Read Jeremiah 45
Highlights:
Remember Genesis 12:3? Through Jeremiah, God sends a special Word for the nations of Egypt (Jer. 46), Philistia (chap. 47), and Moab (chap. 48).
The condemnation of God was upon all the heathen nations that had fought against the people of God. However, God also had a message for some of His own people. Such situations still exist and we need to realize there are consequences. Cursed be he (they) that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully (negligently, halfheartedly) (Jer. 48:10). They were confessing loyalty to God but were refusing to help when they not only had the opportunity, but an obligation to join with others who were fighting heathen nations. Deceitfully means a sort of pretense, indifferent to being involved in doing the will of God. On another earlier occasion we read: Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty (Judg. 5:23).
This denunciation is leveled against the slothful and the self-seeking. Many professing Christians are slothful or self-seeking. When Jesus said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matt. 28:19-20), He surely meant if you can't go personally, then help the person who can. We must be involved. There are many who have a deceitful, halfhearted attitude. They do not even tithe to their church or other mission ministries. They talk with the people of God about their profession of faith in Christ, and their outward conduct seems to be "spiritual." They are like the virgins who hold their lamp as others do, but have no oil in the vessel (25:1-3). There are some who seem to be spiritually indifferent to reaching our world for Christ. All of us are called through His Great Commission to make the Word of God, the Bible, available to all nations that they may learn and observe . . . whatsoever I have commanded.
Those who recognize their indebtedness to God for His redeeming grace see the eternal tragedy of postponing opportunities to minister to a needy world. Our lives belong to our Redeemer and we are to serve Him fervently, in full obedience and always for His honor and His glory. No Christian should be slothful in business; (but) fervent in spirit; serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11).
Thought for Today:
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue (vomit, spit) thee out of My mouth (Rev. 3:15-16).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who lovingly corrects His people (Jer. 46:28). Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth (disciplines), and scourgeth (whips) every son whom He receiveth (Heb. 12:6).
Word Studies:
46:4 brigandines armor; 46:11 daughter people; 48:2 be cut down perish; 48:10 deceitfully negligently; halfheartedly; 48:19 espy catch; 48:41 Kerioth is cities are.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that God delights in your joy (Ps. 43:4).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:3
