Day 216, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Jeremiah 36:1-7; Jeremiah 45:1-5; Jeremiah 25; Jeremiah 46:1-28; 2Kings 24:7
Last Warnings
Lighthouses warn boats and ships to stay away from rocky shores which could destroy them and injure the crew and passengers. This is like what a parent or teacher does with children—he will try to shine a light on things which might harm or destroy their lives. Some, however, don’t listen. Parents and teachers will repeat their warnings over and over again, and like sirens, some will even yell. If that doesn’t work, they know they will have to take action. What warnings does God have for us?
In our chronological Bible studies, we have seen God extremely patient with Israel and Judah. Along with discipline, he sent many prophets to warn them of ultimate judgment hoping they might repent.
They said,
They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the LORD gave to you and your fathers for ever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you” (Jeremiah 25:5-6, NIV).
God’s patience and warnings have almost run out; he's had enough of his people’s unending wickedness! First, he punished Israel (the northern kingdom).
Although Judah saw Israel, her sister nation, destroyed and Assyria take her people into exile, she paid no heed. Even having two kings lead her in a national revival didn’t change her course. She's become worse than Israel and the nations surrounding her. Now, 100 years later, God has had just about enough of Judah’s wickedness—just a few more warnings before he exercises his justice on her as well.
Pay Attention!
Judah sees Babylonian forces advancing toward her land and conquering all the nations in their path, but she deludes herself into thinking, Not us—they won’t destroy us—we're the people of God! Besides that, God’s temple is here, (Jeremiah 7:4). But they are like a ship in danger of being dashed against the rocks because they pay no attention to the warnings from the lighthouse.
Is our life in danger, too? We must pay attention to the light of God’s Word, the Bible, warning us to turn to God before it's too late. He blesses those who heed his warnings. He offers us salvation and safety from dashing our lives against the rocks (more...).
Jeremiah is like a lighthouse, warning Judah of danger. The Babylonians didn’t capture and exile him to Babylon like Daniel and his friends. He's still in Jerusalem. Jeremiah tells the people to turn away from their sins so God will save their nation from total annihilation.
We might think that a nation under siege (Jeremiah 10:17) would consider her ways, but the people are obstinate. They won’t repent, so their judgment is final—they'd suffer the same fate as other nations around them. They'd die by the sword or famine from the siege. Babylon would destroy her cities, steal her treasuries, and exile the survivors. Like a ship dashed against the rocks, the destruction of Jerusalem and all the surrounding nations would be terrible.
Accepting An Assignment
Jeremiah’s aide, Baruch, doesn’t like this message of judgment, and he doesn’t want to read it to the king. He has a desire for greatness and doesn’t want to suffer. He thinks this is the time for him to take what he can get or seek a position of importance before all the opportunities are gone. God tells him it's of no use; Babylon will destroy Judah. However, for his faithfulness, the LORD'll protect him wherever he goes, and he'll escape with his life.
God has given us an assignment, too, to warn people—their lives are in danger of being smashed against the rock of God’s judgment. It’s an uncomfortable message. Perhaps, some of us have designs for greatness, and this'll threaten our popularity, and maybe our lives. But what about what God wants—to save lives from destruction? Favor with God is a greater reward than any position or wealth we might desire.
The powerful conqueror would soon smash Judah, but in God’s grace, the LORD would later extend mercy to her. Because Israel and Judah are God’s covenant people, after seventy years of captivity in Babylon, the LORD would make it possible for them to return to their land. But they must first realize their sin, repent, and cry out to God for forgiveness. Disobedience to the LORD brings punishment, but even in judgment, there is mercy for those who have a special relationship with him. Do we have a personal relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ? (more...)
Take-Away Lessons
We shouldn’t think because we're Christians, God'll not punish us for sin.
Because God delays his punishment, many people think he won’t do it. We should remember that God’s delays judgment to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4).
We should listen to God’s warnings in the Bible, his holy Word, and heed them before judgment comes. Let’s not wreck our lives. We should also warn others of the judgment to come.
God exercises mercy on those with whom he has a special relationship. If we don’t have one, we should seek him today! (more...)
Focus Verse
Isaiah 55:7 (NIV) “Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead:When Babylon comes to conquer, not only Judah will suffer, but God will use Nebuchadnezzar for the punishment of nations in all areas of the Middle East. Will all nations suffer judgment without mercy? No. See more in our next lesson.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
page re-edited 1-20-23
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES