Jeremiah 46 (résumé): A message about Egypt

Jeremiah 46 is the first in a series of prophecies about foreign nations, starting with Egypt and its defeat by Babylon. Initially the text focuses on the defeat of Pharoah Neco king of Egypt at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and Jeremiah mocks the Egyptian soldiers defining the battle as a day of vengeance from the Lord. Jeremiah then predicts that Babylon would not stop at Carchemish but would invade Egypt and "The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame, handed over to the people of the north". Egypt is compared to a hissing snake fleeing its enemies' advances. Then the chapter ends with a message of comfort and encouragement for Israel with God saying: "I will surely save you out of a distant place... Jacob will again have peace and security... do not fear, O Jacob, for I am with you".

Men's Fellowship

We had a lovely Patos Men's Fellowship meeting last night led by chief of the chiefs of Police Esaú. It was warm and blessed fellowship.

I will be preaching on Sunday on a 'Psalm of Thanks' from 1 Chronicles 16. For those of you who join us for our service via YouTube please note that it will be at 10 am (2 pm UK time) and not the usual 6:30 pm (10:30 pm UK time). I will leave you to guess why the switch of times! 😉

Last month this blog was read 76,172 times. May God bless you all.

Jeremiah 45 (résumé): A message to Baruch

In Jeremiah 45, which is a short 5-verse chapter, the prophet conveys a word from the Lord to his good friend and scribe Baruch acknowledging that he is worn out and low in spirit, no doubt feeling overwhelmed by all he had written down from Jeremiah's dictation. God then confirmed that he was about "overthrow" and "uproot" Judah but in it all he promised let Baruch "escape with his life".

Japan

Liz and I watched Brazil beat Japan in the World Cup coming from behind to win 2 x 1 with goals from Casemiro (Manchester United) and Martinelli (Arsenal). It was a very nerve-wracking game with Brazil's winner coming in the added on time right at the end of the second half when it looked like the game would go to extra time. Patos erupted with the victory and let off masses of fireworks!

Last night I did my usual Care Centre Dentist's trip taking patients home to rural areas after having been drilled and had teeth extracted. I saw a Burrowing Owl and a Pigmy Nightjar on the way which is always a pleasure.

Jeremiah 44 (résumé): Disaster because of idolatry

Word now came from God through Jeremiah to the Jews in Egypt reminding them that the reason for the great disaster in Jerusalem and the towns of Judah was the blatant unrepentant idolatry of the people. But now they have returned to pagan idolatry and would therefore suffer a similar fate. God warns them that such judgement is imminent and the remnant of Judah will be subject to eradication by sword or famine. "None will return except a few fugitives". God condemned the Jews for burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her. The Jews point blank refuse to give up her worship so God is adamant that he will judge them with widespread extermination. As a sign of the divine commitment to this action he says that he will hand over Pharoah Hophra to his enemies that seek his life.

Three-quarters

I have now finished the synopses of 39 chapters of the Book of Jeremiah which has 52 chapters, so three-quarters of the book are done. Jerusalem has just been captured by the Babylonians, King Zedekiah no longer has eyes or sons, but the prophet Jeremiah is fine.

Last night Pastor Murilo and I led the service and Pastor Rafael preached on Psalm 32. Missionary Sacha and Marina led the praise and worship. It was a lovely service.

Jeremiah 43 (résumé): The Israelites enter Egypt

 Azariah, Johanan and all the arrogant Israelites called Jeremiah a liar because he opposed them going to Egypt. Then "they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord". Now Jeremiah buried some large stones at the entrance to Pharoah's palace symbolic of Israel in Egypt and then said that Nebuchadnezzar would soon attack Egypt setting fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt and bring death and captivity to all. Thus the very place that the Israelites had sought refuge against God's will would be their doom.