July 11 – Ezekiel 19-24

Focus before you read. . .

Today’s reading completes Ezekiel’s message of doom to the captives in Babylon, removing all hope that Jerusalem would be saved and they could return to the city.  Just as Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem that the city would soon be overtaken, Ezekiel drives home the message that the captives too would not escape judgment for their sins.  “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it,” the Lord declares through the prophet, “but I found none.  So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger” (22:30-31).  As you read through the various illustrations—including the death of Ezekiel’s own wife—that explain the Lord’s judgment, pay close attention to the overarching theme of justice.  Why does God act in this way?  How do the events of the 6^th century B.C. fit into the larger narrative of God’s plan for our salvation?

Questions to ask as you read. . .

• 1. Focus on the specific illustrations of Ezekiel’s prophecy.  What do the following represent?
     • The lioness and her cubs (Ch. 19)
     • Two adulteress sisters (Ch. 23)
     • The cooking pot (Ch. 24)
     • The death of Ezekiel’s wife (Ch. 24)

2.  What is the Lord’s rationale for His actions?    Where do you see evidence of God’s patience and mercy?

• 1. What aspects of Ezekiel’s character stand out to you?  What specific burdens does he have to carry?

Application to make after you read. . .

At a time of widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness, God looked for individuals to “stand in the gap” of the broken wall around the city of Jerusalem.  Having found the superficial religious rituals of the people inadequate, He searched in vain for faithful individuals who could lead a true spiritual reconstruction.  Where is God calling you to “stand in the gap”?  How is He prompting you to help lead spiritual reconstruction in your family?  In your church?  In your neighborhood?  In your workplace?

Prayer

Lord, purify our hearts and minds so that we might be come agents of spiritual reconstruction in the lives of others.

July 4 – Ezekiel 13-18

Focus before you read. . .

In today’s reading, Ezekiel’s prophecy focuses on false prophets, idolaters, and the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem.  While the warnings the prophet gives were delivered more than 2500 years ago, they are still relevant to our American culture today.  As you read, think about examples of “false prophets” and “idolaters” in our own times.  What core truth is Ezekiel communicating about our devotion to the Lord?  In chapters 16 and 17, Ezekiel uses the literary form of an allegory to paint a vivid picture of the consequences of Jerusalem’s sin.  An allegory is a system of symbols that work together to communicate a specific message.  Again, as you read today, pay close attention to each of the symbols within the allegory and try to determine the deeper spiritual message Ezekiel is delivering.

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. What sins has Jerusalem committed?  How does Ezekiel’s prophecy compare to the messages of the other major prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah?
2. The Lord addresses Ezekiel as “Son of man.”  Be careful not to confuse this title with the “Son of Man” title used to describe Jesus.  However, do you see any prophecies that relate to the coming of Jesus Christ in this reading?  Look carefully at the message of hope at the end of chapter 17.
3. Read chapter 18 carefully.  What role does one’s parentage play in God’s judgment?  On what factor does God’s judgment depend?

Application to make after you read. . .

In chapter 13, Ezekiel paints a clear picture of false prophets who used “whitewash” to cover up their “flimsy wall” of lies with a pleasing front.  Such walls will not last, says the Lord, for He promises to send rain, hailstones, and wind.  “When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, ‘Where is the whitewash you covered it with?’” (13:12).  Such is the value of the false fronts we construct to cover our true character.  What forms of “whitewash” are you using in your own life?  Ezekiel’s prophecy reminds us of the futility of trying to hide our lies from God.  While we may succeed for a time in fooling some people, we can never hide from God—and the storms of life will eventually reveal our true character to all.

Prayer

Lord, help us to remove the “whitewash” from our lives.  May we live our lives transparent before You.

May 30 – Jeremiah 42-46

Focus before you read:

This segment of Israel’s history illustrates well the massive inconsistency in Israel’s

relationship to God.  The great tragedy of defeat and destruction has not led the remnant

to repentance and obedience.  They go through a meaningless formality of seeking God’s will without the commitment that flows from an obedient heart. 

Questions to ask as you read:

Why does the remnant come to Jeremiah?  

How sincere are they?

 

Outline of the action:

A request for prayer on their behalf.

A promise of obedience.

A precise answer from God.  What was it?

A further disobedience.

Why did the remnant disobey?

What is their excuse?  Who is Baruch? (32:12, 43:3)

 

Why does Jeremiah go to Egypt?  (43:8)

What was Israel’s remnant’s sin in Egypt?  (44)

 

Chapter 46 begins a series of judgments against the nations that have been opposed to

God’s people.  Egypt comes first in a two-part judgment.

Part one is the PAST judgment spoken of before the Battle of Carchemish

The past prophecy fulfilled gives authority to

Part two which is future.  Babylon will defeat Egypt. Think of how popular this

made Jeremiah in Egypt.  

Application to make after you read:

How do you seek God’s will?  Do you seek it from a posture of committed obedience, or is it only one of the options from which you will choose as you please?  

Is that truly obedience?   Does it please God?    Does it meet your real need for guidance?

 

Prayer:

Personalize your response to today’s section as you pray. .

May 23 – Jeremiah 37-41

Focus before you read:

Zedekiah is installed as a king by Babylon.  Note the continuing tension between Egypt

and Babylon, and Israel’s  shifts of allegiance.  Why do these shifts happen?

Questions to ask as you read:

What inconsistency do you observe between verses 1,2 and verse 3,17 of Jeremiah Chapter 1?

How do you think Jeremiah felt during this time? vs 37-38.

How do you account for the differences in action toward Jeremiah on the part of:

The Captain of the Guard

The officials

King Zedekiah (More than one attitude—Why?)

Ebed Melech

Why was his life spared?  (39:18)

 

We will deal at more length with the fall of the city in Chapter 52

Why is Nebuchadnezzar well disposed to Jeremiah?

 

Chapters 40-41 occur after the city falls. There are three main groups:

Gedaliah, who has been installed by Babylon.

Ishmael, of royal blood, with remaining army and officials.

Johannan, who warns Gedaliah and opposes Ishmael.

Application to make after you read:

What was Zedekiah’s greatest fear?  What did his fear ultimately cost him and the city?

What do you fear?  Why?  How does God’s Word ask you to deal with your fear?

What might the cost be if you fail to obey God?

Prayer:  Lord, Help me cast my cares (fears) upon you!   I Peter 5:7,  Ps 55:22

 

Give to the winds your fears; To him commit your griefs,

In hope be undismayed: Your ways put in His hands—

God hears your sighs and counts your tears, To His sure truth and tender care

God shall lift up your head. Who earth and heaven commands.

                   

O put your trust in God; Leave to His sovereign sway

In duty’s path go on. To choose and to command;

Walk in His strength with faith and hope, So you shall, faithful, seek His way—

So shall your work be done. How wise, how strong His hand.

Paul Gehardt   1653

 

May 16 – Jeremiah 32-26

Focus before you read:

In Chapter 32 Jeremiah “puts his money where his mouth is.”  He buys a field in 

Anathoth  to show that he is serious about God’s promise to restore the nation in the

future. (32:15, 24-25)  Things are not going well for Jeremiah.  In Chapter 33 he is

“still” confined in the courtyard of the guard. (Remember that the book is not written

in strict chronological order.)  It will get worse ahead.

Questions to ask as you read:

Note all the times Jeremiah refers to “a new covenant.”  He has spoken of the violation of the old covenant.  What can you list to organize what Jeremiah has said about this time of

a new covenant?  What is it going to be like?

 

Do we need to make a distinction between a time when Israel’s condition will be “as they

were before” (33:7,11) and a time of “an everlasting covenant,” in which they are ruled over by “a righteous Branch?” (33:15)

 

Chapter 32:4-22 contrasts the faithlessness of Israel in matters practical and spiritual with

the faithful obedience of the Recabites (Chapter 35).  The lesson is formalized in Jeremiah

35:12-17.

 

Chapter 36 takes place earlier. It occurs in the “fourth year of Jehoiakim.”  See last week’s

chart to review the history of the monarchy.  Even then Jeremiah was “restricted.” (36:5)

The scroll Jeremiah writes and Baruch reads is received differently through the chapter

by various audiences. Who are they and how do they receive the reading?  How is “fear”

spoken of differently in separate places?  What does that tell us?

 

Application to make after you read:

Jeremiah invests in a future that he cannot see.  Are we as Christians asked to do the same thing?   What are the investments that we might make?  What holds us back?

 

Are we more like the Recabites or the King with the pocketknife as we deal with the

commandments of God which come to us?    Do we really fear God?   How do we know

if we do?

Prayer:

Lord, may I receive your Word with the gladness that incites obedience.  Let me look for

those things in your Word that require my attentive obedience.  May I read and obey in a love that is anchored in a proper fear of you.

May 9 – Jeremiah 27-31

Focus before you read: 

Jeremiah is looking intently into the future.  He sees many things.  Some of them are in the immediate future—like the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.  Some are a bit further away—like the return after 70 years.  But he sees some things that happen far later in history, or perhaps some that have not yet happened.  It is probable that the “David” that is to be raised up in Jer. 30:3 refers to Christ, who is set in place after an

unprecedented “time of trouble” for Jacob.  And the promise that the city “will never again be uprooted or demolished” (Jer 31:40) cannot refer to the city established at any time prior to 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman, Titus. It remains to

be fulfilled in some sense in the time when “They will all know me.” (Jer. 31:34)

There are many elements here that are subject to variances of interpretation.  That does not make them any the less true or certain.  God has told us what we need to know.  He

has not provided a detailed timetable for us.

Questions to ask as you read:

Chapters 27 and 28 show us some of the turmoil that surrounded Jeremiah.  His was not the only voice that claimed to speak for God.  Who were the other voices, and what were

they saying?  Why do you think they spoke as they did?  What were their motives.

How did Jeremiah deal with his “competitors?”    Why?   What lesson should we learn?

 

Notice the use of the pronoun “I” in Chapter 29.  Who does it refer to in most cases?

What is it telling us about God’s purposes and actions?  Note the hope for the future in 29:10-15.

 

Most of Chapters 30-31 is written as poetry.  It is apparent that understanding the time that

is spoken of is critical to understanding.  When is “the day” of 30:8;  the “at that time” of

31:1;  the “in those days” of 31:29?  What is being spoken of here?  What is the “new

covenant” of Jer. 31:31 and following all about?

Application to make after you read:

What voices claim to speak for God today?  What is their motive?  What do they say?

How do we know which ones should have our attention?

 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord for the truth of your Word and the promise of your Spirit to be a present Guide for us in a world of competing truth-claims.  May we be knowledgeable in your Word and sensitive to the leading of your Spirit as we seek to grow in our walking in holiness before you.

May 2 – Jeremiah 22-26

Focus before you read:
The last twenty-three years of Judah’s monarchy before the captivity is tragic and confusing.
Josiah is the last good king, and the revival in his time the last positive movement in Judah
Josiah who came to the throne at a young age, rules from 640 B.C.to 608 B.C.
The balance of the history of the succession is found in II Chronicles 34,
Jehoahaz rules for 3 months IN 608 B.C., and is deposed and carried off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim (608 B.C.-597 B.C.) also called Eliakim, is installed and run by Egypt.
He pays tribute to Egypt
Judah is on the losing side when Babylon defeats Egypt at Carchemish in
605 B.C. This is when Daniel is carried to Babylon.
Jehoiachin, (also called Jeconiah or Coniah) at 18 is King for three months.
He surrenders the city to Babylon (Jer. 52:28) and is deported thence and
In prison in Babylon for 37 years, then released Jer. 52:31.
The Queen Mother, nobles, artisans and all the treasure is deported. (Jer. 27:20)
Zedekiah ( 597 B.C.-586 B.C.)  is placed on the throne by Babylon but rebels .
The city is put under siege in 588 B.C., and falls in 586 B.C. Many are deported.

Questions to ask as you read:
In Jer. 22-23:8 the King himself is confronted at the palace. What matters are brought to his attention by Jeremiah?  Are you surprised at what the focus is?
In Jer. 23:9 and following Jeremiah confronts the religious establishment.  Why?
While Jeremiah did not have a plush assignment, at least he had the promise of God’s protection over his life. How does that compare with the fate of God’s servants in Jer. 26:20-23?
Chapter 25 is a critical chapter.  Daniel quotes it—Dan. 9:2.  The important elements:
1.Judgment is coming but with a time limit on it. The number 70 is key.
2.There will be a judgment on Babylon.  Has it been fulfilled?
3.God’s wrath will fall on ALL nations.  Has this been fulfilled?
4.A final charge to the shepherds over God’s people.

Application to make after you read:
These chapters give hope in the midst of despair.  They were promises given in a time of darkness.  How has God provided you with hope in times of personal darkness  or  pressure?

Prayer:

What burdens has God placed on your heart today?   Take them to Him.

April 25 – Jeremiah 17-21

Focus before you read:
As the book progresses we will read more about the prophet’s personal life, and
the way his mission impacted his entire environment. It was not easy for Jeremiah.

Questions to ask as you read:
Chapter 17 contains a message preached “at the gate of the people.” Note how the
location is appropriate to the message which requests the observance of the law
concerning the Sabbath.

Chapter 18 is a message on the sovereignty of God. He works the “clay” of his
people and his world as it suits his purpose. He is at odds with a people who are
determined to walk outside the God proclaimed boundaries. (18:15-16)

Chapter 19 is a movie spectacle begging to be filmed. See the procession of  priests
elders and people of the city perhaps following after Jeremiah, who is carrying a
clay jar. Ponder the indictment of verses 3-7. It is high drama. And in verse 7, where
God says “I will ‘ruin’ the plans”… the word “ruin” sounds like the Hebrew for
“jar.” In a play on words, Jeremiah says “I will jar the plans,” as he smashes the pot.

Jeremiah pays a physical price for the sermon/lesson of Chapter 19.  He is beaten and
placed in the stocks.  You can sense the pain as he contrasts his faith (v. 11-13) with
his feelings. (v 14-18)  Jeremiah is not in a pleasant position.

In a stunning reversal King Zedekiah sends another “Pashhur” to have Jeremiah
inquire of the Lord  for the nation.  What presumption!  Babylon was almost at the
city gate.  How does Jeremiah answer the King’s request?

Application to make after you read:
How do you take emotional changes in your life and circumstances?  It is often
hard to deal with them correctly.  God wants us to be solidly anchored to him
regardless of our situation  Paul speaks of this in Philippians 4:11-13

Prayer:
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fight to win the prize
And sail through bloody seas?
Isaac Watts 1674-1748    .

April 18 – Jeremiah 12-16

Focus before you read:

Consider the unpopular, even drastic message that Jeremiah brought to Judah. It

was harsh, but actually a function of God’s grace in warning his people repeatedly

before bringing judgment down on them. And we will be finding a promise of

grace beyond the time of discipline.

Questions to ask as you read:

Note in Chapter 12 the attitude of wicked Judah:

Seemingly prospering in wickedness

Denying that God is really “watching.”

Really just “marking time” until a sinful seed grows a shameful harvest.

There is a hint of grace in 12:14-17.

What is it saying? To whom is it directed?

Chapter 13 contrasts glory and shame (v16,26)

honor and pride (v8, 11)

They will ultimately ask “Why has this happened to me?” v.22

They have not yet heard what God has said to them.

Why do you think that God instructs Jeremiah at least three times “not to pray for the well-being of the people?” (7:16, 11:14; 14:11)

What did Manasseh son of Hezekiah do in Jerusalem that so offended God?

See Jer. 15:4, and II Kings 21:1-17.

Note the hope-filled passage in 16:14. It occurs in the context of the great price

Jeremiah pays to be faithful to God’s calling.

Application to make after you read:

Do I fail to “pay the price” God asks of me so that I can be content and “at ease”

in Zion. The people around Jeremiah, especially the leaders were doing so.

What price does God require of me? Consider Philippians 3:7-8

Prayer:

Since I must fight if I would reign

Increase my courage, Lord;

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by thy word.

Isaac Watts 1674-1748

April 11 – Jeremiah 7-11

Focus before you read:

 

Have you noted how often Jeremiah attributes his words to God? This is in

contrast to the false prophets who were telling the people that there would be

no defeat for Judah. (Jer. 8:8 etc.)

Note how Chapter 7 is addressed: to worshippers “at the gate to God’s house.”

 

Questions to ask as you read:

The basic message contains many continuing elements. What are they?

In Chapter 7 and again in Chapter 11 the point is made that the Covenant is not

a one way street in which God pours out blessings on his people. There is a

requirement for obedience. See 7:23; 8:7; 9:13; 11:2-8.

 

This obedience has a vertical dimension. God alone is to be worshipped.

Judah was worshipping other false Gods. And their powerlessness is comical.

“A scarecrow in a melon patch” is how Jeremiah describes them. (10:5)

Baal worship was especially prevalent. It was a wicked immoral religion.

What are some contemporary competitive gods in our society?

 

This obedience also demands a real social standard. See 7:5-11 Instead,

greed, oppression, adultery, perjury, a shameless attitude, deception, slander, superstition, (10:2) are enumerated by Jeremiah in these chapters.

How do they occur in my contemporary setting? Do they occur in me?

 

What is significant in Jeremiah’s being opposed by the men of Anathoth?

Who were they? See Jer. 1:1, 12:6 What was their social status?

What was their message to the people?

 

Application to make after you read:

Are there areas of my life where I claim blessing but do not experience it because

of disobedience?

This would be a sin of presumption. “God must bless me even if I disobey him.”

This may be due to a doctrinal correctness (head) without application. (heart).

How would this manifest itself in personal or social relationships?

 

Prayer:

Lord, I praise you that you are a living God who has and uses power for a holy

purpose. May I confess your holiness and worship you not only in correct

confession of who you are, but in consistent holy behavior that honors you.

.