DAY 111: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – JEREMIAH 17-21

April 19, 2024

JEREMIAH 17-21
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DAY 111: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

As we journey through Jeremiah 17-21, the Lord’s anger grows. Jeremiah wishes that he was never born. The people of Israel, described by God as “stiff necked,” allow hardened hearts to direct their destiny.

Ask God for His understanding of Jeremiah 17-21. Read Jeremiah 17-21. Let’s journey!

Jeremiah was called to be a prophet to the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, which surrounded the city of Jerusalem, during the reign of the final five kings of Judah. Jeremiah began his prophesying during the reign of Josiah, the last righteous king. Like the book of Isaiah, Jeremiah offers both warnings of coming judgment, and a message of hope.

Jeremiah 17-21: Today’s reading reveals what is going on in Judah. God grows increasingly angry with the sin and idol worship of the people of Judah. God tells Jeremiah to advise the people of Judah that Judgment is coming if they don’t put away their false gods (idols) and repent of their sinful ways. If they refuse, God will send unimaginable judgment upon His people. Judah’s response is to plot against Jeremiah. The priest, Pashhur has Jeremiah put in stockades for a night for proclaiming God’s prophecy. Prophecy is so powerful that Jeremiah cannot contain it within himself. Sadly they knew that Jeremiah was God’s true prophet, as evidenced by King Zedekiah asking Jeremiah for God’s protection from the Babylonians. God refused Zedekiah’s request because Judah was not like Judah of the past – a Judah that did not worship false gods or find joy in sin. King Zedekiah’s Judah had rejected God for false gods and the fleeting pleasure of sin. (Jeremiah 17:1-21:14)

As you read chapters 17 through 21, consider the following: What message is being given and to whom? What is the response to the message? Jeremiah’s messages were rejected by the Israelites. Consider, is there a message God is trying to give you that you are rejecting?

Godspeace!