Jeremiah and Jesus...

When I read the 26th chapter of Jeremiah, I cannot help but think how it parallels with Jesus. I don't think time changes people. There will always be time. Circumstances change people, but not always for good. The pride of humanity will always oppose God. And as that pride grows, it begins to lose its common sense. It loses its ability to be rational, to weigh it's options. It fails to discern truth from fiction, and leaves the practitioner without the ability to honestly even carry on a civil conversation. The argument eventually turns to violence and threats. And the response is "how dare you tell me..." Jeremiah faced this type of human pride when he spoke of God's judgement on Jerusalem. Jesus did the same. When one man agreed with Jeremiah, he had to flee to Egypt for his life, only later to be captured, brought back to Jerusalem, and executed. Why is it when you oppose someone on a sinful issue, the prideful response is intolerant threatening? Because people who have no reverence for God don't have the ability to see truth, for God has taken away their ability to embrace it. Their comfortable world of evil behavior is threatened by the truth of God, so the only solution is to remove the source promoting truth. Does this not parallel Jesus' life? When He prophesied against the Temple? Did the people react the exact same way? Sound like modern day America?

7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people listened to Jeremiah as he spoke in front of the Lord’s Temple. 8 But when Jeremiah had finished his message, saying everything the Lord had told him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people at the Temple mobbed him. “Kill him!” they shouted. 9 “What right do you have to prophesy in the Lord’s name that this Temple will be destroyed like Shiloh? What do you mean, saying that Jerusalem will be destroyed and left with no inhabitants?” And all the people threatened him as he stood in front of the Temple. Jeremiah 26:7-9 11 The priests and prophets presented their accusations to the officials and the people. “This man should die!” they said. “You have heard with your own ears what a traitor he is, for he has prophesied against this city.” Jeremiah 26:11 14 As for me, I am in your hands–do with me as you think best. 15 But if you kill me, rest assured that you will be killing an innocent man! The responsibility for such a deed will lie on you, on this city, and on every person living in it. For it is absolutely true that the Lord sent me to speak every word you have heard.” Jeremiah 26:14-15

Prevenient Grace...

Prevenient Grace. When we think we are in control, we must always remember: it was God Who gave us life. It is God Who gives us our very next breath. It is God Who gives us a heart that recognizes Him as Lord. Thanks be to God for His glorious grace.

7 I will give them hearts that recognize Me as the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me wholeheartedly. Jeremiah 24:7

Distinguishing God’s Word...

How do you distinguish God's word from false teaching? God's word convicts, compels, prompts action, and humbles the listener. It's like a burning fire, and it always smashes anything unworthy to pieces. As it says in 1Timothy, it's sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing the soul and spirit. It's not always pleasant and welcoming, but it always serves its purpose: to convict, to edify, and to turn our focus back onto Him.

29 Does not My word burn like fire?”says the Lord.“Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

The Direction You Point Others...

A true follower of God always points people away from evil/sinful behavior and back to God. Always...

22 If they had stood before Me and listened to Me,they would have spoken My words,and they would have turned My people from their evil ways and deeds. Jeremiah 23:22

Treating Others...

How we treat others matters. It shows others what it means TO KNOW God. When we are just and right in our behavior, things go well. It's the most effective witness we can have on others. It places your faith on parade for all to see and points out that God's ways are of the utmost importance to you. Admitting your mistakes (not trying to be perfect), showing mercy to others, and being transparent and honest, is what God ultimately wants from us. Our reputation does matter, but not the kind ruled with pride, rather one built with humility, dignity, and responsibility to God. Ultimately, your behavior as a believer is the only real thing we can do to point others to the Truth.

Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him.16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know Me?”says the Lord.17 “But you! You have eyes only for greed and dishonesty! You murder the innocent, oppress the poor, and reign ruthlessly.” Jeremiah 22:15c-17

Volitional Destination...

Ultimately, Heaven or Hell is a choice. God has always given man a choice. He warns him first. Then gives him a choice before carrying out His judgement, to repent and be spared or continue to rebel and reap the consequences. All the God-haters out there complain and and continue to bad-mouth God, without mentioning the fact that they sealed their own fate by making their choice that could've spared them this self-inflicted fate. Human nature is so fickle. God always has and will continue to give us the choice of life or death. Which will you choose today?

8 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives. 10 I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the Lord. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’ Jeremiah 21:8-10

Lustful Passions...

When it comes to sexual sin, regardless of the avenue traveled (same sex or opposite sex), you are to control your own body. God's will is for us to be set apart from the patterns of this world. When you push God aside, you clear the way for lustful passions. Sometimes those passions are so strong and deceptive that you end up not only destroying your own life, but the lives of others as well. Even another believer. Remember, sexual sin is not a rejecting human teaching, it is rejecting God, the Creator of all things. You're telling Him, "You can't tell me what to do". The Lord always avenges these types of sins.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8