Read Lamentations 1
Highlights:
Jeremiah's intense burden for Jerusalem reflects the love and sorrow God has for His wayward children (yes, and even every one of us) (Matt. 23:37-38). God sent prophets to plead for obedience! In prosperity there are many places to turn but in adversity only one.
False prophets are self-deceived. Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee (Lam. 2:14). Thy prophets were not misinformed prophets of God. Their authority was similar to fortune-tellers today. Probably both get their "messages" from demons under the influence of Satan: False apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (II Cor. 11:13-14). Jeremiah, the true prophet, said: The prophets prophesy falsely . . . and My people love to have it so (Jer. 5:31).
False prophets were politically motivated and could not see that disobedience to God was the root of the nation's troubles, for they were blind leaders of the blind (Matt. 15:14). They were recognized as official prophets and maintained recognition among the prominent in the nation. But they ignored the Word of God. There are deceitful workers who cleverly represent themselves as biblically sound (II Cor. 11:13). There are many false prophets today — men and women who may have training in theology and are licensed or ordained by their denomination, but who never encourage their followers to read all the Bible since they have their own agenda. Many do not believe the Bible to be the only inspired Word of God (II Tim. 3:16; Gal. 1:8-9). Consequently, they have no spiritual insight. They may be popular, but their prayers and preaching are powerless. We are warned: There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (1:7-8).
We are also warned: Try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1). Three of the numerous good testimonies concerning the deity of Jesus as the Messiah, the only Son of God, are revealed in John 6:38-40, 14:6-11, and Colossians 1:10-20.
Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in . . . the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 3:13-15).
Thought for Today:
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward (Prov. 11:18).
Christ Revealed:
By Jeremiah's sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem (Lam. 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow for Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell (Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34).
Word Studies:
1:3 between the straits where there was no way out; 1:4 solemn feasts appointed assemblies; 1:9 came down wonderfully had a horrifying fall; 1:14 wreathed joined, intertwined; 2:12 their soul was poured out into they died in.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask God for daily direction (Ps. 48:14).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:4-5
