Jeremiah 37

WEEK   25                                        Jeremiah 37

SATURDAY  Reflections

I find this chapter interesting. The new king asks Jeremiah to pray for them. Later, when Jeremiah asks, the king moves him to a better place, yet he isn't repenting and turning to God. Since we don't know his heart it is impossible to say. Yet God used him to remove Jeremiah from those who wished to silence him and probably kill him.

Jeremiah asks a question which no one answers: "Where are the prophets?"(37:19) Jeremiah asks what about all those people who prophesied falsely. Where are they now? It is a good question. They seemed to have disappeared, yet the true prophet was suffering. It doesn't seem fair, but the world isn't fair.

It was true then and it is still true. Jesus warned his followers the world would not treat them right. So we shouldn't be surprised when it happens.

Jer 37:1-21
(1)  And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.
(2)  But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah.
(3)  And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.
(4)  Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison.
(5)  Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.
(6)  Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
(7)  Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.
(8)  And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.
(9)  Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart.
(10)  For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.
(11)  And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army,
(12)  Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.
(13)  And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.
(14)  Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.
(15)  Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison.
(16)  When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;
(17)  Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.
(18)  Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison?
(19)  Where are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?
(20)  Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.
(21)  Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Romans 16

WEEK    25                                        Romans 16

FRIDAY  Reflections

Some interesting notes for those who believe Paul didn't want women in ministry. Look at the number of women in this conclusion. Even Priscilla being named before her husband is enlightening. These aren't women who are cowering in the corner waiting for the men to tell them what to do. God uses women. They aren't second-class citizens in the church nor in the home.

On another note, Paul tells them he wants them to "be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (NIV). God wants all of us to be this way. We don't need to be wise and knowledgeable about everything that is evil. Yes, there are times we need to know what is taking place, but if our knowledge about evil is greater than that of the Bible we are out of balance. We need to be focused on learning what is good. 

 

Rom 16:1-27
(1)  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
(2)  That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
(3)  Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
(4)  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
(5)  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
(6)  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
(7)  Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
(8)  Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
(9)  Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
(10)  Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
(11)  Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
(12)  Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
(13)  Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
(14)  Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
(15)  Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
(16)  Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
(17)  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
(19)  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
(20)  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
(21)  Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
(22)  I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
(23)  Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
(24)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
(25)  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
(26)  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
(27)  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.

Romans 15

WEEK    25                                      Romans 15

THURSDAY  Reflections

Paul's first verse here says a lot; "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (NIV). To say it another way we need to put up with other's ideas and not try to make them like us. Yes, there is a place to discuss differences but they need to be handled maturely and in love. The goal should be to help each other grow not to make everyone see it our way.

Paul ties these disagreements into God saving both Jews and Gentiles. There are differences, but salvation is found in Jesus. Jews may still celebrate the days and feasts of their heritage by faith and the Gentiles didn't celebrate them but it is faith, not works that save us all.

Rom 15:1-33
(1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
(2)  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
(3)  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
(4)  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
(5)  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
(6)  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(7)  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
(8)  Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
(9)  And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
(10)  And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
(11)  And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
(12)  And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
(13)  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(14)  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
(15)  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
(16)  That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
(17)  I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
(18)  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
(19)  Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
(20)  Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
(21)  But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
(22)  For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
(23)  But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
(24)  Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
(25)  But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
(26)  For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
(27)  It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
(28)  When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
(29)  And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
(30)  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
(31)  That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
(32)  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
(33)  Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

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Psalm 86

WEEK   25                                           Psalm 86

WEDNESDAY  Reflections

We don't know when Psalms 86 was written, I lean toward sometime after David has been forgiven. This psalm isn't a psalm of forgiveness but it is a prayer. It acknowledges what the author is doing right but recognizes the goodness of God and his willingness, even it seems, eagerness to forgive those who ask.

This may be a prayer of David, but it should be ours as well. Perhaps you should read pray it again.

Psa 86:1-17

(1)  A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

(2)  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

(3)  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

(4)  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

(5)  For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

(6)  Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

(7)  In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

(8)  Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

(9)  All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

(10)  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

(11)  Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

(12)  I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

(13)  For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

(14)  O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

(15)  But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

(16)  O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

(17)  Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

2 Samuel 14

WEEK   25                                        2 Samuel 14

TUESDAY  Reflections

There are many questions surrounding why David refused to see Absalom in 2 Samuel 14. For many, the idea that if David had gone to see him rather than leave him in exile then perhaps the rebellion that Absalom cooked up would never have taken place. The truth is it is all conjecture. We can only guess. Some see David’s heart toward Absalom as anger others interpret it as love. It is possible that the ruse Joab set up was to give David a legal reason to allow Absalom back.

 

Whatever the reason David's decision to do nothing for two years after allowing Absalom’s return probably added to the resentment Absalom felt. David being unresponsive to his household laid the groundwork for Absalom’s rebellion. Looking at this chapter, I am reminded again that ignoring an issue only adds to the problem.

 

A final note, when talking about Absalom the scriptures here indicate that he was a handsome man. There seems to be a pride that Absalom has in his own beauty, which may have been the ultimate factor in his decision to try and take over the kingdom. Pride, scripture teaches, comes before a fall, and it does seem Absalom had his fair share of it.

2Sa 14:1-33
(1)  Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
(2)  And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
(3)  And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
(4)  And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.
(5)  And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
(6)  And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.
(7)  And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.
(8)  And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.
(9)  And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.
(10)  And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.
(11)  Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.
(12)  Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
(13)  And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.
(14)  For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.
(15)  Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.
(16)  For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.
(17)  Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.
(18)  Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.
(19)  And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
(20)  To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.
(21)  And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
(22)  And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
(23)  So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
(24)  And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.
(25)  But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
(26)  And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.
(27)  And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
(28)  So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.
(29)  Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.
(30)  Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
(31)  Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?
(32)  And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.
(33)  So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

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1. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary. Accessed on 3/19/18. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jfb/2_samuel/14.htm