God always has a plan. There is never an emergency that He has not already provisioned a solution. There is never a crisis that can find Him unaware or unprepared. He never sleeps nor slumbers. And often, as is the case with Jeremiah, He chooses leaders who are unsuspecting of the role they will play … Continue reading –>
The last few weeks have been pretty intense in the religio-political world. The arrival of Pope Francis in America has elicited all kinds of responses. For some, he is a breath of fresh air. For others, he is no different from any other pope apart from his “terrific PR”.1 Regardless of which position you may … Continue reading –>
Harry and Alex* worked as security guards in Malawi. They often talked to break up the boredom. One night Alex said, I have an idea how we could earn some extra money. What’s that? Harry asked, interested. We could use our rifles in a little side business, Alex said, lifting his gun. Rich people have … Continue reading –>
Martin Luther wrote about the prophet in the introduction of his commentary to the book of Jeremiah: Jeremiah was a sad prophet, who lived in a deplorable and difficult period and, what is more, his prophetic service was extremely difficult as he was struggling and fighting with a bad-tempered and stubborn people. Apparently he did … Continue reading –>
The prophet is God’s witness; his job is to speak not for himself but for God alone. Jeremiah wasn’t called to find solutions to the problems of the nation, or to become a great personality or charismatic leader whom the people would follow. Jeremiah had the singular mission to transmit the words of God to … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Jeremiah knew the difficulties he would face and that he wouldn’t be able to handle it. But God calmed his fears and empowered him to speak God’s words. The Calling of Jeremiah Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2015 1. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 1:4,5. a. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
Despite the Lord’s assurance that Jeremiah had been divinely chosen for this task, the young man was frightened and didn’t feel up to it. Perhaps knowing the spiritual state of people at the time, which wasn’t good, and knowing what needed to be done, Jeremiah didn’t want the job. Compare Jeremiah 1:6 with Isaiah 6:5 … Continue reading –>
Read Jeremiah 1:1-5. What does this tell us about Jeremiah’s calling? Just like other prophets in the Old Testament (and like Paul in the new; see Gal. 1:1, Rom. 1:1), Jeremiah didn’t waffle in regard to who called him. He was very clear in these verses and, in fact, all through the book of Jeremiah, … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Kings 1:1-53 and 1 Kings 2:26. What was the background that led to the exile of Abiathar to his home in Anathoth? After he strengthened his throne, Solomon, in a conflict with Adonijah over succession, removed Abiathar the priest from his office and sent him into exile back to his hometown, Anathoth, believed … Continue reading –>
The prophets, according to their calling, were determined protectors of God’s law. They stood on the ground of the covenant and the Ten Commandments (Jer. 11:2-6). Micah 3:8 gives one summary of the prophets’ work, which was to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. And the concept of sin, of course, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 1:19, Jer. 7:5-7, 1 Kings 2:26, Jer. 1:1-5, Isa. 6:5, Jer. 1:6-19, Matt. 28:20. Memory Text: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5, NKJV). We know more about the … Continue reading –>
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NKJV While working as a Bible Worker and lay pastor in a small church in west Texas, several of the members told me they hoped I would … Continue reading –>
