Today's Reading:

Jeremiah 45
Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah 47
Jeremiah 48

Jeremiah gave his scribe, Baruch, words of encouragement. Back in chapter 36, Baruch had written Jeremiah’s prophecies, and chapter 45 would have fit well there. The king later sliced up and burned the scroll. Baruch cried out, “Woe is me! The Lord has had added sorrow to my pain.” God did not give many words, but they were encouraging. He said He would tear down what He had built and uproot what He had planted; all of Judah. Therefore, Baruch was not to seek “great things” for himself (such as wealth, promotions, dreams, or retirement).  God also promised that Baruch would escape judgment with his life as a “prize of war.” Baruch was from an affluent family where most had higher position jobs. God would have known his internal struggle of being a scribe and trying to get ahead. God was, in essence, telling Baruch to manage his expectations during this time of the nation’s destruction. It would not be easy, but at least he would live.

What does it mean when God’s word to you are not “I will make everything easy,” but simply “You will live”?

Jeremiah had personal time with Baruch, his scribe who had worked for years writing Jeremiah’s harsh words of judgment. (Baruch’s fingerprint has been found on an ancient clay seal during a recent archaeological dig). After finishing the writings, Baruch complained, “Woe is me!” and God answered.  

This was the start of the oracles (divine message) against the nations. In Jeremiah chapters 46-51, God was not just giving a message to the people of Israel, but to all of the nations of the world. This was to discourage them from seeking human allies to help with battles. Although they only needed God as their Savior. Political and military alliances are only temporary. The superpower of Egypt, where Judah kept running to for rescue and alliances instead of running to God, was the first. In the Battle of Carchemish, Pharaoh Necho lost to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt rose like the Nile River in a flood, but they were turned back by God. The almost untouchable nation was wounded but not totally defeated. The Egyptians panicked and stumbled over one another as they fled. He was not impressed by their pride. Egypt had the chance to get back at Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar went home for his father’s (Nabopolassar) funeral but missed their opportunity.

A second section pointed to Nebuchadnezzar’s later invasion of Egypt. You could not miss Egypt’s army; they would rise like a mountain at Mount Tabor or Mount Carmel near the Jezreel Valley. They were well off like a heifer, fat and wealthy, but the small biting fly from the north (Babylon) would sting. Egypt’s hired soldiers would be useless when real danger arrived. They were no longer confident, and Babylon would chop down Egypt. In a small act of mercy, God would allow Egypt to be inhabited again, just like He promised for the land of Judah.

The Philistines were next in chapter 47 to receive God’s warning of wrath. This coastal enemy of Israel (Gaza, Ashkelon, and the remnant of the coast lands) would be overtaken by a powerful enemy from the north (Babylon). They would come like a flood over the land. The Philistines, the nation that once sent Goliath out to fight Israel, would now face chariots. The fathers would be in such a panic that their arms would flop at their sides, unable to turn back for their children. It would be each man for himself. Jeremiah asked how long they would mourn with the ancient pagan ritual of cutting themselves.

In chapter 48, God had a message for Moab. The Moabites were distant relatives through Lot, from the incestuous relationship (Genesis 19). Jeremiah named city after city: Nebo, Kiriathaim, Heshbon, Madmen, Horonaim, Dibon, Aroer, and many more that would face His wrath. Moab would be plundered, and the people would flee like a bush in the wilderness. Chemosh, their national god, would go into exile along with his priests. The Moabites were at ease, like wine left sitting stored, so the flavor never changed. They had not had any upheaval, and so their pride was never compromised. But God would send wine workers to tip over the jars and smash them. What they had done to Israel would then be repaid.  

East of the Dead Sea (modern Jordan), Babylon would come to destroy them. Their pride would be taken down. God weeps over their downfall, especially the vineyard at Sibmah, and knows they are just boastful. The Moabites would also mourn because they had been shattered like a jar. Their pride led to humiliation. There would be unavoidable judgment with terror waiting for anyone who tried to flee. Their god, Chemosh, could not save them. Yet God gave them grace; He would restore the fortunes in the later days with a surprising restoration for Moab.

Today's Discussion question:

What does it mean when God’s word to you are not “I will make everything easy,” but simply “You will live”?

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