Why is God judging the Babylonians?

 Jeremiah 50:9-16

What if you had the office of President of The United States or were the president’s military advisor and a man who you respected as God’s spokesperson came with this message.  “For behold, I am stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations, from the North Country. And they shall array themselves against her. From there she shall be taken. Their arrows are like a skilled warrior who does not return empty-handed. Chaldea shall be plundered; all who plunder her shall be sated, declares the Lord.”

Yes, you would need to change a few names and places, but there are many similarities, the USA like Babylon is very powerful nation, both had a good standard of living and both seemed to have enemies that will be used by God in their judgment.  And do not forget that God used both nations for His purpose.

So why is God judging the Babylonians?  Because they took such joy in destroying Israel and that is what is meant by His inheritance.  God compares them to a young cow that is on the threshing floor eating whatever it wants.  The city of Babylon is referred to as the mother and she turned so many other cities into piles of waste, and now that is going to be her fate.

As we look into verses 14-15, we see these nations from the North lining up for battle and what has happened to mighty Babylon, this nation used by God to bring Judah and Israel and many other nations into judgment?  What has to happen, one could speculate, did she change the game plan by using social programs and allow women into her military to share the battle with the men?  Did she have a no tell no share attitude or did she say it matters not your sexual perversion we welcome one and all.  Did she have a leader that has disdain for the military and took away its resources?  We do not have the answer to any of those questions, but it is clear that God removes His Hand and none of those other items listed above matter, when you as a person or nation lose the favor of our great and mighty God.  And mighty Babylon has their hands up in surrender, and she will experience the consequences of her sin.

Verse sixteen tells us that those in the villages and the rural areas of Babylon will suffer the assault and death and destruction long before the city of Babylon.  How often it seems that some politician brings pain and suffering on those who are working to feed a family by their desire for more control and power, much like what happens with our health care.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Jeremiah was not his own man

Jeremiah 50:1-8

First and foremost Jeremiah was not his own man; he was God’s man, God’s prophet, God’s messenger to Judah, Israel, and the nations.  Many of the people of Judah believe that Jeremiah could find no wrong with the Babylonians and yet there is more ink on the prophecies against Babylon than most all the other nations put together.

The Chaldeans and Babylonians are the same people, and Bel is the title of the storm god, and Marduk is the major god of the Babylonians, he was their creator god who brings order out of chaos.  Only one problem with little gods they are false and God has spoken, they will be devastated.  In verse three when Jeremiah uses the term nations from the north we think of Babylon in that so often Jeremiah has used that term to refer to them.  But not this time for a nation or nations are coming from the north to bring destruction to Babylon, and many believe it was Persia.

Now when it comes to verses 4-5, we must turn back to chapter 30-33, chapter thirty tells about the restoration of Israel and Judah and in chapter 31 the Lord turns mourning to joy.  Do you recall God telling Jeremiah to buy a field during the time Judah was under siege, in chapter 32, and in chapter 33 the Lord promised to Judah and Israel an everlasting covenant?

Verse six refers to lost sheep and bad shepherds, and as dad said so often, we have learned nothing from history for we keep repeating it.  It is easy to I.D. the lost sheep, that’s the majority of us, but often we do not identify the shepherds.  They are dads who are given the role of leader in their homes; they are the ones told to lead their family in the ways of the Lord.  They are the ones who have not done their jobs, and it is we dads who will be held responsible before our Holy God.  After dads, there is an extensive list of secondary shepherds such as President or leader of a nation, priests and preachers, false teachers, and business leaders.

Often in judgment, we do not see the merciful hand of God, but it's seen if one looks.  Jeremiah is telling them to act in the manner of a male goat or a ram that leads the others when the gate to the pen is open.  They were to flee Babylon before the enemy came to kill steal and destroy, it’s a clear message much like what John 10:10 has given to us.

If you have any understanding of Jeremiah and his prophecy you understand he is batting 100% and Babylon is history.  In the same way, if you have studied the Bible you know Jesus tells the truth, and at some point, each of us is going to stand in judgment before a Holy God.  Jesus at the cross stood in your place and took the full wrath of God for your sin and mine, but now it is a choice to put your trust in that finished work of the cross or to stand in your own righteousness.  If you choose your righteousness God calls that the same as filthy rags, and you are not going to enjoy that day before a Holy all knowing God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

God keeps good Records

 Jeremiah 49:34-39

Elam, I’m sure is a well-known place in history for a few Biblical scholars but for a novice such as I, it was not in my limited vocabulary.  And for that reason, we shall explore page 1321 in HCSB “Elam was the first of Shem’s sons (Genesis 10:22).  It was an ancient kingdom (Gn.14: 1) about 200 miles east of Babylon in modern southwestern Iran.  Its capital city was Shushan, also known as Susa (Neh1:01; Ester 1:2&5; Daniel 8:2).

Verse 34 tells us the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in the reign of Zedekiah King of Judah, and this is what the Lord told Jeremiah.  Jeremiah 49:35b-37, “Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. And I will bring upon Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven. And I will scatter them to all those winds, and there shall be no nation to which those driven out of Elam shall not come. I will terrify Elam before their enemies and before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, my fierce anger, declares the Lord. I will send the sword after them until I have consumed them, and I will set my throne in Elam and destroy their king and officials, declares the Lord.”

The Scripture tells us that God keeps good records of nations and people, and yet we have all sinned and all of us have played the lord of the ring and captain of our ship or life.  Because I often find myself choosing to sin, and as a follower of Christ Jesus, He set me free from the control of sin, but that free will and the flesh often make a mess of life.  For that reason, I find great comfort as one who fears the Lord, in Hebrews 8:12, “For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.” Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”  But the key is found in 1John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

One of the things that gets under my skin is when someone says, speaking to saints and I mean people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, is this quote: “We are all just dirty sinners” and folks that is wrong, we are saints that sin, and it should break our hearts when we do so.  So when I saw this quote from Thomas Merton I had to share it; "I am a good guy with an incredible capacity to sin.” I do believe it was Aristotle who said, "I’m a rational animal: I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer.” “A saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God."

How in the Sam Hill are you going to tie this into Jeremiah 49:34-39, watch and see?  First, the Elamites were known for skill in archery, and the four winds are used here to depict military might.  And we must remember this is from God who has kept a record of Elam’s sins.  Do you recall God’s promise to us in Hebrews 8:12 to be merciful to our wrongdoing and to forget our sin?  What about Psalms 103:12, where He promised to remove our sins as far as the east is from the west.  God is not some ‘little god,’ who is full of hate, but He is a God of grace, and when people or nations repent and seek His face they will find grace.  

Have you entered into Christ?  If not, today is a great day to do so!  If we confess our sins, 

 He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  My confession happened in Victoria, Texas, in a hotel room when I picked up a Bible and read Romans 10:9-10, and agreed with God and by faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, I entered into Christ.

So let's tie it all together for God has declared; “But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the Lord.”  Now that is grace!

Note: from the writer, I have tried a beer, and it sure did not work for me.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 

Sin and rebellion always have a Payday

 Jeremiah 49: 28-33

When you travel on holiday or vacation as we on this side of the pond refer to our trips away from home seeking rest and fun, do you have a plan?  I hope so, but on my 50^th birthday Jan and I went to Germany in the latter part of October with no plan, and it did not turn out well.  Maybe that’s why I'm drawn to the promise God gave the people of Judah who were carried off into exile by Nebuchadnezzar.  First, it was to build homes and plant gardens, take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage.  Why, because you are going to be there for seventy years?  But then comes the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”   God has good plans for us, often while in the catastrophe; often brought on by rebellion we have problems believing God has a plan for our welfare, a hope, and a future.

It brings to mind Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  The one Jesus calls the thief in John 10:10 is excellent on his mission to steal, kill, and destroy, but he has to ask for authority to mess with a follower of Christ.  He messed with Peter, and he also has a plan for your life, yes, to steal, kill, and destroy.

Sin and rebellion always have a payday, and that day has come for the people of Kedar and Hazor.   Kedar was an Ishmaelite tribe in the Arabian Desert and was known for sheep breeding and also for their archery skills.  Hazor was believed to be a city in the desert region.  It is thought that these were nomadic tribes that often raided Israelite territory.  It is of interest that the five items were taken; flocks, tents, curtains, equipment, and camels.

Now it seems strange, but in the middle of the judgment from God, there is mercy shown to these people. 

For a man that is unusual but one must remember our ways are very different than God’s ways, as are our thoughts.  In verse 30 they are told to run to escape, and God is going to provide an escape before the judgment comes.  We find in verses 31-33, the result of sin, all that is precious to these tribes are lost.  “Rise up, advance against a nation at ease that dwells securely, declares the Lord, that has no gates or bars, that dwells alone.  Their camels shall become plundered, their herds of livestock a spoil.  I will scatter to every wind those who cut the corners of their hair, and I will bring their calamity from every side of them, declares the Lord.  Hazor shall become a haunt of jackals, an everlasting waste; no man shall dwell there; no man shall sojourn in her.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

A time of Agitated

Jeremiah 49:23-27

  

“About Damascus:  Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report and are agitated; in the sea, there is anxiety that cannot be calmed.” (Jeremiah 49:23)   It is of interest that both Hamath and Arpad are in the North and are cities of some acclaim that are not near the sea, in fact, they are about 110 miles from Damascus.  The word “agitated” jumped off the page; do we not live in a time of the bad report?  Much of it is called “fake news” which brings distress, and nervousness to our souls.  What is the source and why do those behind it do such things?  I will let you ponder on those questions, but this I can say, like the sea there is anxiety that cannot be calmed.

It is clear that Jeremiah often compares the weakness of warriors to that of a mother having labor pains.  And Jeremiah tells us that Damascus has become weak, and her young men will fall in battle and all the warriors will perish.  You will find that account in Jeremiah 49:26, “Therefore her young men shall fall in her squares, and all her soldiers shall be destroyed in that day, declares the LORD of hosts.”

As we look at verse 27, let us visit the book of Amos 1:4-5, “I will send fire on the house of Hazael that will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.  I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir, “says the Lord.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

God's displeasure when Brothers war

 Jeremiah 49:7-22

This is about Calamity of Esau and the people who came from him and their name was established by an act of willfully rejecting his birthright.  Esau was the firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah, but his twin brother Jacob came out holding on to his heel.  In Genesis 25:25-26, we are given the account of the birth.  “The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward, his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.”

It is always important when God speaks, and Rebekah had asked the Lord why am I having such a war inside of me?  We find God’s reply in verse 23, “And the Lord said to her: Two nations are in your womb; two people will come from you and be separated.  One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”  Two very different boys, Esau grows up wanting to hunt, an outdoorsman, while Jacob, if it were today, would be called a nerd or geek, he liked to be at home and enjoyed cooking.

Now this is where we get to the calamity of Esau, he comes into Jacob’s tent after being on a hunt, and he is hungry and wants some of the red meat in the stew Jacob is cooking.  So Jacob makes a proposal you can have the stew for your birthright, now that is not close to a good deal, but Esau shows the contempt he holds for his birthright in that he says sure give me the stew.  What did Esau give up as the firstborn son, a double portion of the inheritance for the chance to eat some meat?  It was the red meat where Esau got the alternate name Edom “Red,” which would be carried by the people group coming from him.

Often, to get the story correct, we need to look to other Scripture and in this case the vision of Obadiah.  Obadiah not only tells us Edom will be humbled and punished but also the reason why.  Verses 6-9, “How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out!  All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you—you have no understanding.  Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau?  And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter.”

It is Obadiah that gives us a clear understanding of why this judgment is coming on Edom. “ Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.  On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off, his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem; you were like one of them.  But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress.  Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster
in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity.  Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress.”

God is not pleased when a brother takes joy in his brother's disaster, or when the brother works against his brother!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Big Mistake - and Man's Best

 Jeremiah 49:1-6

I had to look into my Study Bible for help on the Ammonites, it referred me to Genesis 19:36-38, “So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The firstborn gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger also gave birth to a son, and she named him Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today.”  I had written this note in my Bible, “big mistake, and man’s best.”  Lot’s daughters used their human wisdom, but their actions or blunders were like their Uncle Abraham who did not inquire of God but had a child by his wife’s servant.  That act of not obeying God and believing His promise of a son by Sarah has brought about the Muslim’s political system that was an enemy of Israel and Judah and now wants to dominate the world.

Now it may help you understand verses 1-3 by reading Numbers 32:1-39, when God speaks of Milcom or Molech it is the god of the Ammonites, and it means “the king.”  And these verses are referring to the dispute between the Ammonites and Gad over the land.  The question asked was should the Ammonites and its god have the ability to evict the people of Gad?

A religious people no matter how foolish the religion never wants anyone to make light of their little gods.  Have we not seen those of the Muslim faith who target and kill anyone who makes light of Muhammad?   Religion’s end game is death that is why I’m a follower of Christ, His end game is life, and these are His words; “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  Jesus came into the world not to condemn the world but to bring salvation to all who would put their trust in Him.  Love over comes fear, but fear brings about hate, and hate always wants to harm the object of its hate.  I’ve read the Hebrews refused to pronounce it in a way that signified “king” and they changed out the vowels of “o” and “e” from the Hebrew word bosheth meaning “shame.”

As we read verses 3-6, we see a confused people, a foolish but proud people who have no understanding that their little god Milcom cannot stand against the God of Creation.  So these are God’s messages to them found in Jeremiah 49:5-6: “Behold, I will bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of hosts, from all who are around you, and you shall be driven out, every man straight before him, with none to gather the fugitives.  “But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites, declares the LORD.” 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Removing the Stuff we Trust in

Jeremiah 48:34-47

When the storms hit one area of a nation, we say those poor folks, and yet often we do not share in their pain.  That is what may be happening in Moab, as we go back and review verses 21-24, we see eleven towns being affected by the destroyer.  But now in verse 34, we observe seven more cities being affected, and one commentator had this observation; it seems to be moving from the north to the south.

I’m sure that the Moabite people were very complacent, it was a good life and it makes one wonder how would a complacent nation like the USA do if God allows the destroyer to remove the stuff they trust in?  The list is too long so let’s just use a short list with only two items, smartphones and computers.  Think about it, have you not become dependent on these two excellent tools?  How things have changed in my 74 years, as a youth and young adult I never gave thought to our phone, it was not mine it was our family phone, and we never lost it for it hung on a wall with a cord attached.  We would never have thought of talking to someone on the phone at the dinner table, that was the time the family talked unless mom was serving fried chicken and then all eyes were on who got the last piece.

Have we not allowed these two items to change our culture, and much of it has been helpful, but on the other side it has also done great harm, and I fear if removed many would not be able to go about their day.  Is that not a sign of worship?

It is God who is bringing the destroyer into the Moabite cities because of what they are placing their faith in, and we often joke about Google, but I’m fearful that many place more faith in Google than in our Creator God, and like Moab, God will not allow that action to continue.  Moab became that broken jar, it had no value, and so it had no one desiring it, can you grasp your nation becoming a Moabite nation?

As we look into verse 40, we see the eagle spreading its wings against Moab, and the eagle stands for Egypt.  Scripture tells us the warriors of Moab were becoming like women in childbirth, weak, dependent, and with significant pain.  And verse 42 gives us the reason why God has allowed this destruction; “Moab shall be destroyed and be no longer a people because he magnified himself against the Lord.”

Have you given thought to how your sins and the sins of your nation affect the heart of God?  Shall we go back to verses 35-36, to get a snapshot of how our sins affect God?  “In Moab, I will stop”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“the one who offers sacrifices on the high place and burns incense to his gods. Therefore, My heart moans like flutes for Moab, and My heart moans like flutes for the people of Kir-heres. And therefore, the wealth he has gained has perished.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

We have forgot the Words of Jesus

 Jeremiah 48:15-33

While reading these verses this came into my mind, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (John 14:26-28)  And like the Moabite people, our nation is being destroyed.  What many of us who go by the name Christian have put our hope and faith in, is being destroyed.  We have seen much of what is holy and sacred like marriage, the killing of the unborn and the destruction of parent’s authority and the family being set aside for a better plan.  But, like the Moabites, we have seen our vineyard destroyed, and our containers smashed and have we forgotten the words of Jesus?

Have we forgotten who is our power, and who will teach us all things and bring to remembrance all that Jesus has promised us?   

​Do you remember these words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  Could our problem be your strength, you have become the “Chemosh” the little god in your life, the one you look to for all the answers?

The Moabites were blessed with much, but they did not give credit to the Creator, but took great pride in themselves, in what they had done and were doing.  I’ve been there, and I must confess if you are in Christ you're going to have a problem of significant proportion.  It is grace you need; it is power made perfect in weakness!

Now you may be a person who does not believe in God or His Son, and you consider yourself-progressive and believe you are the captain of your ship of life, are you experiencing peace, are do you have fear and hate raging in your heart?  Are you may be very conservative, in fact, you do attend church at times but you formed a god who agrees with your actions, in fact, he/she is just like you.  And that god will not allow weakness, and have you experienced you are not tolerant of those who have a different life style than yours?  Both of those life forms often show up in the lives of people who proclaim the title of Christian or followers of Christ.   But they do not reflect Jesus Christ, not even close, for we have these words from our LORD, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” 

The Moabite’s life was centered in themselves, they had become prideful, and we are told in James 4:6b, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  I am not all that smart, but this I declare, I do not want God to fight me, please read Jeremiah 48:15-33 and I pray you grasp what happens to people or nations that experience God’s wrath.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Judgment begin with God's People

Jeremiah 48: 1-13

Judgment always begins at the threshold of God’s own, and with the Moabites, it is traced back to King Solomon for he is the lover of many foreign women.  Now it is somewhat discouraging when one reads that the wisest of men made so many mistakes when it came to obeying God.  You might want to check out 1 Kings 11:1-7, how anything we put before the Lord is a point of contention and in Solomon’s case it was the 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines, and his wives turned away his heart from God.  “So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.” (1 Kings 11:6-8) 

And it came at a very high cost, for the nation of Judah and Solomon’s sons, they lost the kingdom after his death, for God promises to tear it out of the hands of Solomon’s sons.  The Moabites worshiped Chemosh and took great pride in mud brick production and then later with agricultural production.  And yet we live in a time of worship of many little gods, and we take pride in the blessing that comes from God and yet do not acknowledge the source of these blessings and give credit to a person.  I often wonder, how long, yes, how long before God tears this nation apart?

Verse 10 is a message to all mankind: “Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed.”  Do you recall in Colossians 3:23-24, these words from the Lord; “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”  It is also very clear that God sent men like King Nebuchadnezzar and King Cyrus to be His destroyers; in fact, God called them His servants.  And this was a warning to all that whatever God’s mission or calling on your life, be diligent in doing it.

Even though Moab shared proximity to the nation of Israel, they were off the main roads and had experienced few if any invasions.  Moab took great pride in their vineyards and yet God’s message to them is the day is coming when He will send those who will pour him out.  The Moabites have been complacent but not anymore for they are going to have all they trusted smashed and poured out because of Chemosh, their little god who was not able to protect them.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Enemies of Israel will face Judgment

 Jeremiah 47

Jeremiah prophecies against the Philistines and it is evident they have been an enemy of Israel and Judah, almost from the time God’s people came out of Egypt with Moses.   Now we have Jeremiah proclaiming this is what the Lord says: “Behold, waters are rising out of the north, and shall become an overflowing torrent; they shall overflow the land and all that fills it, the city and those who dwell in it.  Men shall cry out, and every inhabitant of the land shall wail.”  These waters are not going to bring fertile deposits; no the waters are referring to the Babylonian army invading the land from the north.

The invasion brings such fear that the fathers leave their children and sons to be captured or slaughtered.  The army from the north will come with such speed, and the fear will overtake those who have gods who cannot see or hear.  And we have Jeremiah prophesying that the Babylonian army is going to destroy the Philistines, Tyre and Sidon and cut off all of its remaining allies.

In verse five we see things that are very strange to one in our modern world, as things got worst for them they shaved their heads, they became silent, and they began to cut themselves as a way of making the Lord’s punishment cease.

And verses 6-7, end the chapter with this word: “Oh, sword of the Lord!
How long will you be restless?  Go back to your sheath; be still; be silent!
How can it rest when the Lord has given it a command?  He has assigned it
against Ashkelon and the shore of the sea.”  When any nation becomes an enemy of Israel at some point they will face judgment, and when the sword of the Lord is out of the sheath, it will not go back until all it was assigned has been done.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

God speaks to Nations through His Prophet

 Jeremiah 46:1-28

It comes as no surprise when God speaks to Israel or Judah, people who are chosen by God through a prophet, but does God speak to other nations, heathen nations by his prophet?  I looked for help and found on page 1310 in the HCSB this note: we have Isaiah 13-21, Ezekiel 25-32, and Amos 1:3-2:3.  They state that it was rare for the prophets to deliver the message themselves, but they gave them to an ambassador who would take the message to his king.

The writers of the HCSB also stated they believe that chapters 46-51 is a collection of messages that God gave at various times during Jeremiah’s ministry.  So the first verse set the stage for these chapters, “The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.  One wonders how the pagan nations received such messages; we do know that Nineveh’s King humbles himself and led his people to repent when Jonah proclaimed God’s message to the people of Nineveh.  But many of these leaders were proud like the leaders of Jeremiah’s time and ignored the words of God.

This first verse of chapter 46 will cover Chapter 46-51.  “About Egypt concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:”

This thought came into my mind as I was reading, what is going to happen to the Pharaoh of Egypt and it is found in Proverbs 30:29-31. “Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.”  It was Pharaoh’s protection that the people of God sought and not God’s.  So God who loves His people too much to have them putting faith in a man, sent His servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to show once more how foolish they were.  We see this mighty army of Egypt getting ready for battle and then in the next verse full of fear running for their lives.

In verse ten we see who is taking credit for the victory, “That day belongs to the Lord, the God of Hosts, a day of vengeance to avenge Himself against His adversaries.  The sword will devour and be satisfied; it will drink its fill of their blood, because it will be a sacrifice to the Lord, the God of Hosts,
in the northern land by the Euphrates River.”  

In verses fifteen and sixteen we saw the gods of Egypt not being able to stand against the Babylonians and the foreign mercenaries getting up and returning home.  Hirelings will always run and what an example of why you do not want a preacher who is a hireling, but one who knows God is their only source. 

We find in verse 19 Jeremiah giving the same advice to the Egyptians, to pack their bags for exile.  It seems the enemy the people of Judah fled from is now taking the land they fled to.

And the chapter ends with God declaring these promises to Israel and Judah; “But you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid and do not be discouraged, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away and your descendants, from the land of their captivity!  Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.  And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—for I will be with you.  I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have banished you, but I will not bring destruction on you.  I will discipline you with justice, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Unconditional Guarantee

 Jeremiah 45

While volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse I encountered an amazing lady named Loraine, and her home had been full of mud and water.  Jan and I were part of a team sent to clean up the mess the flood water had left behind and to do what is called a mud out.  We cleaned the floors, removed all the damaged furniture and appliances and also flooring, cabinets, and removed sheetrock and insulation.

Loraine was 79 years of age, had lost her son in a car accident and her husband Fred to severe heart problems.  She had an incredible career as a counselor at the local college before taking on a large charter school in the same roll.  Loraine was the woman of the year while working with under resourced teenagers, in her community.  I had asked one of the team members to keep her informed of what was taking place in her home as she sat in a plastic chair in the front yard.  So the lady went our to talk and pray with her, and when the woman came back after about 30 minutes, she told me the story I’ve shared with you.  As we left, I introduced myself and let her know that we would be returning the next day, and gave her my card and told her I would like to help in any way she needed, what came out of her mouth amazed me!

Loraine’s words; Bob, “I have a promise from my Father, He has promised never to leave me nor forsake me, and He is a promise-keeper.”  My response was weak, I said Loraine you see all these orange shirts with Samaritan’s Purse on them, that’s your Father keeping His promise.  But as I gave thought to what she had said, it became apparent she had an unconditional guarantee.  When Loraine asked Jesus Christ into her life, the Father promised her life to the full, not problem free, but abundant, with an eternal guarantee!

Now you may be wondering how that ties into Chapter 45 and the scribe of Jeremiah’s named Baruch.  The LORD has a word for Baruch whose hopes and dreams have not worked out as he might have hoped.  Shall we listen to what God has said; “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: You said, ‘Woe is me! For the Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.”  As stated above Baruch is not happy with how his life is going, and the LORD let him know that it will get a lot worse.  Verse 5 is Baruch’s unconditional guarantee, “And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold; I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”

It is never to late no matter what mess you are in!  Jesus Christ has paid your debt in full, but it requires you to believe that Jesus has risen from the grave and to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, and Romans 10:9 states “you will be saved.”  My prayer is that you will enter into Christ, and He will come into you, and you will have an unconditional guarantee of life to the full now, and also an eternal guarantee.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

The ways of a Fool

March 10, 2017

Jeremiah 44:15-30

As I looked at these verses a song popped into my mind, it was from 1940 but became popular in 1960 by Ricky Nelson.  The song was titled “Fools Rush In” and this was the punch line; 'Fools rush in where wise men never go, but wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?'  These men of Jeremiah’s time must have been foolishly in love with their wives, for they never address their rebellion to God.  Could it be their wives had taken the leadership of the home?

In the Proverbs you will discover information on the ways of a fool, this writer has often found himself playing that role. Proverbs 18:2,  “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”  Proverbs 1:7, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”  Proverbs 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes but a wise man listens to advice.”  The list is too long to keep going so let us end with Psalm 14:1, “Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!”   Note many act foolish, Christians and non-Christians, and that does not make them a fool, but it is also not in keeping with a follower of Christ who is being led by the Spirit.

As we examine Jeremiah 44:15-30, it becomes clear that the husband of these women knew and approved their worship of the queen of heaven.  It is also apparent they along with the wives believed their blessing came from her and not from Yahweh, and foolishly they rejected God and believed Jeremiah was giving them wrong information.  It seems impossible that time after time Jeremiah had spoken “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel” and told them precisely what was to happen and they, like us have learned little from history.

In fact, they are very bold, and in hindsight, they are acting like fools, they reject God’s message, and these are their words.  “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you. But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem.”  

Jeremiah’s reply is that type of worship is why devastation has come to Jerusalem and Judah, and now it is going to come on most of you.  You put your trust in Egypt, Pharaoh, Hophra and his army, but God is sending His servant King Nebuchadnezzar to kill Pharaoh’s Hophra as He did Judah’s King Zedekiah.

It is this writer's opinion that we are living in a time talked about in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears, they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”  That is being foolish, and if one practices foolishness, it will not be long before they take the role of a fool.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice