precious words

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1529Jeremiah 26

Jeremiah was simply doing his job, but sharing the word for God put his life in danger.  People do not appreciate the word of judgment.  It is a heavy burden to bear, but those who are given the burden must bear it, as Jeremiah did.  The LORD provided those with sound judgment who rescued Jeremiah from those who sought his life until his work was done.  These are precious words, to be respected like the saints who delivered them to their own peril.

LORD, give us an appreciation for the cost of sharing your truth.

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new and old

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1526Song of Solomon 7:10-13

 

The bride invites her beloved to explore all the joys that their mutual love can bring.  She takes pleasure in the fact that her groom desires her, and wants to share the choice fruits of that love – the new experiences as well as the old. 

LORD, thank you for the joy and the adventure of marital love.

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he took the cup

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1525Jeremiah 25:15-38

Jeremiah symbolically offers a drink to all the nations, which represents their suffering from the wrath of God.  All the nations must take of it, and then finally Babylon itself.  John picks up this same vision in Revelation 18, because Babylon represents all the rebellious kingdoms of the world, and that cup represents God’s wrath against them at Armageddon.  Jerusalem and Judah take of it first, because God’s wrath is poured out against them in Jeremiah’s time.  Jesus took the cup at his final supper with his disciples, knowing that it represents God’s wrath against sin. He suffered on the cross in our place.

LORD, thank you for Jesus, who took the cup for us.

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that we may look

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1523Song of Solomon 6:13-7:9

When the all male chorus asks the Shulammite woman to return so that they may look upon her, the prince intervenes.  Her beauty is reserved for him.  Pornography parades the sacred sexual life and makes a mockery of its intimacy. 

LORD, thank you for the intimate life you have provided within the marriage bonds.  May we not defile it.

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two wrongs

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1525Jeremiah 25:1-14

Jeremiah preached for 23 years to a nation who refused to listen.  Now he predicts that Judah will experience what the nations did when they first came to the land.  They will be devoted to destruction, and the land will be laid waste for 70years. After that, the LORD will punish its servant, Nebuchadnezzar.  Might does not make right.  Even the fact that God is allowing it for his own purpose does not make Babylon’s cruelty right.

LORD, we pray for those nations  who are undergoing wars and calamities.  We ask you to intervene in their suffering, and bring those who are destroying them to justice.

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before I was aware

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1522Song of Solomon 6:4-12

The beautiful young lady is just going about life, not aware of the destiny that she will live.  She find herself among the chariots of her kinsman, a prince.  He sees her, and she is the only one for him. So a relationship begins.  Such is the gift of human love that the LORD gives us.

LORD, we cannot understand how love happens, but teach us to honor you as the giver of this great gift.

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figs

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1518Jeremiah 24

The people of Judah in Jeremiah’s time are symbols – not just of God’s people – but of all people.  The ones who repent and turn back to God are the good figs, and will return to the God and he will bring them back to the promised land.  The bad figs represent Zedekiah and those like him who seek refuge in Egypt.  They do not choose to turn to God in difficult times.  They will be utterly destroyed.  What kind of fig are you?

LORD, forgive us for trusting in ourselves.  Teach us to turn back to you.

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mutual love

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1502Song of Solomon 5:10-6:3

Her love for him is not blind.  She knows who he is, what he is like, and where he is.  Her love for him is a choice, and it is the right choice.  She delights in him, and trusts him, even when she does not understand why he is not present.  They mutually love and respect each other.

LORD, teach us married couples to love, respect and trust each other.

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dreamers

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1504Jeremiah 23:9-40

Jeremiah lets loose on the false prophets, who are continually offering a positive and encouraging word to a sinful people, assuring them that all is well.  They assure a rebellious people that their relationship with the LORD is secure, and so the people are lulled into complacency by calm words of grace.   God is against these people, and against their lying prophets, who keep telling dreams.  The LORD tells Jeremiah to let those prophets tell their dreams, but the one who has his word should speak it faithfully.

LORD, forgive us for assuming that your word to us is always going to encourage us.  Teach us to honor and respect your word, no matter what it is.

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sick with love

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1500Song of Solomon 5:2-9

Why him, and not someone else?  Only a lover’s heart can answer.  But the bride knows.  The LORD has given couples a gift of each other, and we are happy only when enjoying each other’s company.  We find it hard to bear when we are separated, even for short times. 

LORD, some of the couples you have given to each other have to face separation for times. Help us to encourage them as they face these times.

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