Romains 13:1-14 (DB of 30/03/2017)

Thursday, March 30th 2017

key verse: 13

LET US WALK AS IN THE DAYTIME

Paul talks about submission to authorities, fraternal love and the behavior of believers in the end times.

1. Be subject to the authorities (1-7)

A christian must be subject to authorities, in righteous behavior. Doing good is to be rewarded, not punished. On the other hand, it's a question of conscience if it's really conformed to God's will. It's useless to resist, lest we be punished like anarchists. All governments are established by God to maintain order in the world. They use their power to punish wrongdoers and reward those who do good. Submitting ourselves means paying what is due. Whether it be taxes or revenue, we must see it this way. Jesus said to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. We must fear and honor those who are worthy. This is proper civics.

2. Mutual love (8-10)

We must owe no one anything, except to love each other. Therefore, we must examine our actions and motives to know if they are motivated by love. If this is the case, we fulfill the law.

3. Walk properly (11-14)

Through these famous words, Saint Augustine met God personnally. He lived in debauchery, but was converted by verses 13 and 14. While living in the end times, we must live in a way worthy of receiving the imminent coming of the Lord. The time is coming, along with judgement, so we must cast off the works of darkness and live in the light.

Prayer: Lord, may the spirit of love and submission be with me.

Bottom line: walk as in daytime

Romains 12:1-8 (DB of 28/03/2017)

Tuesday, March 28th 2017

key verse: 1

PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE

In this chapter and the following ones, Paul gives a practical exhortation to show how the justified believer must live.

1. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice (1-2)

Our bodies no longer belong to us since Jesus redeemed our lives by his blood. We must thus offer our bodies as a sacrifice to God. Aside from Sunday church service, the deeper meaning is the sacrifice of our whole body for God. Our living sacrifice must be far from fatalistic thinking, be separated from sin, holy and pleasing to God because of our faith (Heb. 11:6). This demand is reasonable, since Jesus gave his life on the cross for us. Paul exhorts believers to not be conformed to this world, since the love of God cannot inhabit the one who loves the world. A life conformed to this world would make a man's heart divided. This does not please God. Instead, our mind must be renewed, which will help us discern what the will of God is.

2. A community of God (3-8)

As a humble shepherd, Paul tells the Romans to not become proud. We must think with sober judgement, without aiming too high or acting with too much ambition. God has assigned a measure of faith to each person. Therefore, we shouldn't compare ourselves and our spirituality. Each person must thank God for his own situation and encourage others, edifying the church. Then God will use each one in his own way to accomplish his will. The community of God is made of many members having different gifts. We must use them for God's glory. Each role has its own spirit in the church and we must each use our own gift to the fullest (6-8b).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me and giving me a body that can be a whole sacrifice to you. Help me to exert my role to the fullest.

Bottom line: a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing

Romans 11:11-36 (DB of 27/03/2017)

Monday March 27th 2017

key verse: 12

THE WILD OLIVE TREE AND THE NATURAL OLIVE TREE

Paul explains the redeeming story of God in relation to the racial problem of the Jews and the Pagans. God's story progresses towards the end of the times when his will will be accomplished.

1. The grafting of the Pagans (11-22)

Seeing the hardness of this people's heart, God turns his heart towards the Pagans.  The Pagans are similar to the wild olive trees which aren't allowed to have a share in the natural olive trees. But because of the failure of Israel, who was rebellious and hardened, God made his mercy spread to the pagan world. The salvation of the Pagans is only a pure mercy. There is no reason to boast. As it were they were used to cause the jealousy of Israel. So, they must be humble continually giving thanks to God. If God was severe for the Israelites who have a nature faithful to his essence, he particularly will be severe if the Pagans, who have a different nature from Him, disobey (22).

2. The restoration of Israel (23-36)

God's will is sure, it's not to let Israel fail and abandon them, bur to restore them. Through their full restoration God wants to enrich the earth (12) and give his mercy to all the peoples on the earth (32). So, after the achievement of the Pagans' salvation, the redemptive work for all the Israelites will be triggered (26). Because the election and the call of Israel are irrevocable (29). Seing this divine story, Paul praises the depth of the mystery of God. He is unfathomable and his will is great. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me and grafting me on your vine. I want to have an attitude full of gratitude worthy of your name. Help me.

Bottom line: The wild olive tree in the tree of salvation

Romains 11:1-10 (DB of 25/03/2017)

Saturday, March 25th 2017

THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL

Through the power of love, God continually held out his hands to Israel, though they were rebellious and did not accept his word. What then will God do for them?

1. There is a remnant chosen by faith (1-5)

Considering their rebellion, it's normal for God to reject them. Yet God does not act the way man does. In spite of the people's ignominy, God is patient to the end. Paul has the same heart for his people (9:3). Now, God has kept a remnant of Israel. If we examine the situation, it seems dark, since none among the Jews has really received Jesus. However, this isn't the case. Paul says that according to God's sovereignty, certain people will believe and be saved, as was the case in the days of Elijah. Just as 7,000 men were kept for God, so there will be a remnant of elected people. And this is by grace.

2. The Jews rely on works (6-10)

The Jews were elected and it was truly God's grace. Yet, they weren't satisfied with that, thinking it was too easy. So, they turned to works and sought salvation through works, but in the eyes of God, man's works are as filthy rags. Their hearts were hardened, partly because of their blind efforts to justify their salvation, and partly because they didn't really hear God's word. Though, there are others who are elected and freely saved, without works. They recognize that they do not deserve God's grace. He blesses the pagans that understand how serious sin is and how precious salvation is. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for keeping a remnant of people who seek and fear you. Help me to always recognize my election and give my life for you.

Bottom line: the remnant of Israel for God

Romains 10:1-13 (DB of 23/03/2017)

Thursday, March 23rd 2017

YOU WILL BE SAVED THROUGH CONFESSING BY YOUR MOUTH

key verse: 9

Paul speaks continually on the truth of justice. True justice comes from faith. Then, he talks about the condition for salvation. 

1. Christ, the end of the law (1-5)

The Jews are zealous but do not have knowledge. They are ignorant of God's true judgement and give themselves to noble actions in order to acquire their own justice. Yet, this is a dilemma, as Moses said before: you must obey and practice the entire law. However, Christ is the end of the law. He became our justice by dying on the cross. From now on, since Christ accomplished the law, man has only to believe in him to be justified.

2. If you confess with your mouth, you will be saved (6-13)

The word is not far, but rather close to believers. As soon as we believe in Christ, our sins are forgiven. The word is in our hearts and in our mouths. These two members are very important in our salvation. We must first confess that Jesus is the Christ, as Peter did on the mountain in Caesarea Philippi. Then, we must believe in him. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. If we believe in him, we will achieve his justice, but when we confess and invoke his name, we can be saved. 

Prayer: Lord, I not only believe in you but also confess you are the Christ. When I confess this, I am sure not only of my righteousness but also of my salvation. 

Bottom line: heart for righteousness, mouth for salvation

Romans 10:14-21 (DB of 24/02/2017)

Friday March 24th 2017

key verse: 17

FAITH COMES FROM WHAT WE HEAR 

After having said that justice comes from faith, not from the law, this morning Paul concretely speaks about where faith comes from. 

1. What beautiful feet (14-15)

Is smoke without fire ? Similarly, no salvation without preacher. God calls everyone to become a preacher of God's word. It's the duty of the redeemed. Paul praises the beauty of the feet which go to the mountains and the cities to spread out God's kingdom. Above all, it's an order of God for the justified by the blood of Jesus. The Pagans are freely forgiven, so it's fair that they also freely give God's word. 

2. The source of faith (16-21)

But the Jews didn't obey this order because of their self-righteousness. They are enclosed in their feeling of elected and they refused God's call. The voice of the prophets travelled the city. But they cloged their ears. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Paul speaks about a very important truth. Faith which the Jews lacked and leads us to perdition comes from hearing. Even though the Jews have ears, their heart is closed so they can't hear the word. Especially because of their prejudice they can't hear Jesus' message of salvation. So, Moses and Isaiah said that they will be deprived from salvation, and salvation will go to the Pagans who weren't his people. 

Prayer: Lord, you freely saved me. Help me to give your message to the lost world. Help me to listen with an opened heart to God's word so that I achieve salvation. 

Bottom line: how beautiful are the feet of the preachers !

Romans 9:30-33 (DB of 22/03/2017)

Wednesday March 22th 2017

key verse: 30

THE JUSTICE COMING FROM THE FAITH

For a long time Paul spoke about the justification by faith, beginning by this words: "the righteous will leave by faith". He speaks again about the justice whose profit the Pagans and whose the Jews are deprived, and he explains why.

1. The Pagans justified by faith (30)

The Pagans have a conscience in their heart. That's why when they commit sin their conscience isn't peaceful. But Paul tells that they don't seek justice, because they are deprived from the law. They don't have law so they are like in the state between Adam and Moses. But in the heart, none seek justice, so noone can be justified and everyone leave on the condemnetion of the law. But it's different now because without the law, God's justice is manifested (Rm 3:21) So, there is a paradox: those who seek justice are lead up to the condemnation, whereas those who don't know it are lead up to salvation.

2. The Jews fallen on the stembling block (31-33)

The reason of this paradox is crucified Jesus. For the Jews, Jesus is the stembling stone on what they fall and break. So, salvation depends on the attitude: how a person look Jesus and if she accept Jesus. The Jews look Jesus only as one of the prophets, or as a son of carpenter. But the Pagans accept He as the Lamb of God who take their sin off. The Jews who wanted to achieve salvation by the works of the law are cursed, whereas the Pagans who have the faith in Jesus who freely justifie themselves are saved.

Prayer: Lord, make me depend on mercy and believe in Jesus, and help me to leave and walk only by faith.

Bottom line: not by the works but by faith

Romans 9:14-29 (DB of 21/03/2017)

Tuesday, March 21st 2017

key verse: 21

GOD'S ARBITRARY ELECTION

Election occurs before birth, as in the case of Isaac and Jacob. Today, Paul continues to argue for the arbitrary election of God.

1. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy (14-21)

From a human point of view, it seems unfair that our destiny is determined before birth. Yet this is not the case. For God is God, Creator, and he can do with his creation as he likes. He has mercy on whomever he wills and hardens whomever he wills, as was the case with Pharaoh. God is like the potter who makes his clay vessels as he desires, for honorable or dishonorable use. There are two vessels, one destined for honor, the other for dishonor. Gentiles are by nature vessels of wrath. Yet, God has made them vessels of honor, while the Jews are by nature vessels of honor, though they have been made vessels of dishonor. 

2. God calls the Gentiles (22-29)

In the beginning, God has mercy on the Jews and the Gentiles. He is powerful, such that he has long endured (1 Peter 3:20) the unbelief of Gentiles. Thus, those who were not a people, God calls his people. While the Jews abandonned God through formalism, God's favor fell on the Gentiles. Thus, the elected Jews are disqualified because they do not accept the divine plan and accumulate the wrath of God like Sodom and Gomorrah once did. 

Prayer: Lord, make me accept the sovereignty of your decisions. Thank you for calling me, though I was a vessel of wrath.

Bottom line: your perfect choice

Romans 9:1-13 (DB of 20/03/2017)

Monday March 20th 2017

key verse: 8

THE TRUE ISRAELITES OF GOD

From chapter 9, it's the practical part of the epistle of Romains. This morning's word speaks about the salvation of Israel, its advantages and its disadvantages.

1. I am very sad (1-5)

Paul is called by God to evangelize the Pagans. However, his heart isn't indifferent to his own people. His shepherd's heart towards his people is manifested by his deep sadness. He says even that he would become anathema if only his people is saved. Because of the multiple privileges, to be deprived from salvation is one of the most sad things. We also weren't his people but now we are his people (1P 2:7). Receiving the blessing is easy but keeping it is difficult.

2. The true ones and the false ones (6-13)

There are the conterfeit Christians. There aren't true believers, they are false Christians who are just faking it. The children of Abraham are those who receive God's word and repent. They are the children of the promise, like Isaac and Jacob, predestined without deserving it by their acts. Mt 6:33 says the promise is for those who firstly look for the kingdom of God. The children of God aren't those who read it but those who practice it. God has predestined those who obey it. It's a mystery but includes (or already had included) in his people all those who believe in his promise and obey it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having me included in your people. I want to honestly walk before you obeying to be a true Christian.

Jeremiah 52:1-34 (DB of 18/03/2017)

Saturday, March 18th 2017

key verse: 3

THE SIEGE AND FALL OF JERUSALEM

The last chapter of Jeremiah talks about the fall of Jerusalem. Jeremiah no longer speaks, as everything passes according to his prophecy.

1. This has happened because of the Lord's anger (1-30)

Babylon invades Jerusalem and destroys the temple and wall. Verse 3 tells us this occurs because of the Lord's anger. The Jews provoked God by their idolatry. Zedekiah rebels against Babylon but in fact he is disobeying Jeremiah's order to surrender to Babylon. There was a siege for 2 years, at the end of which the king and officials fled, but they were caught by the Babylonians who executed the king's sons and put out his eyes. The military commander burns the Lord's house and destroys the wall. The Chaldeans pillage the temple and take the vessels to their own land. The king kills all the officials and deports some of the Jewish nobles. The captain of the guard leaves a handful of the poorest in the city (16).

2. Jehoaichin released (31-34)

This appendix ends with a smaller version summarizing the release of king Jehoiachin. He is the second to last king of Judah but is released by the new Babylonian king and eats continually at the king's table. We don't know exactly how it happened, but it tells us about life's ups and downs. His uncle Zedekiah died in a miserable prison, while his nephew, who had committed the same sin of rebellion, is released after the change in Babylonian kings. Thus, human life seems unpredictable. We must simply fear the Lord, who is sovereign over human history.

Prayer: Lord, help me to not provoke you by sinning, but rather, to obey your commands. We are acquitted thanks to Jesus.

Bottom line: these events have happened because of God's anger

Jeremiah 51: 1-64 (DB of 17/03/2017)

Friday March 17th 2017

key verse: 16

THE ANNOUNCED FALL OF BABYLON

Jeremiah continually prophesies the fall of Babylon through this chapter the longest in the book of Jeremiah.

1. What is the sin of Babylon to have fallen so low ?

Babylon is ruthless. He was used as a hammer for the judgment of the nations, but he is similarly judged because of his cruelty. The people's cry of Zion rises to the sky (35). He is very stupid (13) so he picks all the treasures of the country including the treasures of the temple of Jerusalem. They gave themselves to the pleasure of the flesh organising parties in drunkenness (39). Babylon is idolatrous. The makers of idols (17,18) will be shamed by the Creator God who made the earth by his might and who makes Jacob the part of his inheritance.

2. The personality of God revealed through the judgment of Babylon

God is sovereign and he uses the power of the world to punish the nations (20). God is with Israel forever in spite of his sin (5). He also is a kind God towards the wicked, he wanted to make them come and heal them (8,9). But God also yields to each one his right (56, 2 Co 5:10). God doesn't tolerate idolatry. He judges Bel of Babylon (44).

This prophecy was given early, in the fourth year of Zedeki, when the king and the ministers went to Babylon for the toll, and after they will revolt. This calamity is predicted by Jeremiah even before the devastation of Jerusalem. So, God's judgment is formidable and is long-winded. Babylon will be fully devastated as the stone submerged by the water.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your kindness toward a sinner like me. You save the sinner and make him your inheritance. Help me to walk before you.

Bottom line: Babylon is fallen

Jeremiah 50:1-46 (DB of 16/03/2017)

Thursday, March 16th 2017

key verse: 16

BABYLON'S FALL ANNOUNCED (part 1)

Jeremiah prophesizes against proud Babylon.

1. Israel's sin will be no more (1-20)

In the fourth year of Zedekiah, when he visits Babylon, Jeremiah speaks of Babylon's judgement according to his prophetic gift. God says to proclaim the fall of Babylon, as this will be a great lesson for the nations. Israel will endure misfortune because of bad shepherds (6), and will fall victim to the surrounding countries who justify themselves in light of Israel's sin. Yet, the Chaldeans will be pillaged by a country from the north. The Chaldeans rejoice but the indignation of the Lord will make them into a desolation and an object of scorn for all countries. All nations raise a cry and the walls fall. Israel is like a lost sheep before Assyria, then Babylon, but the oracle of the Lord says he will bring back Israel and Judah (4,19). Then, their sins will be expiated.

2. Babylon the presumptuous (21-46)

The ruin of Babylon, hammer of the earth, is a subject of horror. The Lord fights against them with his whole arsenal (25). The Lord acts against Babylon in the same way it has acted (29). Our just God leaves none unpunished. Babylon is so presumptuous (31,32) that it believes itself to be invincible and retains the captives, though the Lord is more powerful (34). The sword is sent against the Chaldeans and their horses; like drought against water, the hand of the Lord is without pity. The ferocious and presumptuous lion will become like a little one of the flock (44,45).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for redeeming me from the slavery of sin through the blood of Jesus. Help me not to be presumptuous but to always live in fear and trembling before you.

Bottom line: your sins are no more

Jeremiah 49:1-39 (DB of 15/03/2017)

Wednesday March 15th 2017

key verse: 16

YOU STAY IN THE HOLE OF THE ROCKS

Jeremiah prophesies against the proud Ammon, Edom and the other countries.

1. Against Ammon (1-6)

Ammon is punished because of his territorial ambition, maybe after the fall of Israel. He has stolen some regions which belonged to God. He will be as a desolate hillock. He is pleased to say he is strong with his valleys, the Hebrew noun "valley" means "strong". Why does he boast ? He will decline. But, he will not be devoted to destruction because God will bring him back from captivity.

2. Against Edom (7-32)

Edom is proud because of his geopolitical situation, He thinks that he is protected as in the hole of the rocks. He is located in the top as the eagle (16). But he will be desolated and his neighbors will scoff at him. As Esau his ancestor, he is similar to a lion which runs in a field. But he suddently will fall. His courage will disappear as a woman in childbirth. 

3. Against the rest (23-27)

Damascus, the former main country of Syria, is first taken by Assyria, then briefly invaded by Egypt and finally by Babylon. The country of joy and praise of God became an ignominy, very weakened, full of torments and anguish. Then Qedar is a nomad Arab people. He will be spreaded out deep-set in the desert. Finally, Elam, which is strong and valiant, will be devastated by Babylon in Mesopotamia. It's a warning against Zedekiah (27:3) making him understand that a revolt in the furthest boundary will be quickly squashed. 

Prayer: Lord, you are sovereign, above all you punish the pride of mankind. Help me always to be humble below you.

Bottom line: Sovereign God 

Jeremiah 48:1-47 (DB of 14/03/2017)

Tuesday, March 14th 2017

HE MAGNIFIED HIMSELF AGAINST THE LORD

Key verse: 48: ?

Jeremiah prophesizes against Moab. It had formed an alliance with Ammon, Edom and Judah against Babylon. But it has now fallen to the house of Nebuchadnezzar.

1. Moab in distress (1-25)

Moab's arrogance was based on its divinity and natural resources. This is why its cities and god will be destroyed and its priests will be exiled (7). God's work is done with slackness (10). In vain, Israel had confidence in Bethel, where the Lord was presented a golden calf. Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, a totally useless god in the face of the power of the Lord God, the living One (13).

2. Moab's complaint and His compassion (26-47)

Moab magnified itself against the Lord (26, 42). It was very proud and arrogant. So, it will be drunk with fear of its adversary, the Lord. Those who despised Israel will in turn be despised (28-34). Joy will disappear from the land. Besides the prophet, the one who laments the most is God. He will end pagan worship and break the country like one breaks a useless pot (38). He will make Moab the scorn of its neighbors (39). They will no longer be a people, because they have rebelled against God (42). In the last part of verse 47, Jeremiah shares the pity, without any resentment, over the misfortune of Moab. Anger is always the "strange work" of the Lord, but compassion is the natural attitude of his heart. Moab will undergo harsh discipline, though will not be devoted to destruction. 

Prayer: Lord, bless me and help me to always be humble and not be like the proud Moabites.

Bottom line: God curses the proud

Jeremiah 47:1-7 (DB of 13/03/2017)

Monday March 13th 2017

Key verse: 4

JEREMIAH PROPHESIES AGAINST THE PHILISTINES

Jeremiah prophesies against the Philistines who were the closest enemies of Israel. Their power is enormously small in the time of David but their collapse will be the day of the Eternal God through Babylon.

1. The waters rise from the north (1-5)

Nekko strikes Gaza, one of the five countries of the Philistines in 609 before Jesus Christ. After that, Jeremiah prophesies their collapse through the Babylonians.They are as the overflowing and impetious waters which overrun all the country. The people cry and scream because of their pain. The hands of the fathers are very weak because of the panic which is coming. They abandon their children to the enemies. The Philistines join forces with Pharaoh and the Phonecia (Tyr and Sidon) and opt for the same politic. But Babylon devastates all these countries and also the island of Kaphtor, the present Crete, which is the origin of the Philistines. Gaza becomes bald. The shaved skull and the incisions on the body are a big shame because they evoke a total disaster.

2. The ringing voices (6-7)

The Philistines are striken by the Eternal God and they cry for rest. This seamark cry of the Philistines "where will you go up to ?" refers to the severity of the judgment of God. But there is an other voice, the voice of the prophet, which warnsof  the malice of the people that God decided to punish. The prophet says that this setback represents a divine judgment. The Eternal God orders to his sword to go where he wants. None can say why he does that.

Prayer: Lord, you are mighty and your judgment is formidable. You are the sovereign of the world so you aim your sword where you want to.

Bottom line: the irresistible judgment of God

Jeremiah 44:1 - 45:5 (PQ de 10/03/2017)

Friday 10th March 2017

key verse: 5

JEREMIAH CENSURES THE PEOPLE IN EGYPT

Jeremiah talks to the people who have gone down in Egypt. The content of the message didn't change, because the people didn't change.

1. I will intervene against you (44)

Jeremiah goes down in Egypt to give a message of judgment to the people, because of God's love for them. God doesn't want to let them go but he wants to save them by repentence. Jeremiah says "do you not see ?" because it's very obvious: the calamity which is fallen on all the countries of Judah is because of their disobedience and their idolatry. But this people who flees in Egypt had another point of view over the judgment. They think that it's because they have stopped offering incense to idols that all this calamities happened (17). It's an unimaginable blindness, they attribute happiness to the idols and calamity to God, which is the habit of fallen mankind. God will judge these men by the sword, the famine and the plague. He will also judge Egypt.

2. Jeremiah comforts Baruch (45)

In the past when Baruch dictated, the word of judgment was so severe that Baruch wanted to kill Jeremiah. He is exhausted and without rest in his soul. All the country is punished and devastated by the enemy. Baruch certainly was an ambitious young man who wanted to do great things. But it's not worth it because all the country will suffer calamities without hope. But Jeremiah says to him that God will give to him his life as booty. everywhere he goes. The message of judgment is exhausting but those who accept it don't perish but they live.

Prayer: God, make me not listen to my own voice, but repent of my sins. Comfort when I must give the message of calamity.

Bottom line: give to us not censure but the message of consolation

Jeremiah 42:1-43:13 (DB of 09/03/2017)

Thursday, March 3rd 2017

THE PEOPLE GO DOWN TO EGYPT

key verse: 43:5

After the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah, a national crisis occurs. What will happen? What is God's will?

1. Pray for us (43)

Johanan is not guilty of assassinating Gedaliah, and he purged the revolt. Yet, he is afraid of Babylon which will punish the Israelites who eliminated the established king. Thus, Johanan and his commanders want to receive God's will for the future.That is the reason for their asking Jeremiah to pray. They seem sincere and even vow to listen to the Lord. However, they have already decided on their future. There are many who, while appearing to search for God's will, have already firmly decided. Jeremiah knows this (20). All those who decide to go down to Egypt will die by pestilence, the sword and famine.

2. Jeremiah goes down with them (43)

When the word of the Lord is revealed, Johanan and his men act according to their preconceived idea. They say the word is false and that Baruch is manipulating Jeremiah. Their hearts are twisted. Johanan and his commanders take Jeremiah and the people and go down to Egypt. They believe Egypt is a refuge, but they are wrong, since God's will is to punish all nations through his servant Nebuchadnezzar. God sends the Babylonians to invade and burn Egypt. The Judeans there die by the sword or famine, or they are taken captive. That is the end of those who don't obey the word, choosing their own will instead.

Prayer: Lord, make me give up my will and obey your word, whether it be good or bad.

Bottom line: may your will and not mine be done (Luke 22:42)

Jeremiah 40:1-48:18 (DB of 08/03/2017)

Wednesday March 8th 2017

key verse 40:2

GUEDALIA AND YOHANAN

It's the time of the end of Jerusalem owing to its disobedience. God releases Jeremiah. Guedalia is a man who lives an humdrum life. 

1. Guedalia (chapter 40)

Jeremiah is saved by the hand of the leader who tells of God's punitive will (2). He gives the whole liberty to him to go everywere he wants but he recommends going to Guedalia, established by the king of Babylon. He is a unifier of people because all the Jews go to him. Even if Guedalia doesn't consult Jeremiah who takes refuge in him, certainly he knows God's will and wanted to do his politics according to God's will. So he urges the people to submit to Babylon and cultivate the land that is entrusted to them. He is a good politician. However he is a naïve person. When Yohanan predicts the plot of Ismael, an ammonite spy, he doesn't believe.

2. Yohanân (chapter 41)

Guedalia eats with the emissary, Ismael, and his men, sent by the king of the Ammonites. He is struck by them. Then, Ismael makes 80 men die coming from Silo to offer presents to Guedalia and throws them in the tank that Asa made in the past to Baecha. Then, he brings all people that remain. When Yohanân, a righteous man, hears the new, he goes with his men to punish Ismael. When the people encounter him, all the people go with him. Ismael flees. Yohanân, with fear, chooses to flee in Egypt with the people. He is humanly a righteous man but the fear paralyses him and makes him make a bad decision. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be obedient but not naïve. Help me to be more obedient to you than humanly righteous. 

Bottom line: two opposites types

Jeremiah 38-39 (DB of 07/03/2017)

Tuesday, March 7th 2017

THE FALL OF JERUSALEM

key verse: 39:1

This morning's word speaks about the last exchange between Jeremiah and the king, as well as the fall of Jerusalem.

1. Do not speak (38)

Zedekiah sends for Jeremiah and speaks to him privately, hoping to discover the secrets of God. He promises discretion and makes Jeremiah swear discretion as well, so that when the officials ask, Jeremiah will only say what the king ordered him to say. Jeremiah obeys, though the king's discretion only reveals his hypocrisy. He doesn't want to be ashamed before the people; or the deserters, or the women who are abandoning him. Many people try to save face, keeping secrets to themselves. Yet, one day all will be revealed. If Zedekiah surrenders, he will live, but if he resists and flees, God will punish him. This is in fact what happened. God also sent a foreigner to save Jeremiah.

2. The fall of Jerusalem (39)

Nebuchadnezzar goes up to lay seige to Jerusalem. Zedekiah doesn't take Jeremiah's counsel seriously, as predicted (38:15). He flees from Jerusalem but is caught by the Babylonian army. His eyes see his sons slaughtered before they are put out and he is taken to Babylon to die there. Though, because of his edict which freed Jewish slaves (ch 34), he will not die by the sword. He will live and die in peace. The city is burned and those who surrender live, while those who stay inside are struck by calamity. The poor are allowed to stay. Jeremiah's life is preserved, as well as the life of the man who saved him out of the cistern.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live honestly before you, and not before men. Make me obey your word, since the opposite leads to ruin.

Bottom line: do not lead a double life

Jeremiah 37:1-21

Monday March 6th, 2017

JEREMIAH DEFENDS HIMSELF IN FRONT OF THE KING

key verse: 18

The today's word speaks about the imprisonment of Jeremiah. In jail he is afraid and he continually preaches the truth.

1. Pray for us (1-10)

Zedekiah sends his servant to Jeremiah to ask for his prayer in their favour. But the Bible says that in this time none listen God's words pronounced by Jeremiah (2). So, this demand is outmoded. A lot of people ask for the favor of God, though not obeying his words. Opportunely, the army of Babylon withdraws as the army of Egyptians approached, which gives an illusion of victory. But Jeremiah says that it will not happen like that. The Chaldeans will come back and their power is as a phoenix: formidable, not perishable (10).

2. What is my sin ? (11-21)

Jeremiah goes out from Jerusalem to see Benjamin to obtain food. He is put in jail by error. The king wants to secretely ask Jeremiah. But Jeremiah isn't nervous or bent, he says only the truth. The king will be taken into captivity in Babylon. Jeremiah defends his innocence saying "what is my sin against you ?". Jeremiah pronounces only the truth. But the enemies attack him and he is put in jail. Jeremiah begs the king to not put him again in jail, because he is also himself a man full of weakness. The king listens because of his conscience.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live an honest life when I pray to you. Jeremiah lives to testify to the truth in spite of his fear. Make Jeremiah an example.

Bottom line: what is my sin ?

Jeremiah 34:1-22 (DB of 02/03/2017)

key verse: 18

SINCE YOU HAVE GONE BACK

Jeremiah prophesizes the fate of king Zedekiah. Then, he gives one of the reasons God has decided on sending the people into captivity.

1. You will die in peace (1-7)

God tells Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah to announce his fate. The hand of the king of Babylon will seize him and take him away as captive. He will not be beheaded, but will die in peace. There will be a funeral with incense burned. Zedekiah was a king who relied on Egypt, though it brought him no aid. He will still be taken away by the king of Babylon. The reason for this liberation is marked in the next episode.

2. Since you have gone back (8-22)

As a last will and testament, Zedekiah performs a good deed. He publishes the liberation of Jewish slaves. Jeremiah reminds him that the same order was given by God when he brought his people out of Egypt. At the end of six years, Israel must free all slaves. However, their fathers didn't listen. It may not seem important, but in fact, they are breaking a covenant with God. The Jewish masters went back on their decisions in order to put their former slaves back to work. It's for economic reasons, certainly, but it's also a sign of the people's deliberate revolt. God becomes angry, breaks the covenant with his people and sends them to Babylon. It is important to maintain the covenant with God no matter what. We must never go back on our vows due to a situation.

Prayer: Lord, help me to maintain my decision whatever it costs, to not go back on it or become a man or woman of circumstance. 

Bottom line: do not be a man of circumstance, and keep your promise whatever the cost

Jeremiah 33:1-26 (DB of 01/03/2017)

Wenesday March 1st, 2017

Key verse: 3

INVOQUE ME AND I WILL ANSWER YOU

It's one of the most favourite and famous word of the Christians. Mighty God answer to the resquest of his children.

1. Invoque me and I will answer you (1-13)

God says to Jeremiah who is in jail "invoque me and I will answer you. I will anounce to you great things, hidden things that you don't know". Our God is futher on our imagination. He is great and mighty, his arm is not short to not save his people. When the people prays God with faith, God wanted to listen to them. So, we must leave from our limited things and pray by faith so that his great works might be revealed. The restoration of Israel is unimaginable, whereas it's not already started. God purifies the rebellous city and bring back the captives, and mourning and sadness are changed in sings of rejoicing cheerfulness (9-11). The devastated country will be changed in a country of pastureland.

2. I will make a germ of justice germinate (14-26)

God's justice is flouted by the people and the next countries dishonour God seing the calamity fallen on the people. But the day is coming when God's justice will be established again. There will be a succesor on the throne who will practice right and justice (up to Jesus), and God is named God of justice. The house of God will be full of hight priests and Levites. God make an alliance that nothing can break with the day and the night. Also he will make a solide alliance with his people which will never broken (20,25). As the stars in the sky and the sand on sea can't be counted, his people will become innumerable.

Prayer; Lord, I invoque you, answer me, because I want to be a servant of your marvels. Thank you for Jesus who is my germ of justice.

Bottom line: invoque me, I will reveal you hidden marvels