​Jeremiah 23-25 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• Chapter 23 – the day is coming when I will raise up a righteous King and this people who are in exile will be brought home again and they will live in safety.
• 23:9 and following: an indictment against the false prophets, they are not receiving their visions from God but from their own minds
• You prophets who carry my (the LORD's) message tell it truly and faithfully – check with the other prophets to help discern the true word (23:35)
• Chapter 24 – God will take care of (nurture) those in exile, giving them a heart to know God.
• Chapter 25 – Jeremiah has been a faithful prophet for 23 years (from Josiah to Zedekiah). God has also sent other true prophets and you did not listen to them either – so just hear this – I am sending Babylon against you. There will be no more joy and the landscape will become wasteland. After 70 years, I will defeat Babylon and all the other nations that have been against you. But now, prepare for the worst. God’s judgement will prevail.

 
INTERPRETATION
Search God and listen to God’s voice in order to discern whether prophecy is true.
You can discuss the prophecies with others who truly hear God’s word (but don’t be swayed by the lies of the false prophets).
 
QUESTION
Are you truly hearing God’s voice? Do you search the Scriptures for the truth? Do you take time to listen to the Holy Spirit of God?
 
PRAYER
Dear Lord God, be gracious to us and cleanse us from all evil thoughts and wrong doing. Speak to us through your Word, through your true teachers and prophets, and open our eyes and ears to hear your Holy Spirit.
 
SONG
Ever Faithful, Ever Sure. – D. Bruce Moore
I think this song is so true in all our lives – whether at home, at work, at school or at play. We’re thankful for your faithfulness.