Jeremiah 26 (résumé): Jeremiah threatened with death

Jeremiah 26 tells the dramatic story of the killing of one prophet and the threat to kill the prophet Jeremiah because the priests, prophets and people of Judah didn't like what was being prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, as with Shiloh, and the subsequent destruction of the temple in the process. Jeremiah answered his accusers that he was just conveying the word of the Lord and that if they put him to death the guilt of innocent blood would be on them and the city. Eventually Jeremiah escaped unharmed thanks to the support of Ahikam son of Shaphan.

Jeremiah 25 (résumé): 70 years of captivity

In Jeremiah 25 God speaks through the prophet to tell Judah that he had decided to place them in Babylonic exile for 70 years, banishing all joy and gladness, and the whole country will become a desolate wasteland. When the 70 years are up God will punish Babylon for their guilt and repay them according to their deeds. Then God gave Jeremiah the cup of the wine of his wrath and told him to give it to be drunk (that is experienced) by a variety of nations in the known world. Then the chapter ends with a poetic description of the onslaught of  God's judgement: "roll in the dust you leaders of the flock... hear the cry of the shepherds and the wailing of the leaders... the land will become desolate... because of the Lord's fierce anger".

Jeremiah 24 (résumé): Two baskets of Figs

 Jeremiah 24 is a short chapter telling of a vision of baskets of figs which God gave to Jeremiah. The basket of good figs represented the Jews in Babylonian exile who God says "will return to me with all their heart... my eyes will watch over them for their good... and I will build them up". However the basket of poor figs represented King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials and the surviving remnant of the Jews in Judah... "I will make them abhorrent... and an object of ridicule... and I will destroy them".

Jeremiah 23 (résumé): Lying prophets

 Jeremiah 23 brings a strong condemnation of corrupt leadership: "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying the sheep... I will punish you for the evil you have done... and I will raise up a King who will reign wisely... and God's people will live again in their own land. Concerning the prophets... the land is full of adulterers... both prophet and priest are godless... and I will bring disaster on them... they prophesied by Baal and led my people astray... they commit adultery and live a lie... do not listen to the prophets who invent their own visions... so the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath... for I did not speak to them but they have prophesied... I have heard what the prophets say prophesying in my name... they are lying prophets... I am against the prophets who steal and wag their own tongues with false dreams... I will forsake those who distort the words of the living God... I will surely forget you and cast you out... and I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace".

Jeremiah 22 (résumé): Judgement against evil kings

Jeremiah 22 is a prophecy for the kings of Judah. It points to the fall of the Davidic dynasty owing to sin, social injustice and idolatry. Initially God demands care for the foreigner, orphan and widow saying that the Davidic lineage depends on this. God then warns about his impending destruction of Judah and then says that King Shallum will die in captivity. He then goes on to say that his brother Jehoiakim, who succeeded him, was condemned for his worker exploitation and his desire for opulence. Jeremiah prophecies that Jehoiakim will receive the funeral of a donkey being dragged out and thrown from Jerusalem. Then the chapter concludes with a message for Coniah, Jehoiakim's son, saying that God would rip it off even if he was just a signet ring on his hand, and that he and his mother will be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. 

Joel

Our daughter Missionary Sacha preached a superb sermon from Joel 2 last night. It was a real blessing. Numbers were down in church as many were away at the youth camp. The youth camp finished last night and was a real blessing too. Missionary Betânia preached last night in the final service. Thanks for your prayers.

Youth Camp

Liz and I spent yesterday evening at Green Pastures at the youth camp which is facing quite an uphill battle as a result of some non-Christian participants who are involved in spiritism. There is an unusually heavy atmosphere about the place which can best be described as a spiritual dark cloud of oppression. Please pray. 🙏