Rise Above the Tide - Jeremiah 11 - 15

For the introduction I quote the author of the lesson in the Life Way Commentary for summer 2011. “We all have days of conflict, weakness, sadness, grief, regret, or confusion. Sometimes such days of distress and discouragement stretch into months, even years. How do we relate to God during those stormy times? Does knowing God help us? Do our difficulties motivate us to question God? During such times, does he have anything to say to us?” For those of us with experiences like these, Jeremiah wrote about the way God dealt with the wayward people of Judah; and I believe it is a warning to Americans today, even those of us who live in Heber Springs or have friends or relatives here.

The prophet, Jeremiah was not different, he had his bad days and they stretched into at least forty years. Allow me to digress momentarily and remind everyone that our ministers [or yours, wherever you worship] fits this mold also. Our pastors of the Word and ministers of song, youth and children, and even Bible study teachers are no different. They seek and need the encouragement from those Christians that are strong in the Lord, and they deserve their support. Christians are obligated to lift their leaders up in prayer often; and we should support them in our conversations with others. Even when you are displeased with their work, there is never an excuse for open criticism that may cause them even more problems. If you are unhappy, tell them personally, and don’t gossip about it to others. When or if you feel a change is needed—just remember that the next one you call may have more problems than the one you have. An open stand against God’s chosen workers is a dangerous position to be in. Sincere prayer may help most.

I do not know your views regarding the study of history, but, to me, the study of biblical history is not only exciting but essential in the life of a Christian. When younger, I preferred the study of the New Testament to the Old one, but after extended study of God’s word, I find that knowledge of the early history of God’s people is paramount and essential to the understanding of the New Covenant established by the blood of Jesus Christ.

We can learn that God is real, in charge and unchanging through the study of history. He has always allowed people the freedom to make choices [and to experience the consequences of those choices] and this is recorded as biblical history. We can and should learn from the mistakes made by others. We can know God’s plan for his people, established in the beginning, and unchanging, and we can learn that He is moving forward to accomplish His goal; and we learn that He uses people like you and me to accomplish his goal of redeeming the lost.

We have always heard it said that history repeats itself; and that is true in the history of man; but this is not so in the history of God. People change, and repeat, and try for the new, then change again; but not so with God. He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. Man’s history repeats; but the history of God and his plan for man is headed to a destination, leading history to a final conclusion which is the great judgment conducted by His Son, Jesus Christ—and it predicts and provides us with the hope of our salvation.

Since I write lessons weekly, there is fear that some statements and suggestions will sound repetitious. One statement that seems so important is that Christ-like obedience is just as important for the Christian as repentance is to the non-believer. Do you try daily to obey the Word of the Lord? In this lesson, 11: 1-17, you will find that the people of Judah forgot the importance of obedience to their own determent. They falsely presumed that God would keep His part of the covenant agreement, even when they were unfaithful. They either did not know or forgot that a covenant is an agreement between two or more people and that both parties must keep their end of the bargain. God made thousands of promises to us and He will keep each one; however in every case we have an obligation to keep. Some great examples are: “I will heal your land—but—you must first repent of your sins, humble yourself, and make your request in prayer.” “I will save you from your sins—but—you first must repent of your sins and call Me by My name to come and live in your heart.” “Your children will be saved—but—you must bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” And then there is the one that applies heavily in Judah’s case; “I will be your God—but—you shall have no other gods before Me.”

The Hebrew word [shama’] appears six times in the first eight verses. This word [shama’] translated into English can mean either “listen” and/or “obey” God sent Jeremiah to Judah and they were admonished to “listen” to the warnings regarding their disobedience, and in this case they were also told that they must “obey” God or suffer annihilation. Note: In this case God did not kill and destroy these people and their country but he allowed a heathen nation to conquer and take them captive. God will not kill Americans! But if you will only listen and look you can see that he is allowing Satin to send floods, tornadoes and hurricanes; even a terrorist group to destroy the twin towers, pentagon and probably the White House or Capitol which was saved by the heroes that destroyed the plane in an open field in the mid-west. Jeremiah’s warning applies to us too.

You have probably said to one of your children—“listen, did your hear me? Or, you have heard others ask the question. Was the question asked because the child had a hearing problem? No. The question was asked because the child was disobeying a command. This is exactly what was happening in Judah when Jeremiah told the people six times to listen to his warning and obey what God was telling them to do. The prophet was obedient to God in relaying this message and giving them the possibility of two results that could come. Disobedience would result in curses that would be allowed by God; and obedience would bring blessings [including a personal relationship with God] and a fertile land [see 11: 4-5].

In verses 6-8, Jeremiah reminded the people in Jerusalem and Judah that they had examples in history that they could look back on and see what happens when disobedience prevails. God said that ever since He brought their forefathers out of bondage in Egypt he had continually warned the people regarding the different results that come from obedience and disobedience. They had the history of their nation that they could have used as a warning—just as we have an even more complete history of the subject. They did not listen/obey. Will America listen and obey? A better question and even more personal—are you listening to the warnings you are receiving? If not, would you like to know why you don’t? Find the answer in verse eight. You are stubborn and you have an evil heart. Harsh? God said it.

On any given week-end this summer you can find many more people on the beaches, lakes, parks, at games, in gambling houses, and in bed asleep at home than you can find in the house of God. In verses 9-10 you can see that God calls this a refusal to obey his words and following other gods to worship them. His promise for this follows in 11-14, where He says that ‘I am about to bring on them disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to me but I will not hear.” I have told you readers that God has a limit—that his spirit will not always strive with men, and we do not know in advance when He will say enough. It happened to Judah [see 14] He told the prophet not to pray for Judah—“For I will not be listening when they call out to Me at the time of their disaster.”

Time and space is so limited. God’s Word is so great and expansive that at one time the writer said that if it all was written down there would not be enough books to hold it. Not finished, and incomplete I must close this session by simply reminding you one more time that it is imperative for all of us to: “RISE ABOVE THE TIDE” AND LEARN TO OBEY THE LORD. OR GET PREPARED TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. Please remember that history repeats itself where sinful people are concerned; but the history of God is not repetitive but always the same and continuous, and will be until his goal has been reached…known as the end of the age, when Christ returns to claim His own.

Live Above Board - Jeremiah 7:1 - 10:25

Disguised as laws to protect personal confidentiality there are many questions that an employer is not allowed to ask a prospective employee; questions regarding political and religious preferences are examples. If you had moved to Heber Springs a couple of years ago and gone to work at one of the local industries, would anyone know by now whether you are a Christian or not? Assuming you were a member of a church would you have joined one here by now? If you had united with a church here, would you have told your buddies at the factory about the experience? Would you have invited any of your friends to attend with you? More importantly, would you have spoken to anyone about their relationship with God?

Would you participate in telling or even listening to the ‘dirty joke’ sessions that take place at break time? Would there still be some, if not all, that did not even know that you profess to be a Christian? The questions that you need to ask yourself are: “Do I demonstrate my trust in God? DO I LIVE ABOVE BOARD? Note: the title of this lesson is DO I LIVE ABOVE BOARD. Does your life really count for Christ? Remember that only you and God need to be fully satisfied; however it is rewarding to please others.

Since God can not condone sin, surely one of His greatest concerns is the fact that his people who claim to be believers are practicing life styles that are no different from those who have never claimed Him as their Lord. This is nothing new. In the Old Testament, God chose Israel as His special people and established His covenant with them. The basis for this covenant was the Ten Commandments. His people continually broke the covenant yet they blindly continued to believe that they were still under His protection. If you will study His word, you will find that, in many cases, they paid a horrible price for their sins while they were still living; and the unsaved will continue paying. It is no wonder that people who claim to be Christian seem to have so many problems confronting them daily. Sometimes God allows Satin to have his way in the lives of sinful Christians; and often they learn the hard way—experience is a good teacher but her lessons usually cost much more than we would like to pay.

Our covenant with God is something like a contract with a company to provide a service. We agree to pay and the company agrees to provide the service and if either fails to live up to the contract there is always a problem. There is one main difference though…because God is the company, the provider, and He never fails to keep his end of the bargain, Christians are the ones who fail. The bible teaches that ‘all have sinned and come short’ of God’s expectations, and many times we come short of his commands.

In our lesson today, Jeremiah prophesied that in the future, following the impending judgment on the nation, Judah, God would make a new covenant with Israel and Judah. Unlike the old one which was so severe that man could not keep it…the new one would enable people to uphold it. Under the new one, His law would be written on our hearts. We now have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and when our lives are dedicated [in our daily living] we receive forgiveness for our daily sins. In Ezekiel we find that he prophesied that we could keep the new covenant because of God’s Spirit that is within Christians, [Ezek.36: 26]. This prophesies came true as recorded in [Hebrews 8-9]. And it was sealed with the blood of Christ [Matt. 26: 28].

In the early verses of this lesson God instructed Jeremiah to stand in the gate of the Lord and warn the people that visiting the temple regularly [going to church] does not fulfill the requirements made by God. The example that matters continues seven days a week, and twenty four hours each day. How does your life demonstrate that your faith is genuine? How do your day-to-day actions differ from those of unbelievers around you? Jeremiah warned the Jews; your pastor, Sunday school teachers, and the bible warn you today.

It is imperative that you read this lesson in order to get the total message, but I insist that you re-read verses 9 through 11; “Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house…and say “we are safe” safe to do these detestable things? Has my house become a den of robbers to you? “I have been watching! Declares the Lord. The soldier standing guard may fall asleep on his watch; however, we can be assured that God never sleeps, and is watching our every move…both good and bad.

It is easy for us to say that we do not do these specific sins that are named above…but do we? Ever cheat a little on income tax? Stealing. Ever gossip about another’s actions? Murdering reputation. Ever look, see and lust? Adultery already in your heart. Miss represent the truth in anyway? Lying. Ever partook in Lord’s Supper without first confessing sin and asking forgiveness? Burning incense. Ever preferred a great home; a new car: a vacation; or even your family to being with, or trusting in God? Following other gods. Folks, it is not easy to totally trust God and live righteous daily…in fact it is impossible, but we must endeavor to do our best and trust God to forgive us when we fail…and we must not fail intentionally and continually. God has promised to forgive 7X70; however he has also told us that his spirit will not always strive with men. There is a limit to God’s patients; I do not know where it is, no one does, but I fear for America today. Too many have forgotten God; too many are carrying their luck far beyond safe bounds.

In verses 12-15 God told these people to take a look at Shiloh, use it as an example to see what their fate would be. You should remember that God established his headquarters at Shiloh and placed the arc of the covenant there. Eli was high priest and Samuel was called to serve there, but because of the people’s wickedness, the Lord allowed the Philistines to capture the ark [which symbolized God’s presence] and He departed from the people there. God will not live where sin prevails and that includes the heart of his people. Jerusalem and Judah have now become as the people were in Shiloh, and God is warning that there will be a pay day. America has moved into Shiloh territory, and God will not allow his Holy Spirit to be trampled under the feet of undeserving, un-Godly, and non-repenting sinners or Christians.

This lesson contains what was known as Jeremiah’s temple sermon and it warned the people that they were involved in deceptive worship. It is deceptive when we practice our religion on Sundays and at church and live as the world lives throughout the rest of the week. We are not to be deceived, and we must remember that what so ever we sow, that shall we also reap. God will not be mocked and he is watching to determine what seed we are sowing.

In closing, you must read 7: 30 and 31 about the Valley of Slaughter. These people built one or more alters called ‘high places’ in the Valley of Ben Hinnom on which to sacrifice their sons and daughters in fire. How terrible!! Americans would never do that!! No. The law would not allow it…yet. However it is acceptable for butchers to use a grinding instrument and bore their brains out while still in the womb, then allow them to birth as a glob of dead flesh and blood that was only a few moments ago…a living sole.

God saw these American babies just before they were killed, and He said that they were alive, and that he already knew what they were to accomplish is the life which is taken from them. Is there any difference in what the people of Judah was doing and what the Americans are allowing to be done?

There are viable organizations at work today trying to stop this hellish devastation of human life; I have signed several petitions lately, asking, begging, and demanding that Congress put a stop to our ‘Valleys of Slaughter that are operating in almost every community. Have you taken your stand against the murder of the unborn? I urge you to speak out at every opportunity, let God know that this is not one of your un-forgiven sins. Some Christians will argue that there are exceptions; that conditions can exist that justifies abortion. That may be so; but, personally, I prefer to let God decide, rather than some quack doctor. Let God have his way and the outcome will be acceptable in the sight of Jesus Christ, our Savior. I prefer to please Him, rather than abide by a man-made permissible abortion [murder] law. If you disagree with me regarding the sin of abortion—then my hope is that I have at least drawn your attention long enough to reconsider your stand. Every Christian should continue daily to LIVE ABOVE BOARD and be proud of the example their life sets before others.

Get Back on Track - Jeremiah 2:1 - 6:30

I have already tried to formulate in my mind just how I will attempt to make this lesson pertain to the United States of America and the perilous times we are experiencing today. In my opinion, God inspired the writers to include this lesson as America’s warning. The question in my mind is: Will our leaders heed this warning in time to save America? The Jews did not heed and their Pay-Day came soon and lasted 70 years. God Help Us!

In fact, and the truth is that the Jewish nation is still paying today, over 3000 years later for sins that are related directly to those committed during this the days of Jeremiah. They were in bondage in Egypt prior to this occasion and were rescued by God, and were denied their home in Jerusalem for their continued failure to trust God, and their worship of idols instead of Him. Christ came and they rejected him as the Messiah, and they will never find peace on this earth until they do.

You must read through these five chapters to get the picture of Jewish life as it had become in Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and the one that really had been shown more of God’s patience than Israel, the Northern Kingdom. The reading is not easy to fully understand because it is reported as a vision that came to the Prophet and it uses allegories [stories in which figures and actions are symbols of general truths]. I will attempt to generalize what appears to be the meaning to me.

This was a fruitful land; a land of plenty, as had been promised, a land of milk and honey. People were well off, living in much the same circumstances in that day and could be compared to America following WWII. Because God planned it that way, the land was fertile, the weather was conducive, and the expansive array of crops, including all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and other produce was abundant. Their industrial abilities, with far less machinery to work with than we have, were amazing. Their buildings were enormous and absolutely beautiful with the temple, as described in the bible was unbelievable. Their water and waste systems were a marvel, hidden underground and effective. Motes and walls surrounded cities for protection. They were blessed by God.

Now follow through and look at the problems that arose and while you study please watch the parallel with the same kinds of action and reactions that have occurred in America during the last hundred years. I digress a moment to say that I believe this story is in the bible to allow us to look back at their mistakes and profit by them. It is not an enjoyable read, in many ways it is a boring piece of literature and as far as I am concerned, any literature that deals with sin, immorality, deceit, deception, anti-Godliness, adultery, idol worship, and cult religions are boring. We do not read to enjoy; we must read to learn from the mistakes of others.

We must go back into the history of this nation briefly to explain why judgment is being brought upon Judah. Let us just start with Solomon, wise in head knowledge, but so lacking in spiritual commitment. God had told his people ‘I am the I am, there is no other, you can put no other gods before Me, you must obey my laws, I have given you commandments to live by and you must obey Me. God demanded that they not intermarry with heathen nations because that would introduce other gods to his people and one of Solomon’s first mistakes was to marry an Egyptian. Things started down hill soon, and culminated with parts of the Holy Temple being desecrated by allowing idol worship there. This is probably the greatest of their sins, because it defies the very first commandment. But all sin is simply sin and wrong in the sight of God.

As governmental power grew, certain people, especially the poor, were discriminated against in many ways but the one that fits us is that they were overtaxed unfairly and had to beg for mercy that did not come. Examples of multiple marriages, prostitution, [and even legal temple prostitutes] set the tone for the people to follow and it became one of the greatest sins of their day. They built their own idols with their own hands and called them gods and worshipped them. We have done the same thing. Think about it. You do not have to bow down, and pray to an object to worship it…you only have to put your greatest interest there, and forget God while you do it. Some of our gods are great, and would be acceptable to God, if we would only put Him first and thank him for them.

As I write, next Monday is Memorial Day and [if gas wasn’t so high] where would millions be? Thousands will be even with high gas prices. Let us start with River Fest in Little Rock, with expensive trucks, motor homes, and expensive boats on all the lakes. Las Vegas will be alive with gamblers, and the beaches crowded on both coasts. To many their home is their castle, a new car is their most cherished item, diamonds shine brighter than God ever can in their lives. Then there is the immoral issue with government even passing laws to make many legal. God’s plan for the family is being ignored, same sex marriages, are now able to adopt and raise homeless children in homes that are damned by God’s law. There is a tragic history of laws being passed that demands that the name of God be removed from all public places and documents. I must limit examples, but you get the picture, surely you can see the parallel with our lesson on the destruction of Judah.

Judah had gone too far. God rebelled against them. He gave them one more chance when he sent Jeremiah, just a lad, to warn them—and the story you read today tells you that he has had enough. Jeremiah told them what they had done and what God was about to do. They were going to be destroyed by armies that would bear down and run over their land like oil that would run down the mountains and cover them. The results were that Babylon, a cruel and ungodly nation, was permitted to conquer Judah and they were taken into captivity for 70 years. God save a remnant as he always will, but the nation has never regained their original position.

You can agree with me…or disagree…that is your privilege, but I truly believe that unless America returns to at least the Christian status we held in the early part of the last century, this nation is doomed to fall just as Judah did. Many, with more knowledge about nation failures than I have, have predicted that our downfall will come from within. Linen and Stolen both predicted that we would rot from within. The Islamic nations have determined to kill all infidels and convert the world to Islam. And in many ways we are playing straight into their hands. We need to GET BACK ON TRACK. And the only way is for us to guard against sin.

This lesson can be summed up by saying that it tells us the consequences of unfaithfulness [2: 1-37]. Jeremiah gave the call to repentance [3:1-4: 4] and I humbly tell you that I am trying to do the same thing. In 4:5-31, he told them that judgment was certain. The fifth chapter spells out the corruption of Judah and it is parallel to our day. And finally the Calamity came from the North just as he predicted in the sixth chapter.

Please go to 5: 3-6 and read NOW. The people were the first to fail, then you would expect the leaders to bring us back, but they are even worse. I do not know who the lion, leopard and wolf are but they are crouched and ready to strike America. I am truly glad that I do not know the day and hour. But unless we repent of our sinful ways, and pray for forgiveness, and be humble about it—God will not protect America while it delves deeper and deeper into an immoral state that has forgotten who God is and that He is in power, and will have the last word. GOD BLESS AMERICA, IS MY PRAYER! Sadly, I know that the people of America must return to God before he will answer in the affirmative.

Accept Your Commission - Jeremiah 1:1-19

Do you consider yourself as a successful person? Have you read the life of Jeremiah and do you vision this great prophet as a successful man? Will you be happy with your life if it emulates anything near the success he had? How do you define the word success? The most of the answers to this last question will look something like this—“I will be successful if I can acquire a reasonable amount of wealth; at least enough to live comfortably and care for my family—and in so doing can obtain a level of prestige, favor and power to be financially and emotionally secure. I must obtain and hold a good number of friends and admirers and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I know who I am and where I am going and will work confidently to meet my goals and in the process I will be a success.” In a few words, this seems to be an admirable ambition…BUT

By these standards, Jeremiah was a miserable failure. He witnessed for God and to His people in Judah for forty years—but no one would listen and his work seemed doomed to failure. He acquired no material success either; he lived a deprived life; was thrown into prison, and once was even tossed into a cistern. He was taken to Egypt against his will; he was rejected by his family and friends, his audience, and even by the Kings. He stood alone throughout his life. In the eyes of his world, and especially our world today, he was a failure—and by our definition given above, Jeremiah was definitely a failure; he was very unsuccessful…BUT

In the eyes of God—Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of bible history. Why? He was successful “Because he ACCEPTED HIS COMMISSION FROM GOD.” As a member of God’s church, [a Christian] have you accepted your commission? Do you attempt daily to do what you can to answer the call? One important command was for you to study the word to show yourself approved. Have you studied the portion of scripture that reveals the last command He gave to you and me just before his ascension? His bodily work was finished on the cross; He was on his way back to heaven and He charged his church to remain diligent in their preaching and teaching about what He had done for man. He said, “Go into all the world, preach and teach unbelievers;…feed My sheep, pray, lift the fallen, do good to others as you would that they do for you,” on and on our commission is a great one. It is not a burden; but very demanding, time consuming but enjoyable; and rewarding beyond your deepest imagination.

The first chapter of this book records Jeremiah’s personal call from God and indicates that the assignment would be difficult. He said in verses 4 and 5 that “The word of the Lord came to me:” ‘I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born,…”’. Without thinking, some, if not most, of us would say that we have never had an experience like that. Think about it for a moment. We were all created individually and specifically for God’s purpose. Though not audibly, God has spoken to us through his inspired and divine written word, which is now complete and contains all promises that came as a result of the new covenant. We know more about what God expects of us than Jeremiah ever could have known. If we fail to follow His orders, what excuse will we give on the Day of Judgment?

Parenthetically, let me say that this passage should challenge all who believe in abortion. God said that He recognized Jeremiah, chose him and set him apart as a prophet before he was born. If an unborn fetus is not a person, then how could God have known his destiny? And to whom or what was He talking and assigning this responsibility? Would he have chosen a glob of useless protoplasm? No. He spoke of an unborn fetus in the mother’s womb as a person.

For those of you [if there are any] who doubt the call of God on the life of man, I ask you how you explain the conversation between God and Jeremiah? Read through these first verses, listen to the call of God, and then note that Jeremiah rejected the call and even protested saying, “Oh, no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am [only] a youth.” {Emphasis mine] Then note God’s answer or response. God told him not to make the excuse of being young, go where I tell you and say what I want you to say. And then the promise was “Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you.” We have two serious problems as rebellious sinners. First we fail to read His word to see what he has told us to do. Then when we read and learn his commands, we fail to follow; either out of fear of failure or maybe just because we are not willing to follow Him. The reason can only be neglect, unbelief, or laziness, all are serious sins.

I jut cannot complete this lesson without begging you to read chapter one and REREAD verses 7-19. God spoke to Jeremiah through this vision; He speaks to us through his Word.

Jeremiah was called by God to prophesy to Judah [the southern kingdom] who had rebelled and were serving idols made by their hands. He told them that they would be in captivity for 70 years in Babylon and that they would eventually return from exile. Jeremiah survived the fall, but was forcefully sent to Egypt. He remained faithful in spite of Jerusalem’s destruction. He was totally ignored and despised but because of his determined obedience he remained strong and courageous.

There are many other examples in the bible that show us how we must persevere in the Lord in order to be SUCCESSFUL; however, this one is all you need to tell and show you how God measures success in our lives. No matter how you and I define success, if it does not lead to a right relationship with God—it is the wrong definition. Then how can you get it right? First, read God’s word and follow the plan of salvation that leads you to surrender your life to Christ. Then study the word and see what God has commissioned you to do. The title of the lesson today explains the rest of the plan.—it says: ACCEPT YOUR COMMISSION. Have you?

Please pray for me that I may be able to honestly, and sincerely, keep in practice the admonitions that are recorded in His word; and please pray that readers will react more favorable than the hearers of Jeremiah the Prophet. Then remember. It is a fact. If they don’t believe and act accordingly, “There will be a pay-day some-day. {Note: This is the title to a wonderful message preached by Robert G. Lee at Belleview Baptist in Memphis before his untimely death.}