Jeremiah 23:33-24:10; Jeremiah 29:1-31:14
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Jeremiah Chapter 24 and the good and bad figs is interesting. It’s interesting in that the captives that end up in Babylon are the good figs – and those that stay behind in Judah & Jerusalem are the bad. You might think the opposite would be true. But, it seems that the 70 years of captivity coming up in Babylon will be a “refining” process for those Israelites, and will bring them back closer to God, before returning to the land. In verse 1 we read: “After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, to Babylon along with the princes of Judah and all the skilled craftsmen, the LORD gave me this vision. I saw two baskets of figs placed in front of the LORD’s Temple in Jerusalem.”
Jeremiah 29:8-9 today tells us: “The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says, “Do not let the prophets and mediums who are there in Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams because they prophesy lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.” My thought on these verses is that often times I think that we too are tricked by lies that the world is often selling us. “Money, Power, Status, Sex-Appeal, etc. etc. are things to be strived for above all else” are the type of things that I think we often hear. But, are these True? Or are they tricks – are they lies? Will you find emptiness or happiness in what the world is selling you? Where can you find True happiness and peace? I think these questions are answered for us today in verses 11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.” Are you looking for God in earnest? If you’ve found God, are you following Him alone and not the tricksters of this world? Do you believe that God has a beautiful plan for you and your life? A plan much better than any plan you could dream up on your own?
Worship Video: The great news of Jeremiah 29:11 reminded me of the great Christian movie called “Facing the Giants.” Have you seen this movie yet? My wife and I just watched it for the first time a couple of weeks ago on DVD and loved it. It’s made by the same folks that made the movie “Fireproof.” Here’s a trailer for it:
Are you facing giants in your life? Click here for the One who can defeat all giants!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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