Jeremiah 21: Worship Guide.
November 16, 2020 in Today's Worship by TGV
A Worship Guide corresponding with the today’s Bible Reading Plan: Jeremiah 21/ Theme: A pronouncement to King Zedekiah/ 24-BSG-21A, (Jeremiah 21:1-7)/ Hymn: The judgment has set (SDAH 416).
EXPLORATION: Warnings of Punishment for Sin → Separation from God/ Read: Gen 3:23–24; Deut. 32:18–20; Ps. 125:5; 138:6; Isa 59:1–2; 64:7; Jer. 21:1–7; [Lake of fire –Rev. 20:10, 15; Mt 25:46].
REFLECTION: In this chapter we have — [a] God’s Message to Zedekiah, Judah’s 20th and final king (21:1-10); [b] A warning to the house of David (21:11–12); [c] A warning to Jerusalem, a complacent city (21:13–14). Babylon was besieging Jerusalem and King Zedekiah in his desperation sent Pashur and Zephaniah to Prophet Jeremiah to ask God to perform a miracle for the Babylonians to retreat (vv. 1-2).
What was God’s response? — “I Myself will fight against you…” (see Jer. 22:5-7). “Not only would God refuse to deliver the city from the enemy, but also He would fight with the enemy and bring about Jerusalem’s defeat! Judah’s military might would be ineffective against the Chaldean army. Whereas in the past, God’s mighty “outstretched arm” and “strong hand” had worked for His people (Deut. 4:34; 5:15; 26:8), now He would work against them, because the nation had turned against God. “To the faithful You show Yourself faithful … but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd” (Ps. 18:25–26, NIV).” [Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Decisive, “Be” Commentary Series, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 97]. In fact, the only way to avoid being killed by the sword, famine or pestilence was to surrender to the Babylonians (v. 9).
DEVOTIONAL IMPLICATION: It seems to me that the period of probation had closed for Judah. Likewise, probation will soon close for this generation as it did in the days of Noah; Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:26-30, 32). At that time, prayer for protection from the plagues (Rev. 16) by those who are not sealed (Rev. 7:1-3) will be useless, for God will have pronounced, “It Is Done” — [It is all over, it is all accomplished, it has officially come to an end, (Rev. 16:17)] “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” (Revelation 22:11, NKJV) Therefore, beloved, while the sealing work is ongoing, let us stay faithful to our calling and remain sealed. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30, NKJV)
THE GOSPEL’S VOICE: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—Because He does. What does the Lord say to me this morning? My son, Zedekiah consulted Me merely for help, for information. But there was no indication of a willingness to obey My commandments. It is vain to seek My help without repenting of your sin, without submitting to My will. I may allow My judgment to fall on you, if you don’t repent: “ If you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.” (Lev. 26:21) “Then I also will walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.” (Lev. 26:28) “I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.” (Lev. 26:33). Come to Me, repent of your sins and you will be blessed!
My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to confess, repent of my sins, and seek the LORD.
Have A Blessed Day: “If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:19–20, NKJV)
Worship Through Singing:
THE JUDGMENT HAS SET!
The judgment has set, the books have been opened;
How shall we stand in that great day,
When every thought, and word, and action,
God, the righteous Judge, shall weigh?
Refrain
How shall we stand in that great day?
How shall we stand in that great day?
Shall we be found before Him wanting?
Or with our sins all washed away?
The work is begun with those who are sleeping,
Soon will the living here be tried,
Out of the books of God’s remembrance,
His decision to abide.
O, how shall we stand that moment of searching,
When all our sins those books reveal?
When from that court, each case decided,
Shall be granted no appeal?