Week 25 - Jeremiah 26-28, 1st John 3 (June 18-24)
Notes
JEREMIAH 26:12: Jeremiah’s Civil disobedience
Jeremiah's model of civil disobedience, as depicted in Jeremiah 26:12-15, is a powerful example of his unwavering commitment to his prophetic mission and his dedication to speaking truth to power. In this passage, Jeremiah stands before the officials and people of Judah, boldly proclaiming the word of God and delivering a message of warning and repentance. Despite facing significant opposition and the threat of death, Jeremiah fearlessly persists in his duty to convey the divine message.
Jeremiah's civil disobedience is characterized by his refusal to back down or compromise his message, regardless of the consequences. He firmly asserts that he is speaking on behalf of the Lord and does not seek personal gain or acclaim. Jeremiah's model demonstrates a profound sense of moral responsibility and a deep faith in his divine calling. He remains resolute in the face of hostility and opposition, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and urging the people to change their ways before it is too late.
Moreover, Jeremiah's civil disobedience is marked by his willingness to suffer for the sake of his mission. Despite the threats against him, he does not flee or cower in fear. Neither does he attack or rebel against the instituted authorities. Instead, he accepts the potential consequences of his actions, trusting in God's protection and guidance. Jeremiah's model of civil disobedience serves as an inspiration for those who believe in standing up for justice and truth, even when faced with overwhelming odds and adversity. His steadfastness and unwavering commitment to his prophetic role are a great example for how we should behave when we face resistance when living out our faith / obedience to God
JEREMIAH 27:8-11: GOD SAYS "SURRENDER"
The prophecy that Jeremiah gives Zedekiah here is unparalleled in ancient literature. We have no other record of a prophet from the ancient world instructing their king to surrender to an invader or occupier. these words come early in the reign of Zedekiah. God must have known the rebellious heart that Zedekiah possessed. Consider that if Zedekiah was obedient to this command, the great city of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple within it, may not have been demolished.
Notice that in Jeremiah's ministry, the Israelites who have God's favor and are spoken to lovingly and kindly, are those already in exile. There was a group of important officials from Judah who were taken into exile in 597 (the beginning of Zedekiah's reign) that included Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They are the ones who are told the kind and often-memorized words of Jeremiah 29, and God speaks to them in love, while God speaks wrath and judgment to those still in Judea.
Jeremiah 28:a Prophetic duel
We’ve got a duel of prophets in Jeremiah 28! Jeremiah prophesies doom, while Hananiah predicts deliverance and restoration after just two years.
Jeremiah, as a true prophet, faithfully delivers the word of God, even when the message is unpopular and met with resistance. He warns the people of Judah about the impending judgment and destruction due to their disobedience. Jeremiah's prophecies are grounded in a deep understanding of God's will and are characterized by a call to repentance and righteousness. His civil disobedience lies in his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, regardless of the personal cost. Jeremiah endures persecution, rejection, and even imprisonment for his prophetic message.
On the other hand, Hananiah presents a stark contrast to Jeremiah. He is a false prophet who contradicts Jeremiah's message and offers a more optimistic and politically expedient view. Hananiah prophesies that God will break the yoke of Babylon and restore the exiles within two years. Unlike Jeremiah, Hananiah's words are self-serving and seek to gain popularity and favor from the people and leaders of Judah. Hananiah's ministry is not grounded in a genuine call to righteousness or truth but rather in his own ambition and desire for personal gain.
In Jeremiah 28, the contrast between these two prophets is vividly portrayed. While Jeremiah remains steadfast in his role as God's messenger, Hananiah represents the dangers of false prophecy that is driven by a personal agenda rather than a genuine desire to fulfill God's will. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of discernment and staying true to God's word in the face of opposition.
1ST JOHN 3:21: CONFIDENCE
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God (1st John 3:21)
Can you imagine having confidence before God? John depicts this reality as an achievable goal. In fact, the prospect of possessing this confidence is the reason he writes the epistle:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1st John 5:13)
Our confidence comes not from our own righteousness, but from understanding the power of Christ to redeem us and present us as God’s children. You may have heard a song lyric that goes something like:
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
John tells us that we can have confidence before God, and I fear that the words of this song may mislead some into believing that we will not. If you fear God’s presence, you don’t know or haven’t fully accepted the power of Christ to remove your guilt and sin. If you’ve been given new life in Jesus Christ, you can have confidence before God