Prophecy – Jeremiah 17-21

Things start to really heat up for Jermiah and the people of Judah in today’s passage.

Bible Passage:  Jeremiah 17-21

The warnings against Judah now comes in thick and fast.  Jeremiah 17 starts off with a stern rebuke that “the sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of a diamond it is engraved…”.

Truly, a curse is proclaimed on the wicked but in the midst of these curses, we are reminded that for those who choose to trust and hope in the Lord, we are like a tree planted by the waters and need not fear (17:7-8).

Yesterday we talked about how our eyes can lead us to sin.  Because once we lust with our eyes, our hearts will be shaken and if unchecked, will lead to sin.

And Jeremiah pleads for the Lord to search his heart and test his mind.  This is something we should do as well

Another Couple of Parables

Last week we discussed about some parables found in the book of Jeremiah.  Today, we read of another couple.

The first is found in Jeremiah 18 – the famous picture of the Lord as the Master Potter and we are the clay.  And the Master Potter has absolute right and authority to decide what happens to the clay.  Even in this very clear warning – we see the compassion of God in that He is unwilling to allow the destruction to come but the people chose to simply ignore Him and do whatever wicked thing they want to do (18:11-12).

Then in Chapter 19 – we read about the parable of a Broken Flask.  People say that a picture speaks a thousand words.  And in this incident of the broken flask, it was very clear that God was going to shatter Judah because of its wickednes.

But in pointing out so clearly the faults of the people and God’s impending judgement – Jeremiah was imprisoned and abused (Chapter 20).

But the frightening conclusion for today’s passage in Chapter 21 was this – God will now fight against Judah!

No longer will God fight for His people.  He will now fight His people!

Imagine how frigthening this is if God is no longer on our side but against us.  Who are we that we can stand before Him?

An Appeal To Honour The Sabbath

One thing that stoof out for me is the Lord’s appeal to the pople to honour the Savvath (17:19-27).

We all know that the Sabbath is a day of rest and we are to honour Him and devote ourselves in prayer and worship on that day.

We all know what we should do.  We have heard it more than enough.

But….

Are we still like the people of Judah who “did not obey nor incline their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.” (17:23)?

What do we do on Sabbath day?

How many of us come for Friday night service?  We thank God that we have many more families attending Friday evening services now that we have the 4th service point.

But what about Saturday morning?  It is still the Sabbath.

And then the 2nd sessions in the afternoon?  What about it?

How do we approach Sabbath?

Something to think about.