(505) 21 May : Proverbs 24v3-4 / Jeremiah 26-27 / Psalm 106v28-33

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 24:3-4

Understanding to grow in

Tye preaching of God's word can even divide those amongst his people. Here, some are against Jeremiah, not being able to conceive how God would bring down Jerusalem. They presume an easy grace - that they and their city are so special, that God will always be for them whatever their sin. Others, come round to being for Jeremiah when they see his courage in urging then to do to him whatever they won't, but to be aware that violence would make them guilty of innocent blood. These recognize the integrity of someone seeking to please God not man. Paul makes a similar point in 1 Thessalonians 2: The validity of his ministry was proved by his readiness to suffer. One cannot but think here of the Lord Jesus. His readiness to go to the cross proves his perfect obedience to God the Father and so his entire trustworthiness. For no-one would die for what they know to be a lie. It's one of the many reasons why we should ensure that we listen to him. And if we haven't been, that like the Jews in Jeremiah's day, we repent and begin to do so. As you read note the attitudes to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 26-27

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 106:28-33

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here