September 08, 2019: SOAP #3566:  Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

Scripture:  Jeremiah (NIV) 44:27 For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. 28 Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand— mine or theirs.

Observation:   The Jews in Jerusalem had come to Jeremiah and asked him to inquire of the Lord what they should do.  They promised to do whatever the Lord said, be it good or bad.  God could count on them to do His will.

The word came that they should stay in Jerusalem.  God would protect them there.  But they believe that Jeremiah was not telling the truth.  They decided to go to Egypt in disobedience to God’s word.  They would not keep their promise.  So, God has a word for those in Egypt!  God is “watching over them for harm, not for good.”

Application:  To think that the God who created this world and everything in it could be watching over me for harm and not for good—that is a terrifying thought.  To think that the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, perfectly holy God is against me terrifies me.

What relief to know that the wrath of God that was against me has been satisfied by the death of Jesus on the cross!  On Him was poured the wrath of God.  He died in my place.  The rejection of Father God experienced by Jesus should have been mine.   Not only did Jesus receive my rejection, I received his acceptance.  I only had to believe and ask!  He forgave me, moved inside me, and now helps me live my daily life for His glory.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am so blessed to be your child—to know that when you look at me, you see Jesus, and that you are watching over me for my good and not for my harm! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!