Tag: leader

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Another Vision from Daniel and His Prayer

Read: Daniel 8-9

Daniel’s visions are detailed and somewhat disturbing. His prayer and incredible devotion give us an example to admire and challenge us to a higher level.

Daniel 8: Daniel’s Vision of a Ram and a Goat

Another vivid vision that captured Daniel’s thoughts, I can imagine he woke up sweating!

…suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. It came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at it in great rage. I saw it attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering its two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; Daniel 8:5-7

It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. Daniel 8:11-12

The interpretation lets us know that these events are far into the future. Many people, no doubt, see this distant future as today, or ten years ago, perhaps ten years from now.

“The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. Daniel 8:26-27

Daniel 9: Daniel’s Prayer

Daniel studied Jeremiah’s writings, an amazing feat all by itself considering the exile and means of communication back in those times.

I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. Daniel 9:2

In his prayer, Daniel takes on the sins of the people and appeals to God for mercy.

“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. Daniel 9:7

There is something amazing about the words here, something I can’t quite articulate. Daniel is so far removed and isolated from other Jews because of the exile, and yet so in touch and aware of their plight. His humble request is echoed in Paul’s writings in the New Testament, forged in honor, delivered in praise:

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:18-19

Prayer is a difficult thing to understand at times. I wonder how they are received, even if they are received to be openly honest, at times during great stress. Daniel’s example here is significant. Surely, here is a man of God that has kept the Law, done his part in setting the example. Yet he completely takes on the sins of our ancestors. This does not go unnoticed:

As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Daniel 9:23

When we pray with humble hearts, I do believe our prayers are heard, though the answers may not be provided in the manner or time we desire. Here we see an immediate response to prayer. The interpretation of which gives us something to ponder indeed!

After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. Daniel 9:26

At best, these words had to be disturbing. I can completely understand why Daniel was shaken by the dreams. Living in exile, he dreams of a time to come when rulers come and go. Here he sees the crucifixion of Jesus, the Anointed One, but doesn’t see the rest of the story, the miraculous resurrection. I’m not sure I would want to go to sleep anytime soon!

The heart of Daniel is seen in these chapters. I’m in awe of his strength of character and humble heart. Lord, may we be as consistent and devoted as Daniel, may I be even one percent of the leader he was!

 

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People Will Recognize Ezekiel; God Is The Shepherd

Read: Ezekiel 33-34

There is a lot to consider in these two chapters, but I hope that they encourage us to be a witness to the world, to be accountable to whatever our calling may be as we live out our lives for Christ.

Ezekiel’s Call as a Watchman Revisited

Flashback to chapter 3, here we are reminded of Ezekiel’s call.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 33:7

While is it certainly an honor to be called by God to be the watchman, the price of this calling is now understood more fully. In the previous 30 chapters we’ve read Ezekiel’s words from the Lord to the people, hard words and difficult lessons. The most difficult, personally, was the death of his wife and the reaction required by the Lord (Ezekiel 24:15-27). With these experiences, the calling has deeper meaning.

if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Ezekiel 33:4

Life experiences changes how we witness to the world. Spiritual maturity happens by experiences we encounter, how we respond to those challenges and, probably more than anything else, how we introspectively examine both. We need deep friendships, brothers and sisters in Christ to help us process these times and work out how God is using them to sharpen us. Listen friends! Even in the hardest of times, when Israel is swept away into exile and Jerusalem destroyed, Ezekiel has these words from the Lord, the Creator of all:

Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11

Our heavenly Father wants us to grow and be in relationship with him.

Now they know that a prophet has been among them

It’s no surprise to Ezekiel that Jerusalem will fall, that the crown jewel of the Hebrews is to be taken by force and all within it killed or dispersed. Yet he has to explain again that God is using invading forces to effect his wrath on his chosen people.

I’ve read this a dozen times and I’ve talked about the difficulty that comes with taking on the mantle of leadership in the church, rather depressing:

My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31-32

At some level, there is some assurance that this will happen, but honestly, it’s not all that wonderful to be reminded that our message goes in one ear and out the other! The next Ezekiel consolation prize, now that years have passed and Ezekiel’s message is being lived out, the people finally start to recognize this truth:

“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 33:33

It’s certainly not about fame or fortune, but to know that your words are heard and respected is enough. Sometimes we need to hear these words.

The Lord Will be Israel’s Shepherd

The Lord will not stand by idly while we screw up!

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. Ezekiel 34:5-6

As we are reminded in James 3:1, not many should become teachers, bearing the title “leader” in the church comes with a significant price.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. Ezekiel 10-11

What more could we ask for? As the world’s religion teach rituals and duties required to please their gods, the Lord himself reminds us that he will reconcile himself to us, that he will send his Son to save us. Our message is quite different that the rest of the world.

Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 34:30-31

“You are my sheep,” perhaps some of the most comforting words declared by the Lord of all, spoken during a time of great desperation, must have touch some of those who heard Ezekiel’s message. Somewhere in the crowds there are those who took the words to heart. Like tossing seeds without discretion, Ezekiel’s words are spoken to all people with one assurance, God will shepherd his people. In the end, that is more than enough.

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Cooking Pot; Ezekiel’s Wife Dies

Read: Ezekiel 24

The last chapter in part one of Ezekiel compares Jerusalem to a cooking pot, the chosen are cooked along with the pot itself, one more parable for our ancestors to consider. The last section gives us something ponder: Ezekiel’s wife dies suddenly. The Lord tells Ezekiel and gives him direction to use this as a teaching moment. Really. The challenges of being a pastor, one called to lead at all times, good and bad. Lessons to learn hear. I pray God will speak to you in some special way this day.

Jerusalem as a Cooking Pot — Ezekiel 24:1-14

Ezekiel is given another vision on Jan. 15, 588 BC, the date precisely calculated in the NIV Study Bible notes based on multiple references. Interesting. I don’t want to get sidetracked, but the collective histories surrounding the exile is quite interesting, something to read about separately. The Lord told Ezekiel to pay particular attention to this date:

“Son of man, record this date, this very date, because the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. Ezekiel 24:2

It is a pivotal date for Jerusalem, for our ancestors. Ezekiel is give this parable to describe the fate of Jerusalem.

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘Woe to the city of bloodshed,
to the pot now encrusted,
whose deposit will not go away!
Take the meat out piece by piece
in whatever order it comes.
Ezekiel 24:6

Then set the empty pot on the coals
till it becomes hot and its copper glows,
so that its impurities may be melted
and its deposit burned away.
It has frustrated all efforts;
its heavy deposit has not been removed,
not even by fire.
Ezekiel 24:11-12

From cooking the meat and bones with spices to burning the impurities in the pot itself, the chosen have now been burned away.

“‘Now your impurity is lewdness. Because I tried to cleanse you but you would not be cleansed from your impurity, you will not be clean again until my wrath against you has subsided. Ezekiel 24:13

The term lewdness is particularly poignant here (see Ezekiel 23), for the people have openly rejected the Lord, his prophets and his commands. Without shame, they entered into depravity, wading deep into the waters of sin.

Ezekiel’s Wife Dies — Ezekiel 24:15-27

One of the most challenging vocations on earth is that of a pastor, one who is charged with leading a flock. It’s often glorified as one who is above reproach and more often the subject of great controversy when one falls prey to temptations of this world. Mostly, the daily activities of an effective pastor go unnoticed. I have the utmost respect for those who have answered the call to lead the sheep, to teach and exhort, to comfort and convict; especially those who know how to do both with love and compassion at the right time. It’s a difficult calling with eternal consequences–not to be taken lightly.

Here we are presented with a most challenging command with few words of preparation for Ezekiel:

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners.” Ezekiel 24:15-17

I can’t imagine what it would be like to receive this message from the Lord, it takes my breath away. Not only is Ezekiel about to lose the love of his life, but he is to use this tragedy to teach the people. Such is the cost of discipleship (re: Bonhoeffer). This is the road of those who stand in the gap, who are recognized as leaders in our faith community. Perhaps each of us are tested and tried in ways that will either strengthen or break us, I don’t know for sure, but it seems to be the case for many characters in the Bible.

Here Ezekiel is given a task to use this most mournful moment as yet another symbol for God’s chosen people.

Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things have to do with us? Why are you acting like this?” Ezekiel 24:19

This isn’t normal! Ezekiel, you should be wailing and groaning, what’s up?

The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword. And you will do as I have done. You will not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners. Ezekiel 24:21-22

The consolation prize for Ezekiel is that he will get his voice back, he will be able to speak again normally:

At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:27

I truly believe we fight spiritual battles all the time. On the outside things may look lovely and clean, perhaps covered up with makeup or nice clothes, but inside battles rage. My prayer is that the church will become the church it is supposed to be so we will have fellow believers to lean on when trials and temptations come our way–they will and they do–people to hold onto when it all goes to crap.

Lord, help us to learn by these extreme examples, to take it personally and to do something about it.

 

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Parable of the Two Eagles; One Who Sins

Read: Ezekiel 17-18

Two very different chapters, one a parable, the other offers encouragement to parents.

Two Eagles and a Vine

Two powerful leaders are portrayed in this parable as mighty eagles that pluck the top-most shoot from a choice cedar tree and plant them in fertile soil near water. The first was Nebuchadnezzar and the second was Pharaoh, king of Egypt (either Psammetichus II or Hophra according to the NIV Study Bible notes).

A great eagle with powerful wings, long feathers and full plumage of varied colors came to Lebanon. Taking hold of the top of a cedar, he broke off its topmost shoot and carried it away to a land of merchants, where he planted it in a city of traders. Ezekiel 17:3-4

“‘But there was another great eagle with powerful wings and full plumage. The vine now sent out its roots toward him from the plot where it was planted and stretched out its branches to him for water. Ezekiel 17:7

Zedekiah was plucked from the leaders and given an opportunity to flourish, if he would but listen to the prophets. He chose to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar by attempting to make a deal with Egypt.

But the king rebelled against him by sending his envoys to Egypt to get horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Will he who does such things escape? Will he break the treaty and yet escape? Ezekiel 17:15

This decision will result in nothing but death and destruction. Ezekiel paints the vivid picture for all who would see to understand.

“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: As surely as I live, I will repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant. I will spread my net for him, and he will be caught in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him there because he was unfaithful to me. Ezekiel 17:19-20

The end of the story is classic:

All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. “‘I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’” Ezekiel 17:24

The Lord will do it. End of story.

The One Who Sins Will Die

There is much talk about the sins of one being applied to generations that follow. Ezekiel provides some clarity here:

The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them. Ezekiel 18:20

As a parent, I have done all I can to raise Christ-honoring children, but that is all I can do. I have given my best to each, now they are on their own and as God has given free will, so they make the choices they make. I can take no credit for their good decisions, nor will I be held accountable for their poor choices.

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:32

There is some comfort here, but as Ezekiel concludes, I find no joy in watching anyone fail, let alone my own children. Holy Spirit, do what only you can do. Show me what to say or do if I am able or silence me if that is a better solution. Either is fine. Eternity is a very long time.

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Ezekiel’s Ministry Begins with a Vision

Read: Ezekiel 1-3

The world was turning upside down during Ezekiel’s ministry. Major power shifts were in play as Assyrians are defeated by the Babylonians and Medes, then the Egyptians assert their influence as our ancestors were defeated over and over again. It was a particularly bad time to be a prophet, especially on the heals of shifting allegiances in Jewish leadership.

Ezekiel’s target audience was focused on the Jews who were taken captive in Babylon. The NIV Study Bible divides Ezekiel into three parts:

  1. Messages of Judgment against Israel (chapters 1-24)
  2. Messages of Judgment Against the Nations (chapters 25-32)
  3. Messages of Consolation for Israel (chapters 33-48)

God is faithful to the covenant, but punishment is not averted, Israel will suffer great loss as Isaiah and Jeremiah foretold.

The Vision

Ezekiel receives an incredible vision right at the beginning of the narrative, basically chapters 1-3. The imagery described is hard to picture in my mind, perhaps I’m a bit to close to visualizations and graphic design as a technical art and too far from being an artist that can comprehend the detailed description included here.

4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings, 9 and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved. Ezekiel 1:4-9

I want to see this thing, but it’s beyond my imagination. I guess I’ve watch too many sci-fi movies! Perhaps the point is that it is impossible to describe–it is simply wonderful and vivid in Ezekiel’s mind, etched in great detail and described as best he could with words.

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Ezekiel 1:28

The Call

The voice of the Lord spoke to Ezekiel:

“Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:3-5

For they are a rebellious people… I love to point my finger at these rebellious ancestors and pretend I’m not one of them, but I wonder who blind I may be. For the moment, I’ll not wander down that path and stick to the text at hand.

The Lord explains to Ezekiel that he must not rebel, that he must be God’s voice for the people and though they will not receive him kindly, he must simply be the spokesperson, the vessel, that conveys God’s words: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them.” (Ezekiel 3:4)

His response to the vision is interesting:

The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed. Ezekiel 3:14-15

I can only imagine, shudder to think, what it must be like to be shown the future then plopped back into the present. To see beyond the veil of that which blinds us to the truth of human thoughts and desire, the selfishness with which I pursue each day. Deeply distressing for sure.

The Watchman

Ezekiel sat there for a week trying to take in the message. Always patient, the Lord speaks to Ezekiel:

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. Ezekiel 3:17-18

Furthermore, Ezekiel was told he could not speak except when the word of the Lord was provided, “Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse” (Ezekiel 3:27).

The clarity of Ezekiel’s mission could not be more precise. I’m not so sure this is a wonderful calling as a watchman, but it is the mantle placed on Ezekiel.

What would happen if we saw the lost in the world with such clarity? Not that I’m envious of Ezekiel’s calling, but I do long to know precisely what I should be doing this day, week, month, etc. Lord, help me to learn from Ezekiel’s commitment to you. Spirit speak to your servant’s heart with images that can’t be described by words, yet soothing to remove the heaviness I feel today.

 

 

 

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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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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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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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Sin and Punishment

Jeremiah 8:4-9:26: Sin and Punishment

This rather somber reading may be characterized by Jeremiah 8:11: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.” So many times I’ve joked at the wrong time and wrong place, words that burned because I didn’t weigh the thought before speaking. I forget how serious ministry is at times, how precious each soul is to God, his great desire to see all come to Christ.

My prayer today is that this will wake us up from our sleep, that we would insert our names in the text and be stirred to action. Read the words, but don’t dismiss them as “they did such and such.” Lord, help me to take this to heart and be changed as a result.

I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right.
None of them repent of their wickedness,
saying, “What have I done?”
Each pursues their own course
like a horse charging into battle.
Even the stork in the sky
knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know
the requirements of the Lord.
Jeremiah 8:6-7

May we stop running in every direction, pursuing personal interests rather than working together cohesively. There are many ways to effectively minister to people, but we must be on the same page. We can’t do everything, but we can do that which is most important. Lord, help us to be a community of faith that works together on the course you have plotted.

Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when they are punished,
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 8:12

I am ashamed of my sin, but don’t let me wallow in self-pity, nor allow me to keep on sinning. I am not proud of my transgressions, my sinful thoughts and desires. You, Lord, are perhaps the only one who knows, but that shouldn’t give me peace. Lord, I pray that we develop deep relationships that would allow us to confess our sin to one another in complete trust.

Since my people are crushed, I am crushed;
I mourn, and horror grips me.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people?
Jeremiah 8:21-22

As we (Healthy Growing Churches) continue to press hard into the space of helping dying churches, these words are on our hearts just like Jeremiah: “Since my people are crushed, I am crushed.” Our hearts should break for churches that have lost their effectiveness. We don’t stand in judgment, we stand with a sincere desire to help.

There Is A Balm In Gilead, is a hymn I will never forget. Earl Reynolds, a true tenor in our little church choir, sang this song every year during Easter. “There is a balm in Gilead to save the sin-sick soul.” When I’m most discouraged, I want to hear his voice sing this song, I want to be reminded that Jesus did in fact die to save my sin-sick soul. Thank you, Lord, for that experience, the the years that church poured into my soul.

The sad state of God’s chosen people is captured by these visceral words:

“Beware of your friends;
do not trust anyone in your clan.
For every one of them is a deceiver,
and every friend a slanderer.
Friend deceives friend,
and no one speaks the truth.
They have taught their tongues to lie;
they weary themselves with sinning.
You live in the midst of deception;
in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:4-6

There are days when we need a prophet like Jeremiah to show up and remove the covers that hide our thoughts. Why should we be afraid of that concept? Because we know full well that our names would be included on the list. Here’s a thought: let’s change our thoughts and be the church Jesus commanded us to become. Lord, help me take personal responsibility for these words.

12 Who is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by the Lord and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross? 13 The Lord said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. 14 Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their ancestors taught them.”
Jeremiah 9:12-14

Perhaps this is why the Pharisees were so bent on laws that define laws. They didn’t want to stand accused of forsaking the laws of God, so they created rules about keeping the law. Over the course of many generations they lost sight of their goal, but I can see how they overreacted to the troubles of their ancestors.

In our modern world, it seems we’ve done the same thing with our laws. You can sue anyone for anything, to be sure, and there are regulations and statutes that describe how to enforce the laws–many of which are based on great experience. But here’s the warning: when God is completely removed from our courthouses and a generation is raised that does not know God, new laws will override the old and we, as a people will wander from the ways God has approved. We will relive the words of Jeremiah.

Sadly, this will be our children and our children’s children if we do not correct our course of action. I have no idea how to do this, but it is not beyond the capability of the Lord, however, it must not escape the minds of mere mortals for it seems that God does not favor those who refuse his commands.

We pick up the theme of circumcision of the heart again as we close this morning:

25 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Jeremiah 9:25-26

Penetrate our hearts, Lord, and make us new. We can’t do this without you, it’s futile to try, but with your help, Lord, we choose to follow the path you have established.

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False Religion Condemned

Read: Jeremiah 6:1-8:3

This section of scripture is anything but uplifting. As we look into the depravity of Israel, with an emphasis on Jerusalem, we see a people who are far from God moving away even farther and the prophesied demise because of their sin. The question I wrestle with is this: are we like these people? I can’t help but wonder how much we are like these people.

Jeremiah 6: Jerusalem Under Siege

Jeremiah prophesied about the invasion of Jerusalem, the holy city itself, its destruction as a result of great disrespect for the Lord.

As a well pours out its water,
so she pours out her wickedness.
Violence and destruction resound in her;
her sickness and wounds are ever before me.
Jeremiah 6:7

The wickedness pours out of Jerusalem, their sin is so great and so obvious to the Lord. Even the remnant will be affected:

This is what the Lord Almighty says:
“Let them glean the remnant of Israel
as thoroughly as a vine;
pass your hand over the branches again,
like one gathering grapes.”
Jeremiah 6:9

There are so few followers of God by this time. These are the chosen ones, the million that fled Egypt under the leadership of Moses becomes the remnant of the remnant. Here’s the sad reality:

Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when I punish them,”
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 6:15

They are not the least bit ashamed. This is what they say: “I’m not ashamed anymore. This is who I am.” I’d love to say this is all about an ancient people, far in the past, one that doesn’t apply today, but that is not the case. We’ve created a culture that honors those who pave their own zealous paths and stray from that which God has ordained. So far from truth the lies become their new truth. This is the foundation of lies, but it will not go undetected and certainly not unchecked.

The bellows blow fiercely
to burn away the lead with fire,
but the refining goes on in vain;
the wicked are not purged out.
They are called rejected silver,
because the Lord has rejected them.”
Jeremiah 6:29-30

Is this something I want? Far from it, but it is sad to see how far a people can wander when they reject the Lord and replace his ways with that of their own.

Jeremiah 7:1-29: False Religion Worthless

God is the God of reconciliation. He relentlessly pursues us. Time after time we read words like this in the Bible:

5 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, 6 if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. 8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. Jeremiah 7:5-8

It seems we’re caught up in “trusting in deceptive words.” Lord, help us to hear your voice above the booming sounds of this world that seem to drown out your desires for our lives on earth.

18 The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger. 19 But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame? Jeremiah 7:18-19

God gave us free will, the ability to choose who will will worship. When we so freely choose to pour offerings to other gods, I think he is truly sad. As we proudly gaze on our accomplishment, I can see the tear in my Father’s eye. He is not pleased or happy for wandering children, those who have denied the grace so freely offered.

26 But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’ 27 “When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Jeremiah 7:26-27

Even when we try our best to reveal the truth most will ignore the advice. Lord, help me to cross these paths wisely.

Jeremiah 7:30-8:3: The Valley of Slaughter

Unspeakable horror. There is no way anyone can attribute this behavior to that of God’s desire for his people.

They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. Jeremiah 7:31

How can a people fall so far away? Perhaps this can’t happen in our modern society, at least not in the physical sense, but our minds can easily go far away from the love of God. Help us, Lord, to be aware of the evil that surrounds us and to stay far away.

 

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