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A Message to Baruch

Read: Jeremiah 45

Flashback a few years and a dozen chapters. We find this short chapter, just five verses, is intended to give Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, some peace about his role in the drama of Israel’s history. It’s really hard to know if we’re doing the right thing as life unfolds. Should we lead a protest or sign a petition? Should we stand up and create a movement that honors God? Or is this all about making a name for ourselves? The only way we can discern God’s voice among the noise of today is to immerse ourselves daily in his word, in prayer, in meditation and in quiet reflection.

Yesterday, I shared a post on Facebook that included a video of Mr Rogers’ testimony before congress to appeal for funding for Public Television. His familiar methodical pace of carefully thought words tore through the hardened hearts of those who listened as he won the battle for the day. It was a pivotal point, but not surprising, it was his call and he lived it out with all he could. He didn’t put on someone else’s robe or become something he was not, he acted faithfully to his character.

Jeremiah said this to Baruch:  “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ Jeremiah 45:1-3

Jeremiah heard Baruch’s complaint, his honest and open recognition of pain.

But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’” Jeremiah 45:4-5

Jeremiah is straight-forward here, not seeking fame or notoriety, he simply reminds Baruch the promise of the Lord is far greater than any human agenda.

Lord, I pray you will help us to see where you have called each of us, that you would be patient as we ask for clarity each day. Remind us not to seek great things for ourselves; rather, to seek your voice above all others.

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Gedaliah and the Aftermath Beyond the Fall of Jerusalem

Read: Jeremiah 40-44

This is an interesting narrative that follows the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem, the ups and downs of those left behind and the consistent word from Jeremiah. In a day that is marked by leaders ignoring the Word through Jeremiah, Gedaliah appears. He is relatively unknown, well, at least by yours truly, but appears here and honors God by accepting the words of Jeremiah. As you might expect, it doesn’t go well for him or those that followed. A book within the book, I hope you take time to enjoy the story.

Nebuchadnezzar’s commander of the guard found Jeremiah and provided him with two options: 1) go with him into exile or 2) find his way among the remnant.

However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.” Jeremiah 40:5

Jeremiah obviously chose the latter, but the commander was concerned, so he pointed him to Gedaliah. Apparently, Jeremiah’s reputation was well known among the invading warriors. Interesting.

Gedaliah was appointed governor over the land and put in charge of the men, women and children who were the poorest in the land and who had not been carried into exile to Babylon (Jeremiah 40:7). He took the words of Jeremiah to heart and established his role to carry out the prophecy:

“Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. I myself will stay at Mizpah to represent you before the Babylonians who come to us, but you are to harvest the wine, summer fruit and olive oil, and put them in your storage jars, and live in the towns you have taken over.” Jeremiah 40:9-10

This, of course, could be seen as a sympathizer with the overlords, one who was seeking power among the outcasts, but I rather think of Gedaliah like Oskar Schindler of WWII and his attempt to work with the occupiers in order to affect freedom for many. Maybe I’m reading too much into this short narrative, but there you have it.

Of course, anyone in power during this time would be suspect, but Gedaliah chose not to listen to Johanan’s warning about Ishmael, perhaps because his solution was simply to kill Ishmael before he assassinated Gedaliah. I wonder if Johanan would have had more success if he simply revealed the plot rather than resorting to such a lethal solution. I think Gedaliah had seen enough bloodshed to last a lifetime and would rather die as a pacifist than continue killing.

But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.” Jeremiah 40:16

Sadly, in the seventh month, Ishmael carried out his worst and killed Gedaliah and all the men with him at Mizpah (Jeremiah 41:1-3). It gets worse. Ishmael feigned distress and lured another 80 into a trap, killing all but 10 of them and tossing their bodies into a cistern (Jeremiah 41:4-9). The 10 who escaped death begged for their release by revealing a hidden stash of  barley, olive oil and honey, hidden in a field. Ishmael enslaved the people of Mizpah.

Ishmael’s offense was known to the people and they tried to capture him, but he escaped so Johanan took charge to lead to people into the safety of Egypt. He found Jeremiah and asked for his prayers for protection:

Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 42:5-6

Patiently, Jeremiah waited to hear from the Lord. Ten days later he received the Word and clearly told Johanan he and the remnant should not flee to Egypt. Sadly, Johanan and his company ignored Jeremiah’s advice:

“You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’ 3 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.” Jeremiah 43:2-3

Johanan led those left under Gedaliah’s command to Egypt in disobedience to the Lord’s Word through Jeremiah.

I will punish those who live in Egypt with the sword, famine and plague, as I punished Jerusalem. None of the remnant of Judah who have gone to live in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, to which they long to return and live; none will return except a few fugitives.” Jeremiah 44:13-14

Except for a few fugitives…sad. The message of Jeremiah continues to be one that is not heeded by the people. They certainly heard what he said, they just ignored his advice and actively went against the wisdom he attempted to provide.

Lord, I pray that we would hear your voice clearly and do what you say rather than listen to those who seem to know what is right.

 

 

 

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Dungeon, Cistern, Courtyard; Babylonians Invade

Read Jeremiah 37-39

Voices. Which voices do you listen to? I remember the series we did at Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, CA, some years ago where we asked this question. Today we read about the consistent voice of the Lord through Jeremiah that spoke words the leaders of Judah did not want to hear. I hope we are able to hear the voice of God through the loudest chatter of the great deceiver. Lord, help us!

Jeremiah in a Dungeon, then Courtyard, then Cistern

Zedekiah continues to show his ignorance, his lack of understanding, perhaps unwise counsel. We referred to this in yesterday’s post, briefly, Jehoiakim was installed by an Egyptian Pharaoh, now Babylon is in charge, so Zedekiah is put in charge, another puppet king. The historical outline is seen in 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah’s focus is on the spiritual perspective. Let’s set the stage:

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. Jeremiah 37:1-2

No one listened to the words of the Lord. Jeremiah explains rather simply Judah was not going to escape the wrath of the Babylonians, words Zedekiah and his cronies did not want to hear:

Even if you were to defeat the entire Babylonian army that is attacking you and only wounded men were left in their tents, they would come out and burn this city down.” Jeremiah 37:10

Imprisoned under false pretenses, Jeremiah finally gets his day in front of Zedekiah and is released from the dungeon and confined to the courtyard with the provision of bread (i.e., food) from Baker Street each day, until it’s all gone. Have no doubt, Jeremiah is still in prison, but the courtyard is a much better accommodation. Even so, his message remains the same: the Babylonians will destroy the city and all who are in it.

Then the officials said to the king, “This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.” Jeremiah 38:4

It’s interesting to note the conclusion of the officials here. Jeremiah is speaking the truth, but it is not what they want to hear, therefore, it is keenly offensive and he should be killed as a result. Zedekiah releases Jeremiah into their hands and he is placed in a different kind of dungeon, a cistern with muddy floor (as you would expect). When Ebed-Melek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace, heard what they did to Jeremiah, he appealed to Zedekiah to have him removed from the cistern. Zedekiah The Amiable agreed and Jeremiah was pulled out of the cistern and returned to the courtyard.

Zedekiah has a private conversation with Jeremiah. He swears not to kill Jeremiah (or hand him over to those who would kill him) for answering his questions, so once again, he hears the words of the Lord through Jeremiah–the same words in a different form. Perhaps this time Zedekiah will listen. The truth is, Zedekiah is selfishly motivated, he’s really only concerned about what they will do to him, so Jeremiah explains how this will work:

Jeremiah replied. “Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared. But if you refuse to surrender… Jeremiah 38:20-21

Good enough for Zedekiah, he heard what he wanted to hear and allowed Jeremiah to remain confined in the courtyard as long as he didn’t tell anyone about the conversation, instead, they created a plausible story to tell the officials to keep them from killing Jeremiah while saving face for Zedekiah. All politically correct.

Jeremiah 39: The Fall of Jerusalem

The Babylonians sieged Jerusalem and methodically broke through the wall and made themselves at home.

When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled; they left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and headed toward the Arabah. Jeremiah 39:4

Jeremiah told Zedekiah, “surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life will be spared and this city will not be burned down; you and your family will live” (Jeremiah 38:17), but he ran with his officials and was captured. His sons and all the nobles of Judah were killed before his eyes, then his eyes were gouged out. His hands were bound in bronze shackles and he was taken to Babylon.

Jeremiah was apparently known to the Babylonians:

Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: “Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks.” Jeremiah 39:11-12

This would look like a sympathizer in the eyes of the officials, except that all who would have had that perspective were just killed! There doesn’t seem to be any real motivation for allowing Jeremiah to live, except that it is God’s provision for his faithful servant. Ebed-Melek was also granted favor:

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 39:18

I’m glad to read there was someone other than Jeremiah that listened to the Lord. It gives me hope to know that somewhere in the midst of chaos, there were those who were paying attention. Which voices are we listening to today?

 

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Rekabites; Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll

Two separate stories provide a distinct contrast of those whom Jeremiah is called to minister. One if faithful and one is lost in their own world.

The Rekabites

The Lord sends Jeremiah to the Rekabites and tells him to give them wine to drink. Jeremiah sets out bowls and cups, but the Rekabites refuse to drink:

Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab commanded us. Jeremiah 35:9-10

Through all of the ups and downs of those around them, the Rekabites remained faithful to their forefather. Unlike Israel and Judah, these people lived simple lives and maintained their faith.

Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:18-19

Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll

The Lord instructs Jeremiah to write down words on a scroll that will be read to the people in an effort to change their hearts and perhaps save them once again.

Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.” Jeremiah 36:3

Baruch writes the words as dictated by Jeremiah, then goes to the temple to read the words.

16 When they heard all these words, they looked at each other in fear and said to Baruch, “We must report all these words to the king.” 17 Then they asked Baruch, “Tell us, how did you come to write all this? Did Jeremiah dictate it?”
18 “Yes,” Baruch replied, “he dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.”
19 Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah, go and hide. Don’t let anyone know where you are.” Jeremiah 36:16-19

These were not the words the people wanted to hear, so they tell Jeremiah and Baruch to hide for they were afraid of what Jehoiakim would do. When the scroll was read to the king and his officials:

the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Jeremiah 36:23-24

Not only did they ignore the words of the prophet and burn the scroll, they did so with no concern, no remorse. In their minds, perhaps, they thought burning the parchment would rid them of the nuisance of Jeremiah and his followers. Of course this was foolish arrogance at its worst.

Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night. Jeremiah 36:30

Two stories, one of faithfulness, one of arrogance. Within each circle, no doubt, each was content that they were right. The Rekabites obeyed their rather strict commands and lived a simple life without complaint. Jehoiakim on the other hand showed his unrepentant heart and ultimately did nothing to serve the Lord and help his people. The Rekabites lived in tents and had very little; Jehoiakim was placed in charge as king and given a palace. One was faithful, one was horrible; both thought they were right.

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Jeremiah and Zedekiah

Read: Jeremiah 32-34

I probably should have stopped to review Zedekiah’s history a few days ago to give us some perspective, but here we are today in the 10th year as king, near the end of his of his reign as king of Judah. At this point, he’s heard enough of Jeremiah, so he has him confined to the temple courts as punishment and in an effort to get him to change his prophetic words.

Background on Zedekiah

Reference: 2 Kings 24:18-25:7; 2 Chronicles 36:9-14, king of Judah from at age 21 for 11 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:14

Here’s a good review of Zedekiah’s not-so-great legacy: https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Zedekiah.html

Having this as a background, reading Jeremiah’s interaction is easier to understand. As the gotquestions.org summary concluded, Zedekiah had the opportunity to learn from his relatives mistakes when they ascended to the throne, but he chose to listen to false prophets, the message he wanted to hear. It did not go well for Zedekiah.

Jeremiah Buys a Field

For a faithful prophet, or for anyone who listened to the same, buying a field before the Babylonian exile made perfect sense. For everyone else, this probably didn’t look like a good idea, perhaps even somewhat crazy. Jeremiah trusted the word of the Lord, he knew the exile was not permanent and the deed of purchase would enable his heirs to reclaim the field after the exile.

42 “This is what the Lord says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. 43 Once more fields will be bought in this land of which you say, ‘It is a desolate waste, without people or animals, for it has been given into the hands of the Babylonians.’ Jeremiah 32:42-43

Promise of Restoration

Jeremiah’s prophecy of destruction followed by restoration continues. In this passage, he looks forward to the distant future, to that wonderful time when the Righteous Savior will appear:

“‘In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved
and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Jeremiah 33:15-16

Good news and Great news! The call to patience and trust in the Lord is evident — this is what we must hear.

Final Warning to Zedekiah

Jeremiah provides Zedekiah with a consolation prize:

“‘Yet hear the Lord’s promise to you, Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the Lord says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; you will die peacefully. Jeremiah 34:4-5

Essentially, all is about to be destroyed, but you will die peacefully. However, before you get to this final resting place, he will witness the horrors of his apostasy, his individual choice to ignore Jeremiah. He will witness his sons’ execution, have his eyes gouged out, then die peacefully.

Freedom for the Slaves

In the last section of chapter 34, Jeremiah addresses the deceitful actions of Zedekiah when he reneged on the legal process of freeing the slaves in the seventh year–another example of his corrupt heart.

“Therefore this is what the Lord says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom to your own people. So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth. Jeremiah 34:17

The sarcasm flag is waving as the Lord redefines freedom for Zedekiah and his people. They’ll see freedom from life on earth through the sword, plague and famine. Not so good.

The lesson today focuses on the bad behavior of Zedekiah, his refusal to listen to the Lord’s prophet. Somehow he was unable to understand that Jeremiah’s prophecies were the ones that actually happened while his sycophants merely said that which would please the ears of the king and his cronies. Lord, keep your word fresh in our ears so we hear what you have to say. I’m hard-headed and need constant reminders, please don’t let me be one who listens to false teaching! Keep me from saying that which people want to hear over your words, your call. Let me learn from these mistakes.

 

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Restoration: One Day

Read: Jeremiah 30-31

Jeremiah’s words are not all gloom and doom. For those who listen to the whole message, there is great hope in the words we read today.  I can’t wait for this moment, to see this glorious day!

“‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty,
‘I will break the yoke off their necks
and will tear off their bonds;
no longer will foreigners enslave them.
Instead, they will serve the Lord their God
and David their king,
whom I will raise up for them.
Jeremiah 30:8-9

For many of us, the phrase “In that day” is the hope we long for, it is the reason to continue moving forward because that day it will all be clear. Whatever present circumstance or ailment that holds us back, we know one day that will be removed.

The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back
until he fully accomplishes
the purposes of his heart.
In days to come
you will understand this.
Jeremiah 30:24

“In days to come you will understand this.” Lord, why can’t today be that day? I’m sure this question reveals my need for greater faith, more assurance that God is for us, but I truly long for an inkling of understanding. On the plane to and from Orlando last week, there was a young boy, probably 3 or 4 years old, who persistently asked his mother, “why.” “Why do I have to have a seat belt on? Why do the clouds do that? Why is the sky blue? Why, why, why?” She did a great job interacting with her son, even though at one point she had to say, “Mommy doesn’t know all of the answers.” She was patient and loving, though I’m sure she was veiling her frustration to some degree. As I ponder my reaction above, I wonder if God is tired of hearing my ask, “why?” Seriously, Lord, why must I go through this trial?

Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13

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 31:34

Jeremiah speaks of a time in the distant future, one when God restores all and we can dance unashamedly. I fully believe this will come to pass, that there will be a day when we will live with joy that words cannot describe. During times of trial, this is harder to understand, but all the more pleasant to consider.

For some reason the image of playing with a child comes to mind. I remember those days when we would blow up a balloon, then let it go, shooting around the room. The laughter and excitement in our girls’ eyes was wonderful; their “do it again” reply was so much fun! But here’s the thought: if I only blew up the balloon one-third of the way, it would barely leave my hand, let alone shoot across the room. I would blow up the balloon as full as I could before letting it go. That made the surprising reaction much more exciting–it’s what made the game fun!

Perhaps this is a metaphor for those times in life when pressure keeps mounting. It seems like we’ll burst, but somehow we continue until that day when the balloon is released and we laugh and say, “do it again!” Lord, give me patience to wait on your timing. Don’t let me steal the future joy for some present satisfaction. Oh how I wish I could be that child again. One day.

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Nebuchadnezzar Rules; False Prophets; Letter to the Exiles

Read: Jeremiah 27-29

God used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of discipline against the nations. His actions are difficult to understand by most and we see prophets arise to say things the people wanted to hear, yet they were words not from the Lord. Jeremiah calls them out, not a pleasant exchange, but what else can he do? He only tells the truth.

With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. Jeremiah 27:5-6

Even the animals…all will fall under the authority of Nebuchadnezzar for a period of time. Those who refuse will be punished.

But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 27:11

Jeremiah warns Judah to ignore the prophets that contradict God’s message to live under the rule of the king of Babylon. It’s strange and interesting and hard to comprehend why God would take this course of action as his means of shaping our ancestors. Perhaps that’s really the problem, I find it hard to understand–as if I were capable. I wonder if God tests us with trials today, places before us things which we cannot possibly understand just to see if we will be obedient. Who is our current Nebuchadnezzar? What has God put in my face that makes no sense to me? I can think of several things right away, things I won’t put in the blog, but current thoughts nonetheless.

The prophet Hananiah spoke words and took actions that the people wanted to hear and see.

“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Jeremiah 28:2

Jeremiah’s response provides a great example of how we should react to false teaching:

He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied Jeremiah 28:6

In other words, Hananiah has wonderful words to say, those which are pleasant for the people to hear, but they are lies. Hananiah then takes the yoke and breaks it to demonstrate what God will do, but again, all false prophecy. How often do we applaud that which we want to hear over that which is real?

As expected, it doesn’t go well with Hananiah:

15 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. 16 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.’” 17 In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died. Jeremiah 28:15-17

Later we see a similar fate for Shemaiah:

31 “Send this message to all the exiles: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, even though I did not send him, and has persuaded you to trust in lies, 32 this is what the Lord says: I will surely punish Shemaiah Jeremiah 29:31-32

It’s understandable that the leaders of the day wanted to hear a prophecy that met their expectations and desire, but that doesn’t make the prophecy true.

Letter to the Exiles

Jeremiah writes a letter to the survivors, those exiled, in an effort to provide specific instructions for their behavior during this period:

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Jeremiah 29:4-5

He goes on to tell them to get married, have children, increase in number and faith while trusting that God will provide. Further, he tells them to work with the government, support them and make themselves known as wise people who are seen as obedient. This is not a call to false humility, God wants them to earnestly support those who hold them captive. It’s in this context that we read one of the most quoted verses in the Bible:

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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” Jeremiah 29:11-14

Understanding their situation helps me fully appreciate the power of the words in the Bible. Those who were faithful had to accept exile, captivity by a king that they knew was not a man of God. And in the midst of exile, of being carried away from the Promised Land, all that they knew and loved, in this setting, they are to love God and love their neighbors while trusting that God has a plan. This isn’t a call to worship their gods or become like those who are deceived by the lies of the world. Not at all. Jeremiah does not suggest we become like them; rather, we show them who we are as people of God.

How does Jeremiah do it? How does he discern the voice of God over the words of false prophets? Lord, help us to get close enough to you to hear your voice clearly, to know what it is you want and not simply words we prefer to hear.

 

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Figs, Seventy Years of Exile, Jeremiah Threatened and Defended

Read: Jeremiah 24-26

We begin today with a parable of the figs: some good and some so bad that there is nothing that can be done about them…not even good enough to turn into Fig Newtons. Jeremiah continues to preach exile and wrath for the nations and is once again threatened, this time with death, until some elders to a chance and spoke up. We have much to learn from this example of obedience and honor. Lord, help us to speak your words of truth and let go of our selfish concerns.

The parable of the figs. God showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs:

One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early; the other basket had very bad figs, so bad they could not be eaten. Then the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “Figs,” I answered. “The good ones are very good, but the bad ones are so bad they cannot be eaten.”
Jeremiah 24:2-3

The good figs represent those who are good and will be redeemed; the bad, Zedekiah and his followers in this case, will be cast out because they are so bad that there is not even the hint of goodness in them.

Seventy Years of Exile

Jeremiah elaborates on the prophecy of Judah’s exile into Babylon at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. As punishment for years of ignoring the prophets, of worshiping idols and worse, God will use Nebuchadnezzar as his instrument of discipline. For 70 years they will be subject to exile. More than a generation, the once populace Israel will be reduced to a few who remain faithful.

“But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,” declares the Lord, “and will make it desolate forever. Jeremiah 25:12

The promise of future years is bittersweet for many.

Cup of Wrath

God is not pleased with Judah and the surrounding countries as well. Here he instructs Jeremiah to extend his prophecy to Egypt, Uz, the kings of the Philistines and many others. They will not escape the cup of wrath for their abhorrent behavior.

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.” Jeremiah 25:15-16

The devastation is graphically documented in the rest of the chapter. Suffice it to say, Jeremiah didn’t pull any punches as he spoke the word of God against these people. Not the message I would want to preach, but Jeremiah is showing us that we need to be faithful to God’s call, whether it pleases us or not, and trust in his provision.

Jeremiah Threatened with Death

Needless to say, Jeremiah’s message was not well received!

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

Jeremiah was resolute, “do with me whatever you think is good and right” (Jeremiah 26:14), but the words spoken are words from the Lord. As the officials affirm he must be put to death, some of the elders spoke up to defend Jeremiah. The reminded them of Micah’s words to explain that Jeremiah is not the only prophet to speak such words.

“Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the Lord and seek his favor? And did not the Lord relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!” Jeremiah 26:19

Wow! Amazing to hear that some of the elders were bold enough to stand in the gap and defend one condemned to death by priests, prophets and officials. Lord, I pray that I would be bold enough to hear your word clearly and know when to speak up and when to be silent.

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Jeremiah Beaten; Prophesy of Exile; Promise of a King

Read: Jeremiah 20-23

Jeremiah can’t help but preach what God has put in his heart and as a result he bears physical pain at the hands of those who don’t want to hear his message. In the midst of the reading today, we see a ray of hope, the coming Righteous Savior, a sermon that must have been lost to the ears of those who only heard criticism.

Our Jewish ancestors appear to be so well organized as to have a priest in charge of punishing troublemakers — that’s a job worth fighting for!  (see Notes at the end of this post.) In Jeremiah 20:1-6, Pashhur punishes Jeremiah for the offensive words and undesirable parable from the previous chapter.

When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the official in charge of the temple of the Lord, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the Lord’s temple. Jeremiah 20:1-2

He is released the following day. Not surprisingly, Jeremiah has words that let Pashhur know this was a mistake he will regret:

And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into exile to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.’” Jeremiah 20:6

Jeremiah is not a violent person, he simply tells it like it is (or will be). In my mind, he’s articulate and resolute like Billy Graham or perhaps calm and passionate like Jimmy Carter. I’m not sure because neither Graham or Carter seem like the kind that would cry out to God the way Jeremiah does:

I am ridiculed all day long;
everyone mocks me.
Whenever I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the Lord has brought me
insult and reproach all day long.
Jeremiah 20:7-8

Jeremiah was an emotional guy that vented his thoughts in words, certainly in writing, most likely verbally and without restraint. Not the best way to make friends, but honest and transparent, something we rarely see in church these days. For example:

Sing to the Lord! …
Cursed be the day I was born…
Jeremiah 20:13,14

Back-to-back verses give us a glimpse into Jeremiah’s personality.

Why did I ever come out of the womb
to see trouble and sorrow
and to end my days in shame?
Jeremiah 20:18

The beauty of the Bible is revealed in verses like these. If I were creating a document to capture profound thoughts and impress the world with my wisdom, I’m sure I would not paint one of my main characters with such words. Many times throughout scripture we are presented with such open and transparent views of our ancestors, words that are unashamed to show flaws. How do we read these words and then put on our masks for Sunday morning? (or any other day for that matter).

The story continues. When King Zedekiah reached out to Jeremiah, hopeful to hear that God would save them from Nebuchadnezzar, God’s answer was not what they expected to hear. Essentially, Nebuchadnezzar will sweep you into exile, so leave Jerusalem or die.

“Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives. Jeremiah 21:8-9

Jeremiah 22 speaks specifically against those kings of Judah who chose wicked paths; they will not end well. Shallum will never return, Jehoiakim will have the burial of a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. Jehoiachin will be delivered into the hands of those who wanted to kill him.

Jeremiah 23: The Righteous Branch

Finally, a breath of fresh air! The days are coming when the people will no longer speak of the past as a distant history; rather, they will speak of the present with complete joy and excitement for the Lord will send the Messiah, the Righteous Savior.

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
Jeremiah 23:5-6

This message provides hope as the people will surely be carried off into exile. They are surrounded by prophets that lie, that only speak what the people want to hear.

“Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you;
they fill you with false hopes.
They speak visions from their own minds,
not from the mouth of the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:16

They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? Jeremiah 23:25-26

Lord, help us to discern between those who speak thoughts of their own mind and those who speak your words of truth. My prayer is that by learning to hear your voice in the words of the Bible, the difference between these two groups will be black and white, no chance for misinterpretation, but many times it all seems gray. Don’t let me be colorblind!

 

Notes from NIV Study Bible:  Pashhur. One or more different men with the same name appear in Jeremiah 21:1; 38:1. The name Pashhur occurs on an ostracon (see note on Jeremiah 34:7) found at Arad and dating to the time of Jeremiah. Immer. Perhaps a descendant of the head of the 16th division of priests in the Jerusalem temple (see 1Ch 24:14). official in charge. The priest in charge of punishing troublemakers, real or imagined, in the temple courts (see Jeremiah 20:2; 29:26). The position was second only to that of the chief priest himself

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Potter’s Hands

Read: Jeremiah 18-19

The imagery created by this parable touches many of the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and even taste if you’ve spent time in an artists workshop. As the Lord moves Jeremiah to visit the local potter’s house to teach this lesson, it’s easy for me to put on those shoes, to be transported back to the time when I would take our girls to places like Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA camp where we spent a lot of time in the arts and crafts workshop. Great memories help this scripture come to life for me.

So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:3-4

“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel…” Jeremiah 18:6

I’d like to say this very visual illustration is all about how God shapes and molds us into wonderful creations that are perfectly designed to carry out his plan for the world, but that’s not the story and not the point of the metaphor. God is trying yet another approach to get our attention through Jeremiah.

This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests Jeremiah 19:1

They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. Jeremiah 19:5

“Nor did it enter my mind…” — powerful words that attempt to get the attention of those who are hearing the words and watching the demonstration.

“Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. Jeremiah 19:10-11

Pause. Imagine. Run the video in your mind. See the jar smashed. Hear the sound as it hits the stone pavement. Feel the shards and chunks of clay in your hands as you try to piece it back together. Smell the fresh clay as the dust rises. My mouth is dry and the taste of clay is in my mouth.

14 Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, and stood in the court of the Lord’s temple and said to all the people, 15 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on this city and all the villages around it every disaster I pronounced against them, because they were stiff-necked and would not listen to my words.’” Jeremiah 19:14-15

They didn’t get the message. Lord, help us to not be “they.” Use this imagery to move us to the place you would have us today.

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