Kingdom Divided Lesson 26 – Jeremiah 2-33; 46-52

 

Note:  For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.

Jeremiah 2 - 29 – Judah’s Sins Exposed

Jeremiah repeated the warnings and sins the people of Judah had committed.  He named specific sins against God.

Jer. 2:23-25; 3:13 – They loved foreign gods.

Jer. 5:13, 30-31; 23:10-11 – God’s Word in not in the false prophets, they prophesy lies, priests rule by their own authority, land is full of adulterers, the prophets follow evil and use their power unjustly.

Jer. 5:26-28; 7:5-11 – People are wicked men, full of deceit, their evil deeds have no limit, they don’t defend the rights of the poor, they trust in deceptive worthless words, they steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods, God’s house had become a den of robbers.

Why should you acknowledge and repent from specific sins?  If we are saved, God has already forgiven our sins.  So you don’t have to ask to be saved again.  You are forgiven and sealed by the blood of Christ.  But as we live in this sinful world, we experience lustful thoughts, greed, envy, anger and these things have a power that disrupt our capacity to enjoy what we know is eternally true.  Repentance keeps us humble, drives the devil away from us, frees us from the torment of sin, and leads us to fullness of life with Jesus.  It reawakens our sense of peace with and to what Christ has done for us. Eternity doesn’t start when we get to heaven.  It starts right now with having fullness of life with God and repentance allows us to have that.

Jeremiah’s attitude toward his countrymen’s sins was painful for him.  He said there was agony in his heart and he could not keep silent.  He was crushed and mourned for the people.  He asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” – Jer. 8:22.  Gilead was the land near the Jordan river which was known for its healing balsams.  He saw the hurt of his people and saw there was no medicine or physician to help them.  He had no peace.  He wept day and night for them.  He wanted to just run away to get away from all the evil.  (Jer. 4:19-21; 8:21-9:2)

At times I think we all feel the way Jeremiah felt.  There is so much sin and evil in our world that we don’t think we can stand it anymore.  We are saddened by the killing of the unborn, the school shootings, and the blatant sins all around us.  It’s considered normal behavior by the world’s standards.  People sin openly and are unashamed.  People are selfish, self-righteous, and prideful.  We mourn for our world just like Jeremiah did.

What are some right and wrong ways Christians can communicate the truth about sin?  People sometimes try to minimize sin.  They say ‘it’s no big deal’ and dismiss the ‘little’ sins.  But these ‘little’ sins can lead to larger sins.  In God’s eyes all sin is the same.  They also try to legitimize sin.  It’s tempting to do something bad because you believe that something good will come of it.  Doing wrong for the right reason is still sin.  They often rationalize sin by giving reasons or excuses.  They shift the blame onto someone else.  They even confess sin, but only partially.

We learn some truths about God in Jeremiah 18:1-11.  God is in control; He has the power; He has a plan; He is patient.  Our lives are in His hands.  He is the Creator and can do what He wishes with the people just like a potter with his vessel.  He can mold us with the intent to cause us to desire Him.  He will judge evil, but if there is repentance He will relent.  He wants everyone to turn from their evil ways and reform their ways and actions.

Principle:  Believers still need to acknowledge daily sin to awaken our sense of peace with and to what God has done for us.

Jeremiah 4-29; 46-51 – Specifics of the Coming Judgment

In Jeremiah 4:6; 13:18-20; 20:4-6; 25:8-14 Jeremiah gave facts about the coming judgment on Judah.  God will bring terrible destruction and disaster from the north.  He foretold of the people being taken captive.  They will be carried into exile.  God will hand over to their enemies all the wealth of the city – all its products, all its valuables and all the treasures of the kings of Judah.

Jeremiah 6:1-7; 11:22; 12:12-13 describe the suffering that would accompany God’s judgment.  The people will flee for their lives.  Their young men will die by the sword.  Their sons and daughters by famine.  No one will be safe.  They will sow wheat but reap thorns.

Jeremiah 46-51 tells the surrounding nations would also face Babylonian attack.  God’s judgment would fall on all people and nations not just Judah.  His judgment would also fall on the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, and Elam.  God used Babylon to carry out His judgment, but they would also face His judgment.  The people of Judah were given some comfort knowing that God would also destroy Babylon (Jer. 51:34-35).

Jeremiah proclaimed hope and restoration for God’s people.  “‘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’”. – Jer. 29:11.  “The days are coming when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess.” – Jer. 30:3.  He told them to not fear because He will save them out of exile and they will have peace and security again and no one will make them afraid. (Jer. 30 – 33)  Only God can make new what sin has broken.

Israel broke her covenant with God, but in God’s mercy and grace He promised a new covenant.  The first covenant contained commands and prohibitions.  God said the time is coming when He will make a new covenant with them.  If they obeyed and remained true, He will be their God and they will be His people.  They will be forgiven of their wickedness and He will remember their sins no more. (Jer. 31:31-37)

Christians today experience the reality of God’s new covenant promise.  2 Cor. 3:3-6; Heb 7:18-22; 8:8-13; 10:15-17 – His new covenant is written of the Spirit and on our hearts.  Jesus is our new covenant.  His laws are written in our hearts and written on our minds.  Jesus sealed the new covenant with His blood on the cross, bringing salvation to all who put their faith in Him.

God encouraged the people by instructing Jeremiah to purchase a field in Jeremiah 32.  He did as God commanded.  He trusted God for the future in the midst of difficult times.  This was a sign of hope and future restoration.  The people would go into exile, but God would someday bring the nation back to their land.  God had not abandoned Judah, but instead promised to remain among them and provide them salvation and eventually free them.  They will be redeemed and will eventually return home.

Do you always do what God’s wants you to do?

What is keeping you from following God’s instructions?

How are you looking to God for the future?

Principle:  Only God can make new what sin has broken.

Jeremiah 52 – Fall of Jerusalem

The Babylonians attacked Jerusalem.  The invading army ravaged and burned the city.  They set fire to the temple and stole the temple treasures.  They set fire to the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem.  They broke down all the walls around Jerusalem.  They carried the people into exile, but left behind the poorest people to work the vineyards and fields.  Jerusalem’s fall was brutal and bloody. 

King Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon and was taken prisoner.  His sons were slaughtered in front of him.  He was blinded, bound with bronze shackles, and put in prison in Babylon until his death.

Jeremiah’s prediction came to pass which proves God is the one true God and He is in control.  It proves He knows the future.  What He says will happen, will happen.

Jeremiah 52 ends with Jehoiachin, king of Judah being released after 37 years in prison.  He was released by the king Evil-Merodach, Nebuchadnezzar’s son who had become king after his father died.  We aren’t sure why he was released.  But what a picture of grace.  He was given a seat at the kings table.  He was given new clothes and was not identified as a prisoner but a prince.  God moved the heart of the king of Babylon to show grace to Jehoiachin.  He lived in the palace and didn’t go back to prison.  As a Christian you were saved by His marvelous grace.  God wants you to live in the palace with His people and eat at His table.  He has freed you from the prison of sin.

Jeremiah’s final words regarding King Jehoiachin was not an incidental detail but rather a hopeful sign that David’s throne had not been forgotten.  It showed God’s grace and a foreshadow of God’s blessing and restoration of His people to come. 

Jeremiah’s clearest message was calling the people to turn away from their wicked ways and their dependence on idols and false gods and return to their loyalty to God.  His message is for us today.  If we don’t repent, God will judge our wicked ways and our worship of idols and false gods.  He warns us to return our loyalty to God before it’s too late.  The judgment that is coming for us will be much greater than that of Judah.

Is your name written in glory?

Are you sure you are saved?

If not, what is keeping you from surrendering to God?

Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem.  Our next study will be on Lamentations.  It focuses on Jeremiah’s personal expressions of deep anguish and lament over what he experienced. 

Principle:  God saves by His marvelous grace by freeing believers from the prison of sin.

This week’s attribute of God is His Everlasting Love.  God’s loves you with an everlasting, all-powerful love.  His love is unconditional, unlimited, and extends to all people.  It’s a love that goes far beyond what is considered humanly possible.  His love is incomprehensible, immeasurable, unconditional, and unchanging.  He demonstrated His love by sacrificing His Son in order for our sins to be forgiven.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided in the book of Lamentations.  Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Kingdom Divided Lesson 25 - Jeremiah 1

 

Note:  For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.

Jeremiah is one of the well-known prophets in the Bible.  He was the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in the territory of Benjamin.  He spent the first twenty years of his ministry under Judah’s last good king, Josiah.  The rest of his ministry was under Josiah’s sons, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah who opposed Jeremiah. 

The Lord called Jeremiah to be His prophet even before he was born.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jer. 1:5. 

This verse applies to all humans.  The second part applies specifically to the prophet Jeremiah.  God reveals that when He creates a person, He has a plan for them right from the womb.  He is sovereign over our makeup and wiring, our personality, our gifts, our talents, and all our physical attributes.  He plans us according to His purposes and for us to glorify Himself by our lives.

Jeremiah was like Moses and didn’t believe he had the experience or the character.  He believed he was too young to be a prophet.  Jeremiah said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child” – Jer. 1:6.  The Lord denied Jeremiah was too young.  He told him to not be afraid and He would give him His authority to be His prophet.  The Lord would protect him.  “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” – Jer. 1:8  The Lord touched his mouth and gave him the words to speak. 

Jeremiah’s protest was true.  He was just a youth, but God didn’t want to hear it.  God calls the right people whether they are young or old.  David was a youth who served his father in the shepherd’s field, killed a lion and bear, killed Goliath, and served King Saul.  God filled John the Baptist with the Holy Spirit in the womb (Luke 1:15).  Timothy was a young man when he worked with Paul (1 Tim. 4:12).

We can be like Jeremiah in thinking we don’t know how to speak to others about Jesus.  We think we’re too young in our faith or we’re afraid we may not know what to say.  I am not a Jeremiah.  Neither are you.  But God has put you in this time, at this place, with your past, for a purpose and for a reason.  Our excuses do not move God.  God is bigger than Jeremiah and He’s bigger than you and me.  He can use your life.  So let Him.

In Jeremiah 1:10-19 God described Jeremiah’s mission that he was to give to Judah and the nations.  He used two visions.  First, Jeremiah saw an almond tree.  It has the first flowers awaking the start of spring.  Jeremiah’s message would awaken the fulfillment of God’s promised judgment.  Second, he saw a boiling pot tilting toward him from the north symbolizing the coming invasion from Babylon.

Jeremiah shared God’s message with the people of Judah.  We see this in many chapters as he described the seriousness of Judah’s coming judgment. 

Jer. 2:5-6; 3:19-20 – They strayed far from God; they followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves; they didn’t ask where is the Lord who brought them out of Egypt; they turned away and didn’t call Him, father; they had been unfaithful.

Jer. 4:6; 6:1 – God will bring disaster from the north, even terrible destruction; disaster looms out of the north and they should flee.

Jer. 10:17-18 – They should gather their belongings and leave because God will bring distress so they will be captured.

Jer. 25:8-14 – Because they have not listened to the Lord’s words, the people of the north and King Nebuchadnezzar and destroy them, banish their joy and gladness and they will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.

Jeremiah was very saddened by this.  He felt agony in his heart.  He cried day and night.  He was deeply burdened for the people, but he knew the Lord must punish the people.  He prayed for the people and appealed for mercy.  He knew they must be corrected.  (Jer. 4:19-21; 9:1; 10:23-25; 15:16-18)

How are you burdened by those who are lost?

What are you doing about it?

These verses show Jeremiah’s personal experiences as a faithful servant of God:

Jeremiah 16:1-4 – He was commanded not marry or have children.

Jeremiah 20:1-2 – Because of his prophesying, he was beaten.

Jeremiah 26:7-11 – The priests and all the people wanted to kill him.

Jeremiah 37:1-2, 16 – He was put in a vaulted cell in a dungeon.

Jeremiah  38:6 – He was put into a cistern that had no water and he sank into the mud.

We can reconcile Jeremiah’s personal suffering with his faithfulness and God’s provision.  He knew that since God called him, God would always protect and provide for him.  He refused to stop speaking God’s true message.

In Jeremiah 38:7-13 we learn when Jeremiah was in the cistern, Ebed-Melech the Cushite along with some other men took pity him and pulled him out.  This is encouraging that a stranger had more compassion than anyone else to save him.  This reminds us of the Parable of the Good Samaritan we read about in Luke 10:25-37.   Also we see God’s faithfulness as He continued to provide for Jeremiah.

In Jeremiah 18:7-8; 21:8-9 he called the wayward people to repent as he warned of pending judgment.  These verses display God’s heart.  He said if they repent, God will change His mind.  God is setting before the people a way of life and a way of death.  They must choose.

Jeremiah 29:1-23 – Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles in Judah.  They were to build houses, plant gardens, marry and have children, increase in number, and seek peace and prosperity.  They were to pray to the Lord.  They were to not be deceived by those prophesying in the Lord’s name.  Then when the 70 years is completed, they will be brought out of exile.  “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.” – Jer. 29:22

With all the idols, lies, and evil in the world today, people need true hope.  Hope reduces feelings of helplessness and stress – and we know there is a lot of stress in the world today.  When we have hope, we have peace, confidence, and happiness. True hope is anchored in God, His Word and His promises.  “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?  Do the skies themselves send down showers?”  No, it is you, O Lord our God.  Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.” – Jer. 14:22 

Principles: 

God knows everything about you.

You are never too young to be used by God.

God promises to protect and deliver us.

True hope is anchored in God, His Word and His promises.

A time is coming when true Christians will be in a position similar to Jeremiah and be hated by people.  We see a lot of that now.  You might experience persecution, but you can draw strength from God’s protection and knowledge that you are doing the right thing.  You may feel as if God doesn’t know who you are, but He does.  You may feel as if you are not useful to God, but you are.  You may feel as if the whole world is against you, but God is for you.

Is God calling you to be a Jeremiah to someone?

What is He asking you to do for Him?

Do you agonize over those who are lost?

How is God leading you to reach out to those who need Jesus?

What is holding you back?

What comfort are you willing to give up to obey God?

Do you struggle to find hope in this evil world?

How will you allow God’s truth and hope to fill you today?

Key verses:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jer. 1:5 

“Do not be afraid of the, for I am with you and will rescue you.” – Jer. 1:8

“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.” – Jer. 29:22

This week’s attribute of God is He is Faithful.  He will do what He has promised.  He loves us and has had a plan for us even before we were born.  We know He is faithful because He sent His son to the cross to keep His promise.  We can trust Him to keep all His promises.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided by continuing in the book of Jeremiah.  Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Kingdom Divided Lesson 24 – Nahum and Zephaniah

  

Note:  For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.

Nahum 1 – Prophesy Against Nineveh

Nahum was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  Nahum is a book of prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.  He described the cruelty of the Assyrians as they conquered nations.  He predicted the destruction of Nineveh and the end of the kingdom of Assyria.  He told Judah to continue to observe their religious feasts because the Assyrians will be out of the picture.

Nahum described God’s character and actions against Nineveh.  He said the Lord is a jealous and avenging God.  He takes vengeance and is filled with wrath against His enemies.  The Lord is slow to anger, great in power, and will not leave the guilty unpunished.  His way is in the winds and storms, and clouds are the dust of his feet.  He is in total control of everything. (Nahum 1:1-6)

Nahum contrasted God’s firmness in judgment and the care He gives for His own.  Believers can find comfort and peace as God balances the promise to judge evil and the good news of salvation.  The “Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble.” – Nahum 1:7.  He cares for those who trust in Him.  When we were enemies, we were reconciled through the death of His Son and through the life He gives. (Nahum 1:6-8; Romans 5:10-15)

Jonah’s message to Nineveh was different from Nahum’s.  Jonah told the people to repent, which they did for a time.  But years later they returned to cruelty and their evil ways.  Nahum prophesied of their coming judgment. 

I hope you all understand we are living in days of mercy.  Christ will return one day.  When He does, It will be to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5).  We are living in ‘Jonah’ days – days when God longs for you to repent, days God has appointed you for something very important to do.  Don’t run away from it.  Fulfill your duty to God.  Seek out His will for you in His word.  These Jonah days won’t go on forever.  If you haven’t turned to Him by the time the Lord returns, you will not find yourself with God’s mercy.  You will find yourself in His judgment.

Nahum’s message was important to Judah.  They suffered under the oppression of the Assyrian empire but his message provided hope and encouragement.  Nahum reminds us that God is actively working even in the darkest times to bring justice and hope throughout the world.

As we read Nahum 1:3, we can find comfort in God’s character because we know He cares about what is right and wrong.  So that no matter what evil is around us and throughout the world, God’s judgment will make everything right again.

Principle:  God loves all people, but does not tolerate evil.

Nahum 2-3 – Nineveh’s Fall

Nahum described Nineveh’s fall:

The enemy’s appearance – shields of soldiers are red; warriors are in scarlet; metal on chariots flashes on the day and are made ready; spears of pine are brandished; chariots storm through the streets looking like flaming torches.

Siege and looting of the city – Nineveh is like a pool, plunder of silver and gold; supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures; she is pillaged, plundered, stripped; heats melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, faces pale.

Flooding of the city – River gates thrown open and palace collapses.

Sins of Nineveh is judged –God will burn up your chariots in smoke, the sword will devore your young; He will leave you no prey on the earth; voices of messengers will no longer be heard; city is full of lies; full of lush; mistress of sorceries; enslaves nations; witchcraft.

The book of Nahum illustrates God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.  Everything will be accomplished just as God plans. (Palm 119:89; Matthew 5:18)  This gives us confidence and hope.

Nahum 1:7 is particularly meaningful and gives confidence and hope – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.”

Principle:  God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Zephaniah 1-2 – Judgment on Judah and Nations

God raised up his prophet, Zephaniah to proclaim a warning of coming judgment on Judah and on the whole earth and to encourage repentance.  The purpose of this book is God is sovereign over all nations; the wicked will be punished and the righteous will be vindicated on the day of judgment; God blesses those who repent and trust in Him.

The book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah.  During his reign the Book of the Law was found and Josiah humbled himself before God and brought restoration and reformation to Judah.  He purged the high places where idols were worshipped and restored the temple of the Lord.

Zephaniah gives specifics about God’s judgment:

God will sweep away everything from the face of the earth; He will sweep away both men and animal, birds of the air and fish of the sea. (Zephaniah 1:2-3).

God will stretch out His hand against Judah and all in Jerusalem; He will cut off every remnant of Baal and the idolatrous priests. (Zephaniah 1:4-5).

God will search Jerusalem and punish those who are complacent; their wealth will be plundered, houses demolished; the day of the Lord is near and will be bitter; it will be a day of wrath, distress, anguish, trouble, ruin, darkness, gloom, clouds and blackness, and a day of trumpet and battle cry against cities and towers. (Zephaniah 1:12-16).

He listed other nations who awaited God’s judgment – Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. (Zephaniah 2:4-15)  We learn that no nation will be spared.  Everyone will be accountable for their actions.

Zephaniah 3 – Future Restoration of Jerusalem

The specific sins of Jerusalem are listed in Zephaniah 3:1-8.  It was a city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled.  She obeyed no one; she accepted no correction; she didn’t trust the Lord; she didn’t draw near to her God; her officials were roaring lions; her rulers were wolves; her prophets were arrogant and treacherous men; her priests profaned the sanctuary and did violence to the law.

People today respond to the thought of God’s judgment in different ways.  Some think ‘I’m a good person so I will go the heaven’, some say ‘how can a loving God send judgment’, some say ‘God doesn’t bring judgment anymore since Jesus died on the cross’, or others say ‘God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if there were only ten righteous and there are too many Christian in the world for Him to bring judgment on us’.  It all boils down to we want to be in charge and try to explain God through human minds.  Remember God’s thoughts are higher than ours.

We should respond to God by drawing near to Him.  He wants to be close and personal (Hebrews 10:22).  He wants us to hold fast in the hope that He promised (Hebrews 10:23).  We are to spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

God is holy, just and perfect.  He gave us the freedom to choose how we respond to Him.  He doesn’t force us to obey.  We have free will.  God has made Himself and His truth known to everyone.  Romans 1:20 says “we are without excuse”.  His wrath is His righteous judgment against those who do evil.  So because God is just and righteous, He will judge according to His righteous standards.

Zephaniah offered hope to Judah in Zephaniah 3:9-20.  He said false doctrine will be thoroughly exposed.  Nothing will escape the Lord’s cleansing work.  God will leave a remnant of people who love and acknowledge the Lord.  The people who have been faithful and humble will be forgiven for their sins committed against the Lord.  In place of hopelessness there will be confidence and assurance.  People will no longer be held captive by evil.  “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.” – Zephaniah 3:17.

Zephaniah’s final verses offered encouragement from God.  For those people who were scattered, He will reunite them and bring them home.  The message for us today is we live in an evil world, but one day He will bring us home – our heavenly home.

Principle:  The same God who judges sin with vengeance will restore His children when they repent.

We have familiar lessons about the Lord’s judgment on sin and rebellion.  We may think the Old Testament seems very sever when it comes to sin.  We are fortunate as Christians that we are able to approach the throne under an entirely different relationship with the Lord.  A relationship has been made possible only through the sacrifice of Jesus, who is now our advocate before God.  Some things haven’t changed.  There is still a pattern today when we rebel; there is repentance and restoration.

This week’s attribute of God is He is Love.  His love never fails.  He showed His love by sending His Son to be our Savior.  He calls us to repent from sin and to trust in Him.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the book of Jeremiah. Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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