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice
4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation
5) God is impartial he judges everyone by the same standard
Whatever the outcome of each nation, the 5 truths is showed and may even explain the action and consequence of each nation.
Jeremiah 46
Gentiles or Non-Gentiles. GOD commissioned Jeremiah to speak not only to Israel but to non Jewish people.
3 different nations and prophesies is mentioned here, Egypt, Babylon and Israel.
Egypt-
As the Lord says that a day of vengeance for his foes has come. Egypt will fall and be defeated.
Babylon-
The Lord will be their support. That victory will be with them as Egypt will be put to shame and handed over to them.
Israel-
Assuring them that they will be saved, only disciplined with justice.
Reflect how each truth is showed in each nation.
Jeremiah 47
Images of overflowing torrents, galloping steeds, the Lord says that the day has come to destroy all Philistines, sweeping them away.
V7 how can it rest when the LORD has commanded it.
Their destruction came true enough as they ceased to exist as a nation. The last Biblical reference to a Philistine City is found in Nehemiah 13:24.
Jeremiah 48
As Jeremiah prophesized Moab, impending doom, destruction and calamity awaits them. And all of them end with “declares the Lord”. Seems quite dead serious isn’t it?
Jeremiah emotions showed in V31 Jeremiah wept over Moab’s impending doom though he preaches judgment, his heart was tender, causing him to mourn human tragedy, even when it happens to Israel’s enemies.
But he end with V47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” Declares the Lord.
It was hope, a light, a promise after a storm
Something I learn this year, through a storm you see Christ.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Jeremiah 41 - 45 (21st August) - Sky
Jeremiah 41
Using deception and surprise, Gegeliah was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. This lead to turning point of Judah as they fled to Egypt because they were fearful of the Babylonians reprisals for the assassination of Geladliah whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.
Egypt, in the minds of the Israelites, had become almost synonymous with security. Sometimes Israel had sought military alliances with Egypt, though God denounced the lack of Faith in him. They probably felt safer to go as immigrants to Egypt than to stay and face the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar.
Times when you want to flee from a situation. Why not believe and trust? Sometimes it’s hard to have faith, but what other better options u have?
Jeremiah 42
As the Jews escape to Egypt, they approached Jeremiah to pray for them for direction. Like sheeps they were lost not only physically but spiritually.
In V5-6 it shows the Jews “humility, obedience and faith” as they choose to act according to the Lord, whether it’s favorable or unfavorable.
But it was more than just humility, it was desperation.
Through Jeremiah, God spoke that if they were to stay, GOD will build them up for HE is grieved over the disaster. But if they were to leave to Egypt, settling there. Death will follow.
Like hypocrites, promising to listen, the Jews changed their tunes.
Sometimes in life, do u choose not to listen? Especially unfavorable things or things where u have to deny yourself?
Jeremiah 43
In this chapter, the Jews entered Egypt in disobedience even of what Jeremiah prophesized, denouncing him as a liar and claiming Jeremiah’s secretary to be inciting him to say such things.
Although with such discouraging acts, Jeremiah and Baruch followed them still, whether they were force to by the Jews or went willingly seeing the Jews in need of divine help. It does not matter because Jeremiah remained faithful to his commitment in serving GOD, even when the people were rebellious.
Once again Jeremiah prophesized that only death would be in Egypt, while the people thought that it was a country of security for them
Jeremiah 44
Like rebellious children, the Jews repeating turned away from our Lord, even when the truth remains that HE is their solution. Idolatry filled the streets as they worshipped them, one of them mentioned in this chapter is “Queen of Heavens”, and she is the Goddess of Sexual love and fertility in Egypt. Similar Goddess, Greek is Aphrodite and Babylon is Ishtar. Now as immigrants fitting into a new culture, they took on gods of that culture as well.
GOD’s anger raged, detested by what they do. “Why bring disaster upon themselves? Why provoke me into anger?” The Lord asks.
As history repeats itself, the Lord was determined to bring disaster on Judah as all will perish in Egypt by the sword or famine.
Jeremiah ended this chapter in a frightening manner.
v26 “I swear by my great name,” says the Lord, “that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear”
Ask yourself, if you were being told that, would you be frightened, lost, losing all hope and faith or will u choose to cry out and humble yourself?
Jeremiah 45
A personal prophesy was shared here to Baruch
V5 should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, For I Will being disaster on all people, declares the Lord but wherever u go I will let u escape with your life.
Using deception and surprise, Gegeliah was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. This lead to turning point of Judah as they fled to Egypt because they were fearful of the Babylonians reprisals for the assassination of Geladliah whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.
Egypt, in the minds of the Israelites, had become almost synonymous with security. Sometimes Israel had sought military alliances with Egypt, though God denounced the lack of Faith in him. They probably felt safer to go as immigrants to Egypt than to stay and face the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar.
Times when you want to flee from a situation. Why not believe and trust? Sometimes it’s hard to have faith, but what other better options u have?
Jeremiah 42
As the Jews escape to Egypt, they approached Jeremiah to pray for them for direction. Like sheeps they were lost not only physically but spiritually.
In V5-6 it shows the Jews “humility, obedience and faith” as they choose to act according to the Lord, whether it’s favorable or unfavorable.
But it was more than just humility, it was desperation.
Through Jeremiah, God spoke that if they were to stay, GOD will build them up for HE is grieved over the disaster. But if they were to leave to Egypt, settling there. Death will follow.
Like hypocrites, promising to listen, the Jews changed their tunes.
Sometimes in life, do u choose not to listen? Especially unfavorable things or things where u have to deny yourself?
Jeremiah 43
In this chapter, the Jews entered Egypt in disobedience even of what Jeremiah prophesized, denouncing him as a liar and claiming Jeremiah’s secretary to be inciting him to say such things.
Although with such discouraging acts, Jeremiah and Baruch followed them still, whether they were force to by the Jews or went willingly seeing the Jews in need of divine help. It does not matter because Jeremiah remained faithful to his commitment in serving GOD, even when the people were rebellious.
Once again Jeremiah prophesized that only death would be in Egypt, while the people thought that it was a country of security for them
Jeremiah 44
Like rebellious children, the Jews repeating turned away from our Lord, even when the truth remains that HE is their solution. Idolatry filled the streets as they worshipped them, one of them mentioned in this chapter is “Queen of Heavens”, and she is the Goddess of Sexual love and fertility in Egypt. Similar Goddess, Greek is Aphrodite and Babylon is Ishtar. Now as immigrants fitting into a new culture, they took on gods of that culture as well.
GOD’s anger raged, detested by what they do. “Why bring disaster upon themselves? Why provoke me into anger?” The Lord asks.
As history repeats itself, the Lord was determined to bring disaster on Judah as all will perish in Egypt by the sword or famine.
Jeremiah ended this chapter in a frightening manner.
v26 “I swear by my great name,” says the Lord, “that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear”
Ask yourself, if you were being told that, would you be frightened, lost, losing all hope and faith or will u choose to cry out and humble yourself?
Jeremiah 45
A personal prophesy was shared here to Baruch
V5 should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, For I Will being disaster on all people, declares the Lord but wherever u go I will let u escape with your life.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Habakkuk 1 - 3 (20th August) - Li Juan
Habakkuk is a man of great faith. He questioned God about the rampant injustice which was taking place. When God told him that He is sending the Babylonians next, he thinks that it is even more unfair to the people with this group of ruthless Babylonians. Yet, God said that His plans have to come to pass, but “the righteous will live by his faith” (Hab 2:5). Similarly, this is also being mentioned in (Romans 1:17) and (Galatians 3:11). Indeed, faith should form the fundamentals of our lives, the basis we live by, the golden rule we hold on to.
Lastly, God told Habakkuk that the Babylonians will be punished eventually, and God’s people will see justice. We first have to acknowledge that God holds the whole world in His hands. He carries out His plans according to His timing and reasons. What Habakkuk sees (and what we see in our own lives) is just a small part of His great mighty plan. We can never comprehend the big picture, thus we can only live by faith to believe that God has the best for us, and it will be revealed eventually. Holding on to this hope, Habakkuk found his joy once again after losing the hope in the world.
An analogy: Just like how a snail can never understand how a human mind functions, we can never know how God works too. Faith is the only solution. =)
Lastly, God told Habakkuk that the Babylonians will be punished eventually, and God’s people will see justice. We first have to acknowledge that God holds the whole world in His hands. He carries out His plans according to His timing and reasons. What Habakkuk sees (and what we see in our own lives) is just a small part of His great mighty plan. We can never comprehend the big picture, thus we can only live by faith to believe that God has the best for us, and it will be revealed eventually. Holding on to this hope, Habakkuk found his joy once again after losing the hope in the world.
An analogy: Just like how a snail can never understand how a human mind functions, we can never know how God works too. Faith is the only solution. =)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
2 Kings 24 – 25; 2 Chronicles 36 (19th August) – Sylvia
These chapters speak about how the Lord brought about the fall of Jerusalem as he had declared because of the evil deeds that the kings and the people had committed.
The Babylonians attacked the city and it was all handed over to King Nebuchadnezzar. The glory of the Lord’s temple had been destroyed and King of Persia reigned
God is a God of second chances!
23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "
HE ultimately wants to set His people free! Moving the king’s heart, He put it in his heart to allow the people of God who wanted to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem to return.
The Babylonians attacked the city and it was all handed over to King Nebuchadnezzar. The glory of the Lord’s temple had been destroyed and King of Persia reigned
God is a God of second chances!
23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "
HE ultimately wants to set His people free! Moving the king’s heart, He put it in his heart to allow the people of God who wanted to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem to return.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Jeremiah 38 - 40, Psalms 74, 79 (18th August) - Ivy
Jeremiah 38-40
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Jeremiah 35 - 37 (17th August) - Sylvia
The Recabites
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jeremiah 32 - 34 (16th August) - Xiao Woon
Jeremiah 32
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jeremiah 30 - 31 (15th August) - Junming
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Jeremiah 26 - 29 (14th August) - Sky
Jeremiah 26
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
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