A New Covenant (2)

Pray Psalm 75.9, 10.
But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
“All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off,
But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”

Sing Psalm 75.9, 10.
(Galilee: Jesus Call Us)
As for me, I will declare it: Evermore to God be praise!
He abases all the wicked, but His righteous ones He saves!

Read and meditate on Jeremiah 29.15-32.

Prepare.
1. How did the “prophets” who were in Babylon respond to Jeremiah’s letter?

2. What judgment did God issue against the false prophets?

Meditate.
Not everybody who had been taken into captivity to Babylon was happy to receive Jeremiah’s letter. Specifically, it seems the false prophets who had been carried away there resented what they regarded as Jeremiah’s intrusion onto their “turf.” Were they not prophets just like Jeremiah?

Well, no. Those who had denied Jeremiah’s warnings of judgment while they were yet in Jerusalem continued to deny them even while they were in captivity. They kept telling the people that all their troubles would be over in just a little while, then they and all the temple furniture would be returned to Jerusalem. Jeremiah said that they should prepare for a long exile, and the false prophets in Babylon wanted him silenced (vv. 27, 28).

God would openly and publicly bring His judgment against these prophets, thus vindicating His Word against theirs, and reinforcing Jeremiah’s message to the exiles (vv. 15-23). The lies and sinful ways of these false shepherds had brought them to the end of the road. Even as they were being carried away to Babylon – just as Jeremiah had prophesied – they continued living lawless lives and preaching soothing sentiments rather than the hard truth of God. And God had had enough.

When the letter came to Jerusalem demanding that Jeremiah be rebuked (vv. 27, 28), God spoke through Jeremiah condemning Shemaiah, the writer of the letter, “because he has taught rebellion against the LORD” v. 32).

Those entrusted with the ministry of God’s Word must not tell people what they think will make them feel better, or what will make them popular with those to whom they preach. They must preach the Word of God, exposing sin, calling for repentance, warning of judgment, and holding out the hope of deliverance and renewal for all who hear and obey the Lord. Jeremiah did this. The false prophets did not. So for them, Babylon was the end of the road.

Reflect.
1. God has entrusted His Word to each one of us who knows Jesus Christ. What does He expect of us?

2. How can we know when a teacher of God’s Word has ceased teaching truth?

3. What can you do to make sure you aren’t lead astray by false teaching?

Jeremiah announces a special prophecy, but in confirmation of his former doctrine. His object is still the same, to prevent the captives, as they had begun, to listen to flatteries, and to make them feel assured that they were to bear their exile till the end of seventy years. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Jeremiah 29.20

No matter how hard, no matter how difficult, Lord, help me to receive and obey Your Word, so that I…

Pray Psalm 75.1-8.
Praise God for His mighty works. Thank Him for all His goodness. Rest in His judgment over all the world.

Sing Psalm 75.1-8.
Psalm 75.1-8 (Galilee: Jesus Calls Us)
We give thanks, Lord, we give thanks for Your all-glorious Name is near!
Men Your wondrous works declare, Lord; let all living creatures hear!

When you choose the time of judgment, You will judge with equity.
Then the earth and all within it by Your hand no more shall be.

Warn the boastful, warn the wicked: “Do not boast or raise your horn!
Do not raise your boastful voices; do not speak with pride and scorn!”

Neither east nor west nor desert shall exalting bring to man.
God is Judge, He puts one down and makes another one to stand.

For the cup of judgment foams in Jesus’ sovereign, holy hand.
He has mixed it and will pour it out on every wicked man.

T. M. Moore

You can also now listen to a weekly summary of our daily Scriptorium study. Click here for Jeremiah 26-28.

Check out the special on our book, A Mighty Fortress. Learn how this great hymn works to draw us closer to the Lord. Order copies for yourself and your friends by clicking here.

Thanks and praise to the Lord for all who helped us meet our Challenge Gift
If you find Scriptorium helpful in your walk with the Lord, please seek the Lord, asking Him whether you should contribute to the support of this daily ministry with your financial gifts. As the Lord leads, you can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).