Tag Archives: Jeremiah

Jeremiah 6, Matthew 17

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In Jeremiah, God encourages the people to follow the ancient paths, and find rest. But they reject this advice, along with the warning of the watchmen. While we might not overtly reject the advice of God, we can ignore some of the more challenging aspects of choosing God ahead of ourselves.

In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples fail to heal an epileptic boy, and are rebuked by Jesus for their lack of faith, exhorted to have faith like a gain of mustard seed. The disciples struggle with the concept of Jesus dying and being raised to life again.  Also, the divine approval of Jesus is reinforced, with a voice from heaven a second time during the transfiguration saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.

Let’s follow that advice, listen to the advice of Jesus for developing Godly characteristics, and learn from the repercussions of the faithlessness that Israel displayed in the times of Jeremiah.

 

Jeremiah 5, Matthew 16

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In Jeremiah 5, Israel are condemned for their unfaithfulness. They refused to repent, no-one could be found who “does justice and seeks truth”.  They had been “utterly treacherous” to God, believing that there would be no repercussions. Through Jeremiah, God warns the Israelites that He would bring a nation from afar to destroy them and take them captive.  Yet God still promises “I will not make a full end of you.”  He offers them hope, another chance to repent, a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah.

Hundreds of years later, Jesus berates the Pharisees and Sadducees for being unfaithful, warning his disciples to be wary of their teaching.  By contrast, Jesus’ teaching offered hope and a sure foundation, along with a difficult life, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… the son of man… will repay each person according to what he has done.”

Jeremiah 1, Matthew 12

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God sends Jeremiah to “go to all that I sahll send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak”. Despite God’s assurances, Jeremiah is afraid.  God’s encouragement for Jeremiah to stand out and speak God’s word applies for us as well, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you“.

Jesus reinforces this message. “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”  We’ve been called to be children of God, to be part of the same family as Jesus, and along with that comes the responsibility to do the will of God.  We’ve been warned that this will be difficult, but we also have encouragement from God who has “bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”  Our God is mighty to save, and will be with us to deliver us.