JEREMIAH 22:1 - 23:20
WHAT HAS GONE WRONG: God has sent the prophet for a face-to-face with the king, to tell him all that has gone wrong in Judah. Chap 22 - 47 spell it out. (1) (23:1-3) Rulers are supposed to work for God, not themselves! Rulership is not so much about privilege as it is about responsibility. They are shepherds, not landowners. First they set the example of what is just and right, as God's agents. Second they are not to oppress the vulnerable and the weak. (22:15-16) Do you think you are a big shot because you live in a big house? Look what happened to the last three kings who thought that (all dead or slaves). (2) (23:9-10) The prophets and preachers were leading the King (and everyone else) astray (v.15-18) and would be judged. Trusted advisors were telling them what they wanted to hear. They haven't sat and listened for the word of the Lord at all! (v.31-32) And they are saying that "God told them" this wrong information, using God's authority. (v.21-22) God did not send them.
WHAT ABOUT JESUS? (22:30) ends the line of Solomon. Mary, Jesus' mother, was descended from Nathan, a brother of Solomon, giving Jesus throne rights. Jesus is the "Righteous Branch" raised up from David (Nathan's father). He Himself "is our righteousness". (23:5-6) God's remnant (the Church) will be re-gathered by King Jesus. Zionism without King Jesus is idolatry. To reject this King is to reject all hope of righteousness before God. Zionism without Jesus is self-justification and self-righteousness and is foul. It is insubordination against God and His righteousness and rebellion against King Jesus. Jeremiah's words do not fall to the ground: the King has come! We abandon our self-justification and self-righteousness and cling to Him and are saved.
RESPONSE: When we were born again, and were seated in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus, (Eph 1:20; 2:6), that means we are now connected to eternity past and eternity future. Jeremiah was told about us! We are a fulfillment of prophesy. The Scriptures are accurate and complete. That gives me confidence.
2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-12
PURPOSE: To prepare us for battle against the powers of darkness. The church in Thessalonica was still being persecuted and hindered by the Jews (Acts 17) and these young believers need courage. The purpose of this letter is not to satisfy our curiosity about an "any-minute rapture", but in fact is written to "comfort and establish" their hearts. (2:17) If anything, this letter REFUTES an "any-minute rapture" as being man-centered and willfully ignorant (2:11; 3:10-11).
AN EARTH-BURNING, TIME-ENDING EVENT? If you were to compare 2Thessalonians with Matthew 24, you would find many startling parallels. In fact, some would say that 2 Thessalonians is a FULFILLMENT of Matthew 24. 2Thess 2:1 speaks of our "gathering together unto Him", as does Matt 24:31. 2Th 2:2 speaks of a premature appearance of Christ, as does Mat 24:23-27. 2Th 2:3 tells of "the" apostasy. Which one is that? The "falling away" of Matt 24:10-12. And finally 2Th 2:3-4 speak of false prophets and signs like Mat 24:24-34. If these refer to the same event (very likely), then Paul is speaking of the soon destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple - an event referred to as "the vengeance of our God" (Isa 61:2 et al).
WHAT DOES IT SAY TO US? Since such a cataclysmic event is not on the horizon, how does this letter prepare us to fight against the powers of darkness, as it was intended? Things are not much different now. People hate us for no reason other than our beliefs in Jesus and the Bible. I think it appeals to their pride, that if we are right, then they must be wrong! After all the antichristian spirit is manifested in lawlessness.
(1.) God's righteousness and justice CANNOT co-exist with evil, and so when we are persecuted it is "evidence of the righteous judgment of God that we may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God." (2Th 1:4-5) When Jesus is "manifest" (revealed) - when the Truth is known, our persecutors are punished "everlastingly", while our suffering is only temporary.
(2.) Jesus wants to be glorified "in His saints and admired in all them that believe". (2Th1:10-12) Imagine that! God wants to manifest Himself in us! This is revealed here to be His call on us, His purpose and His power, and by our faith.
RESPONSE: Many years ago when I worked at a Medical School, I put a note to myself on my computer that said, "Don't make Jesus look like a jerk!" Everyone knew I was a Christian and whatever I said and did, it was assumed that everyone at my church was like me! Or anyone who claimed to be a Christian was like that! I wanted to represent Jesus accurately, but I know now that I didn't do a very good job. At the time, I was a self-righteous prude who never smiled. I wasn't trying to be that way. It was just the only way I knew to be as a Christian! Now I know that I can live by His compassion, His kindness, His wisdom, His mercy, His patience. My job isn't to try harder, it is to cling tighter to His Presence in me. Our warfare against the powers of darkness is not an aggressive prayer issue as much as it is a character issue. Are you like Jesus? Does His love come through you? Learning to live by the faith of God and by His energy IN us, is the smartest move we can make as a Christian. Trying to do it ourselves is just arrogant! We are just not - that - good. Let Him be glorified IN YOU. Don't cover Him up with your fleshly needs, your fleshly desires, your fleshly habits. Living in God's Presence and by His Presence is not dependent at what we DON'T DO. It is a new habit we build to REPLACE our old independent habits. Always be talking to God. Always be rejoicing in Him for His goodness and greatness. Always be thankful in everything. Always bring everything to God. When He becomes the center of your life (your life is oriented around God), then He will be glorified IN you, too!
PSALM 83:1-18
HATERS OF GOD: The antichristian world-spirit is proud and arrogant, crafty, aggressive, and doesn't want to be reminded that God is in control. But anyone who will not seek God and acknowledge His rulership will be overthrown and will perish - maybe not in this life, but for sure, throughout eternity.
PROVERBS 25:11-14
WHAT WE SAY: The right word at the right time is like silver and gold. A "wise reprover" isn't trying to prove he's right and you're wrong - he's after true repentance. He is gentle, compassionate, and his timing is impeccable. A person who promises what he will give and what he will do, but actually does nothing because he doesn't have the skills or the money or the intensions, is like a cloud that promises rain, but is actually empty. I call him a liar.
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