Choices That Last Generations

JEREMIAH 48 v 1-25

What do the choices I make now affect in the future?

It all started with Lot and his daughter, through an incestual relationship he had with her. The Moabites came from this one incestual relationship (Genesis 19 v 30-37). The Moabites lead the Israelites into idolatry (Numbers 25 v 1-3). Moab was also part of the Babylonian army which destroyed Jerusalem, but this judgement on them soon came true and the Babylonians destroyed them as a nation. The main God the Moabites mainly worshipped was Chemosh who they sacrificed babies to.

I have picked out three key verses or points God is saying when to the Moabites which is also applicable to my life:

1)  A bush in the Desert (v 6)

2)  Salt on the city (v 9)

3)  Purity of the wine (v 11-12)

God described the Moabites being like a bush in the desert. A bush in the desert can be easily burnt because it is so dry, only barely stay alive, probably never fruit and unlikely for it to reproduce itself. Psalm 1 v 1-3 - "¹ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, ² but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. ³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers." But Moab did not live like this Psalm commands us to live therefore it would not be planted by the stream but die in the desert. They were sinners and they were wicked in what they worshipped and did. God takes away all life from them. They were probably never next to the stream but they were successful by their own works. They as a nation made some bad choices. I am going to choose to live by the stream every day or try it on my own sometimes?

Salt was talked about in a different way to what Jesus describes it for in Matthew 5, the way God was using it was to show how destructive it can be to plants and crops. Judges 9 v 45 - " All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it." This scattering of salt should the death and destruction of the city. Abimelek was out to conquer city after city. By scattering the salt he wasn't just making a symbol of destruction and his victory he was making sure nothing could grow there again. Which was also a sign to the nation and the city not just for their crops but for no growth or life for anything they did. God is doing exactly the same with Moab here in Jeremiah.

Purity is key to how final product of their wine was impure because they had left the dregs in it. They were inferior people to God in their hearts, this was depicted in the way they made their wine. 1 Timothy 4 v 12 - "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." This verse was really key for me growing up but one of the parts of it, the full understanding of the verse was the purity we are to keep. I believe it is important to keep a purity of heart each day. The Moabites didn't have purity of anything and God punished them for it.

These were the 3 key things that stuck out for me. The main overidding thing for me is that each point was a choice for the Moabites to be  rooted in God or not, to be destroyed by God or repent and to purify themselves before God or not. How do my choices effect the depth of my roots?

The Power Of God In The Battle

JEREMIAH 47 v 1-7

When in battle how often do I use the power God has given me access too?

The Philistines worshipped false gods and chose deliberately to go up against God's people. The bible mentions them 250 times because they kept cropping up in the business of God - usually against him. The Philistines had been the thorn in Israel's side for many years. They had caused many problems for different people throughout the bible; Samson, Saul, Jonathon and David are to name just a few. Israel had been in many battles with them:

- The Battle of Shepelah

- Israel defeated at the Battle of Aphek, Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:1-10)

- Philistines defeated at the Battle of Ebner-Ezer (1 Samuel 7:3-14)

- Skirmish at Michmash, Philistines routed by Jonathon and his men (1 Samuel 14)

- Near the Valley of Elah, David defeats Goliath in single combat (1 Samuel 17)

Israel didn't win them all, but why? Was it because they didn't fulfil God's will or because they did it on their own? Did they win other because God's power was in it?

In verse 6 of Jeremiah 47 God talks about his sword and how it we on the attack constantly because the Philistines will cry for it to stop. Ephesians 6 v 17-18 - "...and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." This is the only offensive weapon listed in the armour of God, but what use is an offensive weapon without the power of God? I may think I am using the sword of the spirit but sometimes I may just be going through the motions.

The picture God spark my thoughts of the sword of the Spirit is a bull elephant. Its tusks are piercing and damaging but aren't pin prick sharp but they don't need to be, because with the shear force and power the elephant has behind them, they can pierce nearly anything. If the tucks were just used on their own as the elephant stood still then it may kill a few small animals but it couldn't take out massive obstacles or animals. I believe the same in life if we don't have the power of the Holy Spirit in us as the powerful force he is, then how we will get the obstacles of temptation or the things which are obstructing us building the Kingdom of God.

The judgement of God is upon Philistia and they aren't able to stop it. This prophecy of God Jeremiah says really shows me some key things God uses his power for, but the same God and that same power raised Christ from the dead, heals people and brings people freedom. It is not for us to judge what God uses his power for but for us just to use it for the purposes of Him.

Preparing For Battle

JEREMIAH 46 v 1-28

How prepared am I for the battle each every day?
There are two different parts to this chapter; the first God talking to the Babylonians telling them how they can win and how to win - by preparing themselves. The second is God talking to the Egyptians telling them how they will lose and why. I would like to compare this to my and every Christian's daily situation of God saying we will win and here’s how to win and the preparation you need to do. Then God telling us how the devil has already lost and why. But the only way this can apply is if we prepare ourselves.

"To be forewarned; is to be forearmed."

Let's take a look at the context of this passage for Jeremiah and the people of Judah because they stuck in the middle of this battle that was going to happen. Up until now nearly all the prophecies Jeremiah has given were against Judah - they did include other nations i.e. Babylon will destroy Jerusalem. From this chapter onwards to chapter 52 Jeremiah's prophecies are against other nations i.e. Egypt will be destroyed. Jerusalem received its punishment and so will the rest of the nations. God also tells Jeremiah early in his story that Babylon will get one of the biggest judgements of all - where are the Babylonians now in 2011? The Jews and Egyptians are still here.

In this chapter I think we gain 6 main insights into God's plan for this world:
1)  Although God chose Israel for a special purpose, He loves all people and wants them to come to him.
2)  God is holy and will not tolerate sin.
3)  God's judgements are not placed on prejudice and desire but on fairness and justice.
4)  God doesn't delight in judgement, but in salvation.
5)  God is impartial and treats everyone by the same standard.
6)  God uses the opportunities to use people who don't even follow him to do his will i.e. Babylon attacking Jerusalem. Your boss at work who disciplined you which helped you to get focused again on work and on life.

Preparation for the battles is key if we are to follow and fulfil the purposes and plans God has for my life. Ephesians 6 v 10-20, talks about the armour of God and preparing ourselves for life. But what happens when we don't put on the armour - the devil can overcome us and destroy our passion for him. But if we do wear the armour we can be unstoppable for God. God forewarns us of the devils schemes and plans, so we can forearm ourselves against him. God tells the Babylonians to prepare and the Egyptians not to beware but there is no hope for your nation in this situation. How regularly to I prepare?

Egypt’s and Babylon’s mind set and feelings...
Babylonians - "Let's go!", Ready for the fight and ready to become a super power in that part of the world.
Egyptians - "Oh dear!", "Who do we turn to?" and "Are we not strong enough?"

How prepared am I to fight the battles for God? The more prepared I am the better I can build the Kingdom of God.

Personal Reward vs Kingdom Reward

JEREMIAH 45 v 1-5

Where do I look for rewards?
Baruch first appears in Jeremiah 36, where he wrote the scroll with the words of God on it but then it was burnt. Baruch had been faithfully serving Jeremiah writing all of Jeremiah's life and what God says through him. Baruch became upset because he was looking for personal reward and could not see the reward in God's work. Baruch looked away from God's purposes and focused on his own sacrifices. Colossians 1 v 24 - 2 v 5, Paul is putting forward the point that our suffering and trials are for the Kingdom of God, the question I posed in my devotion towards the beginning of the month was - What am I willing to give up for the Kingdom of God? Baruch had given up his life to do God's will for his life but even while doing that he took his focus off the joy of doing God's will and started to think about all he had given up.

Baruch was from a wealthy and well known family he could have had a high position in the land as a man of intelligence and influence. His name means 'The Blessed' or sometimes when spelt differently 'The Blessed of Yahweh'. Therefore God clearly blessed him abundantly for his service to Him and Jeremiah.
These are some of the thoughts that I think may have been going through Baruch's mind::
- "This is getting too tough."
- "I need to take to a break to find rest."
- "How can I be of any use when I am so worn out."

Baruch might of felt like David in Psalm 69 v 3, "I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. "But was Baruch looking for God or looking for his own reward? In Matthew  6 v 25-27, "²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Jesus calls us not to worry about the things of this world, is Baruch too concerned with his own future? I am more concerned with my own future than with the Kingdom of God?

My final though is this Matthew 6 v 33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Where am I seeking my rewards? From human efforts or from building the Kingdom of God? The building of the Kingdom of God has the eternal reward with it.

Focus Of Worship

JEREMIAH 44 v 1-30

How much of my life is worship to God?

The Jews went to Egypt ignoring God's warning and now God speaks through Jeremiah reminding them what happened last time they worshipped false God's because that is what they intended to do. Did they have a short memory because the reason they are going to Egypt is because their city was destroyed because they hadn't obeyed or worshipped God. Is it just them or are we all reoffenders of the same sins time and time again?

The people were going to worship the 'The Queen of Heaven' with burning incense and drink offerings. This goddess is first mentioned in Jeremiah 7 v 18, she was called Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of love and fertility. The passage in chapter 44 doesn't just say the men worshipped also the women did their own offerings to this goddess. So small group of people looking to rebuild a nation but they don't want to turn to God so they turn to the goddess who will bring them many children. Do we sometimes put our hope in things or people because they are ones who can solve our problem? When we should be putting our hope and relying on God who will provide the right people or things. The source of true hope is God.

"Where our worship is focused is where we put our hope in."

When we focus on something too much then we rely on that thing to bring me pleasure, comfort and success. Every time there is a World Cup everyone’s focus is on England and our hope is in them to win so we can all have an amazing summer. The reality is some people are like that, to have a good year we need England to win the World Cup and others are just miserable for a few weeks. But I and others begin to worship the team as we follow them on their journey in the World Cup, people in the stadiums sing songs and chant all for a bunch of guys kicking a ball around, imagine if all those people put their effort into worshipping God.

I don't believe football is a problem of worship for me but something’s take up more and more of my time without noticing, to avoid focus wandering I believe I need to evaluate myself regularly. I think the few times I am distracted by other things, then God brings me back, he gives me warning signs. The people were just up for full on rebellion. 1 Corinthians 10 v 14-22,  ¹⁴ Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶ Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷ Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. ¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? ¹⁹ Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. ²² Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" We can't be in both camps. God doesn’t want us to sit at his table and eat with him, then go and eat with the enemy. God isn’t some jealous kid when he doesn’t get all the attention, he only wants our attention so he can make us into great people who are doing what he has called us too and so he can give us gifts. If anything we (as people) are the child wanting all the attention. Worship is a humbling experience, that is why we should do it more. We can't be in worship of two things which some Christians want to do, but to live life to the full we have to give all our worship to God.

The world chooses to worship other people or fake god’s; but if people knew the source of worship (God) then how would their perception, methods and direction of worship change?

Approval Rather Than Direction

JEREMIAH 43 v 1-13

Why do we look for God's approval rather than his direction?

Johanan and his group of men came to God looking for approval for their plan, not for God's direction. This is a recurring theme in the bible and in the world; we put our desires before God's guidance. Johanan and his men were taking God for granted, like a friend of mine who would ask many different people for permission to do something until he got a yes to do it. God isn't meant to be the guy who rubber stamps our plans like someone in the council, he should be the spark, the dream, the vision that starts us pioneering something for his Kingdom. Jeremiah brings the words of God and they reject it. The next major step for most people is disobedience to what God has said when he has tried to help them from heading down the wrong road. Or as we sometimes find in the bible people knowing God's will and yet disobeying it anyway.

"It's not good to make plans unless we are willing for God to change them. It's not good to pray if we are willing to accept the answer."

Do we always realise the problems that come from the disobedience of God?

Johanan and his men were afraid to obey the Lord. Jonah 1 v 1-17, "¹ The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." ³ But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD..." Jonah didn't obey God's specific command and hit many troubles: a storm, big fish and nearly dying in the heat. But i think the key comparison to Jeremiah's situation is that Johanan and his men wouldn't just be affected by the repercussions of disobeying God but the whole nation of Egypt would be. God's speaks through Jeremiah again and says, "¹⁰ Then say to them, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will send for my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones I have buried here; he will spread his royal canopy above them. ¹¹ He will come and attack Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword.” The Babylonians would come and destroy Egypt. This would cause problems for Johanan because why would the Pharaoh want people in Egypt who bring destruction to his nation. We see a very similar thing happen with Abraham, Genesis 12 v 10-20, "...¹⁷ But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. ¹⁸ So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? ¹⁹ Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” ²⁰ Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had." Abraham brought problems to Egypt because he lied. If we are disobedient to God it will bring destruction to where we go.

If I look for God's approval and he says no then how will react? But is it not easier to consult God, let him show me more of his plan and purpose for my life and then follow that? Matthew 6 v 33-34, " ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I believe if i seek first the Kingdom of God then he will reveal his plans and purpose for my life so that I can live for him true Kavanah (Presence and Purpose of God) in my life!