Jerusalem was under Babylonian siege 32 1 2
• Jerusalem was under Babylonian siege (32: 1 -2; cf. 39: 1 -2; 2 Kgs. 25) • Jeremiah was in prison in Jerusalem (32: 2) − In prison because he spoke the truth of God (32: 3 -5) − In speaking God’s truth, we can fall out of favor with others (Gal. 4: 16) • Truth is still truth! − Even when/if no one wants to hear it! − Even when/if no one wants to speak it! − Even when/if the one who speaks it is suppressed or shut up!
• Events happened exactly as the Lord said (32: 6 -8) • Jeremiah ensured honesty and openness in the transaction (32: 9 -14) • Captivity was imminent, but the Jews would return (32: 15) − Purchasing the land was to be a sign of hope to Israel • God holds tomorrow! − Today is yesterday’s tomorrow − If yesterday, God was holding tomorrow, what is He doing today?
• Praised the power of God (32: 17) • Praised the loving and wise justice of God (32: 18 -19) − God gives to all “according to” his ways and his fruits − God shows His mercy by giving His law (Ex. 20: 5 -6) • Praised the wonders and blessings of God (32: 20 -22) − God kept His promises (32: 22) • Confessed willful rebellion against the Lord (32: 23) • Sought greater understanding (32: 24 -25) • He who knows all and can do all is more than worthy to be trusted & obeyed − Even if/when we can’t understand everything, that’s ok – still obey God! − God sees down the road further than we do (Rom. 11: 33; Prov. 3: 5 -6)
• • • • God can both punish and restore His people from captivity (32: 26 -27) Israel had worshiped Baal (32: 29) Israel had worshiped other gods (32: 29) Israel had done only evil before the Lord (32: 30) Israel had made idols with their God-given hands (32: 30) All Israel, from highest to lowest, had provoked the Lord to anger (32: 29 -32) Israel turned their back on God (32: 33) Israel refused to listen and receive God’s teaching and correction (32: 33) Israel moved their idols into the temple to worship (32: 34) Israel built worship places (pagan shrines) for their idols (32: 35) Israel sacrificed their children to the god Molech (32: 35) Israel acted outside of and beyond the authority of God (32: 35) Therefore, the Lord gave Israel to Babylon (32: 28 -29), away from His face (32: 31) Sin has consequences and those consequences are essential!
• God would gather and return Israel to their land (32: 36 -37 + 43 -44) • Ultimately, God would send the Messiah and His kingdom (32: 38 -42) − In His kingdom, they would dwell safely (32: 37) − In His kingdom, they would be His people (32: 38; cf. 31: 33; 2 Cor. 6: 16) − In His kingdom, they would be of one heart (32: 39; cf. Acts 4: 32) − In His kingdom, they would be of one way (32: 39; cf. Jn. 14: 6; Mt. 7: 13 -14; Acts 4: 12; Eph. 4: 4 -6) − In His kingdom, they would have an everlasting covenant (32: 40; cf. 31: 31 -34; Hb. 8: 8 -12; 13: 20) − In His kingdom, they would receive all the “good” blessings of Christ (32: 39 -42; cf. Eph. 1: 3) • As certain as God’s judgment and punishment are God’s promises and favor − While God’s people will go through periods of adversity… − God will bring them through it and out of it stronger (Rom. 5: 3 -4; Jas. 1: 2 -4)
• Jeremiah laid up His treasure where God instructed, knowing he would reap a great reward! − What about you? − Where are you laying up treasures? In the heavenly kingdom? − Jeremiah was ready for anything. Are we?
• Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 20: 30 -31 • Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 3: 19 • Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Romans 10: 9 • Be immersed into Christ – Acts 22: 16 − God will forgive you of your sins – Acts 2: 38 − God will add you to His church – Acts 2: 47 − God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12: 23 • Trust in the Lord and serve Him faithfully – Revelation 2: 10
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