God's Touchpoints - The Prophetic Era (Part 4)Sample

JEREMIAH, THE WEEPING PROPHET We often find our attempts to bring Christ to people treated with hostility. Jeremiah’s preaches to the king, in vain facing severe penalty, starvation and death. Jeremiah means “Jehovah throws.” His life spans pre-exile and exile. While he declares God’s judgment (Jer 1-39), he assures that it is only for purification and unveils the hope of the Messiah (Jer 40-52, Lam 3). Jeremiah Purified His mouth is cleansed like other major prophets. The LORD .. touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth.” (Jer 1:9) Jeremiah and the Potter Whenever a pot turns out badly, the potter simply starts over. This represents Israel on whom God is working over and over (Jer 33:1-6) – slaying, bringing health and healing. God’s question, “Can’t I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?” applies to us too. The Potters Field: Jeremiah In Jeremiah 19:1, chief priests and elders purchase from the potter a pot – a symbol of God’s judgments against themselves. In Jeremiah 19:10, the earthen container bought was cast down in front of his opponents a portent of destruction of Jerusalem. Matthew In Matt 17:1, chief priests and elders purchase plot – symbol of God’s judgment. In Matthew 26:15; 27:3, 5, Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and casts the 30 pieces of silver down to the elders in the temple. Jeremiah Prepared God exhorts him to brace for the toughest competition ever – to survive in a corrupt world. "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" (Jer 12:5) Jeremiah Prays, Preaches, Laments. (Lamentations 1,4) He identifies with Israel’s state, yet brings hope in despair. (Lam 3:22,23) Jeremiah Pulverises Popularity Prophets “Don’t listen to the sermons of the prophets. It’s all hot air. Lies, lies, and more lies. They make it all up. Not a word they speak comes from me. They preach their ‘Everything Will Turn Out Fine’ sermon to congregations with no taste for God." (23:16,27 – Message) Jeremiah’s Prophesies • Jesus’ rule (33:15) • Persecution of Jews, great tribulation (30:7) • New covenant (31:33) • Nations uniting to worship Christ (3:17) • Good shepherds (23:3,4) • Regathering of Israel (23:7,8) Are we developing cutting-edge skills to compete in the world and against false prophets in the church? Do we stay true to God’s word at any cost?