Sunday, August 2, 1998 This Week’s Lesson:
In this week’s lesson, which came from Jeremiah 1:1-3, 17-19, Jeremiah 2:12-13, 27-28, and Jeremiah 5:30-31, we studied about the importance of committing ourselves to God as the only real source of security. The prophet Jeremiah learned during his lifetime and ministry that a person cannot always put their confidence in others for security, acceptance, or safety. He had been called to minister to the land of Judah for a period of forty years during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. In the first part of that time, he faithfully told the people that judgment was coming and that they needed to return to the Lord. Not only did they refuse to hear his words, but they even threatened him and tried to put him out of their midst. As a result, his life was very difficult, and he had to learn firsthand that turbulent times come to everyone. Sometimes, we have to learn this lesson, as well. The Lord does not always spare us difficulty and discomfort. Many times, He allows us to suffer through the hurts of this life, and many of those times, He even lets us feel as though He is far, far away. Nevertheless, His promises to us are still rich with truth and hope. According to I Corinthians 10:13, He will not put more on us than we can bear, and according to Hebrews 13:5, He will go with us through our times of trouble. He will never leave or forsake us.
In Jeremiah 1:17-19, the Lord encouraged Jeremiah to get ready and to not be afraid. Much of the time, people look in a lot of different places for safety and security, but only God can provide real security. In Jeremiah’s case, the Lord encouraged His prophet to take heart, in the midst of an angry crowd, by giving him the comfort of His presence and power. How precious it is when we know that we are not in the fires of this life alone. We experience our highest degree of stability when we are actively obeying God and relying on Him. The nation of Israel had committed two serious spiritual sins. First, according to Jeremiah 2:12-13, 27-28, they had turned from the Lord, and second, according to these same verses, they had built and begun to worship idols made by their own hands. To satisfy their troubled consciences, Jeremiah 5:30-31 says that their prophets were prophesying lies and that their priests were preaching based on their own authority. How risky it is when we take our spiritual direction from the deceitful, ungodly words of those who are not seeking first the kingdom of God. Toward the end of Jeremiah’s ministry, the people of Judah experienced extreme moral and spiritual decay. Finally, in 587 BC, the land fell to Babylon, and Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. When we look only to ourselves and to those around us for our help, direction, and security, we, too, put ourselves at risk of falling.
Listening to God’s messengers is important. Leaning on and trusting in Him are also important. As you go through the coming week, try to put the Lord first in all things, and when turbulent times come, look first to our Lord for the comfort, guidance, and security that you need.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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