Jeremiah 49,50, Psalm 25 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• Chapter 49- Prophetic warnings for the nations surrounding Judah –those who have fought against Israel and Judah: Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam.
• Chapter 50- A judgement on Babylon – following the 70 years of captivity.

Drawing from Rev. Kim’s sermon on Sunday (June 27), the years of the captivity are a time of correction and discipline for Judah (and Israel). Rather than speaking specifically to the prophecies in these chapters, I would like to take us to the topic of God’s correction and discipline. What does it look like? And how do we respond to that discipline?
 
INTERPRETATION
Jeremiah describes discipline and punishment that consists of death of the people by war, famine or plague, and ruin of the cities by tearing down the walls of the city and destroying peoples’ homes.
Nevertheless, when the destructive judgements are past, what are the Hebrews to do during the captivity? They are to live in the land, to have families, to be productive, and pray for and bless their captors.
Does this have any similarity to our/your situation? Certainly, our church situation has changed. Perhaps your work situation has also changed? Our social situations have changed, sometimes drastically changed. Could these events be part of God’s movement in our lives?
Psalm 25 – our psalm for today is a prayer for God’s mercy in our hardships. Perhaps this could also be our prayer during our current hardships.
 
QUESTION
How do we respond to changes that affect the way we live, but we are not able to control?
Could this be something used by God for our correction and discipline?
Has God moved us out of our comfortable niche?
The psalmist prays – not just for his relief but that God will not be shamed, nor that the enemy will be able to exult.
 
PRAYER
Psalm 25 – Can we pray along with the psalmist, “To you O Lord, I lift up my soul. Oh my God in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.”