their Savior

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1579Jeremiah 49

God does not respect racial, ethnic and cultural boundaries that we place on ourselves.  He seeks people from all the nations.  So, it should not surprise us that he makes promises to revive some of the nations, after they are defeated in battle.  Jeremiah’s words remind us that God’s love extends even to these historical enemies of “his” people.  The judgment these nations experience is not the final judgment.  There is hope that some of the descendants of the Ammonites, Edomites and Elamites will live to see their Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, and own him as their Lord.

LORD, we pray for our enemies, those who seek our lives. May their descendants come to know Jesus – our Savior and theirs.

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because he magnified himself

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1578Jeremiah 48

Moab’s judgment will humble it, and the nation will be destroyed and will no longer be a people.  The reason is pride.  Moab magnified himself against the LORD.  Just because you are winning does not mean that you are a winner.   Real success is lasting success, and that only comes to those who fear and love the LORD.  The Moabites have learned that lesson.  Have we?

LORD, we renounce our successes and acclaims.  We trust in you, and seek your kingdom and righteousness.  We will not magnify ourselves against you.

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sword of the LORD

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1577Jeremiah 46-47

Jeremiah recounts the downfall of both Egypt and the Philistines.  Both warrior nations had hired mercenary soldiers to help them, but to no avail.  The sword of the LORD cannot be quiet when the LORD has given it a charge.  It will accomplish the judgment intended.  This is true for individuals as well as nations.  Judgment Day is coming for all those who insist on paying for their own sins.  Fall on the grace of God today, and trust the sacrifice of Jesus to atone for your sins.  Otherwise, the sword  of the LORD awaits.

LORD, we seek your favor, and put our trust in the Lamb of God for our deliverance.

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silver linings

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1573Jeremiah 44-45

Jeremiah warns the remnant of Jews in Egypt that they are still in danger because they have not ceased their idolatry, and their foreign wives are insisting on continuing their pagan offerings to the queen of heaven, with their husbands’ full knowledge.  So, the LORD promises to destroy all the men, leaving only a few fugitives who will eventually return to Judah. 

Meanwhile, Baruch (Jeremiah’s scribe) is in despair.  Jeremiah does not give him false hope of greatness.  Instead he tells Baruch to be happy with just surviving, because this is a terrible time, and disaster awaits all. 

This is a hard message for many, because we are used to looking for the silver lining in each cloud.  Sometimes, the rain is all you get. Trust the LORD anyway.

LORD, forgive us for seeking hope outside our destiny in you.  You are our hope.

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the wrong escape

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1555Jeremiah 42-43

The leaders of the re-formed alliance in Judah were trying to solidify their hold on the people, so they appealed to Jeremiah.  They really were not interested in what the LORD wanted.  They simply wanted religious approval of their plans.  When Jeremiah told them not to go to Egypt, they went anyway, and forced him to go with them.  The LORD told Jeremiah that their “escape” would get them into even more danger.

LORD, forgive us for seeking safety and security outside your will.  Teach us to obey. 

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no safe haven

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1552Jeremiah 40-41

Chaos ensued as the remnant in Israel attempts to stay alive in an environment where leaders conspire to destroy one another.  Jeremiah has been set free to go wherever he wishes, but there is no safe place.  Gedaliah was appointed as the people’s representative to Babylon, but he is soon killed, and his murderer cannot be trusted.  These are dangerous times, but God is still in control.

LORD, when the dangerous times come, and no safe haven is really safe, we will trust in you.

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told you so

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1551Jeremiah 39

Jeremiah resists the urge to tell everybody “I told you so” when the Babylonians attack and take people into exile.  He does reassure those who had followed his warnings.  Even when all is falling apart around us, if we have trusted in the LORD’s words, and followed his instructions, we can be confident of his help.

LORD, give us the wisdom to trust your word in good times, and be ready for the terrible times.  Both are in your in your control.

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stuck

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1551Jeremiah 38

Two men were stuck in the mud.  Jeremiah was thrown into a well to die because his words were too offensive for sinners to bear.  Zedekiah was trapped in his own fear and stubbornness.  Both needed freedom, but only one would be set free.  How many times will we be caught in the trap of our own sinfulness, always coming back to the same embarrassing behaviors? 

LORD, set us free from the stubborn pride that keeps us from honoring you with our lives. Deliver us by your Holy Spirit.

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no matter what

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1556Jeremiah 37

Pharaoh’s army had (apparently) frightened the Chaldeans away, and king Zedekiah though surely now Jeremiah would prophesy good news.  No deal.  God’s truth is God’s truth, no matter what is happening.  Jeremiah knew that Jerusalem was doomed.  Call him a liar, put him in prison, beat him – it does not matter.  He would not forsake his message.

LORD, give us the courage to stay true to our convictions regardless of the circumstances.

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burning the scroll

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1544Jeremiah 36

By burning the scroll of Jeremiah’s prophecies concerning his downfall, Jehoiakim thought he had put an end to the threat.  Just as today, popular culture seeks to discredit the validity of the words of scripture, but the word of God will prevail against all attempts to destroy it, and those who seek to discredit it are simply condemning themselves. 

LORD, when we read your word, may we not act foolishly as Jehoiakim did.  May we respond in repentance, and preserve ourselves from its judgments.

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