Sometimes the Lord’s provision comes from areas that we would not normally associate with His leading. Jeremiah writes to the exiles in Babylon with a letter of comfort.
Jeremiah 29: Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles
1 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
2 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem.
3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said:
4 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream,
9 for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD.
10 "For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfil to you my promise and bring you back to this place.
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
15 "Because you have said, 'The LORD has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,'
16 thus says the LORD concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your kinsmen who did not go out with you into exile:
17 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, behold, I am sending on them sword, famine, and pestilence, and I will make them like vile figs that are so rotten they cannot be eaten.
18 I will pursue them with sword, famine, and pestilence, and will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, a terror, a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them,
19 because they did not pay attention to my words, declares the LORD, that I persistently sent to you by my servants the prophets, but you would not listen, declares the LORD.'
20 Hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles whom I sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
21 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall strike them down before your eyes.
22 Because of them this curse shall be used by all the exiles from Judah in Babylon: "The LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire,"
23 because they have done an outrageous thing in Israel, they have committed adultery with their neighbour’s wives, and they have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them. I am the one who knows, and I am witness, declares the LORD.'"
Shemaiah's False Prophecy
24 To Shemaiah of Nehelam you shall say:
25 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: You have sent letters in your name to all the people who are in Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,
26 'The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to have charge in the house of the LORD over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and neck irons.
27 Now why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth who is prophesying to you?
28 For he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, "Your exile will be long; build houses and live in them, and plant gardens and eat their produce."'"
29 Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the hearing of Jeremiah the prophet.
30 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
31 "Send to all the exiles, saying, 'Thus says the LORD concerning Shemaiah of Nehelam: Because Shemaiah had prophesied to you when I did not send him, and has made you trust in a lie,
32 therefore thus says the LORD: Behold, I will punish Shemaiah of Nehelam and his descendants. He shall not have anyone living among this people, and he shall not see the good that I will do to my people, declares the LORD, for he has spoken rebellion against the LORD.'"
Jeremiah 30: Restoration for Israel and Judah
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
2 "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.
3 For behold, days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the LORD, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it."
4 These are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah:
5 "Thus says the LORD: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace.
6 Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labour? Why has every face turned pale?
7 Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.
8 "And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him.
9 But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
10 "Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
12 "For thus says the LORD: Your hurt is incurable, and your wound is grievous.
13 There is none to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you.
14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they care nothing for you; for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy, the punishment of a merciless foe, because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant.
15 Why do you cry out over your hurt? Your pain is incurable. Because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant, I have done these things to you.
16 Therefore all who devour you shall be devoured, and all your foes, every one of them, shall go into captivity; those who plunder you shall be plundered, and all who prey on you I will make a prey.
17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: 'It is Zion, for whom no one cares!'
18 "Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt on its mound, and the palace shall stand where it used to be.
19 Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honoured, and they shall not be small.
20 Their children shall be as they were of old, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all who oppress them.
21 Their prince shall be one of themselves; their ruler shall come out from their midst; I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me, for who would dare of himself to approach me? declares the LORD.
22 And you shall be my people, and I will be your God."
23 Behold the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked.
24 The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this.
Things to think about…
1. The first two verses in Jer 29 refer to the second 597BC attack on Jerusalem where many more captives were taken to Babylon. Jeremiah is one of a very few voices that was saying “make a life in Babylon. Plant vineyards, have children”. He even says that they should pray for the peace of the city ‘Babylon’ where they have been taken, vs 7. How would you feel about praying for the Lord’s blessing to be over a person or a situation that has taken your health, your family, your previous life of security and blessing? Jesus tells us to love even our enemies. How does this work out practically in our lives? The Lord said He will provide for the captives through the captors.
2. In Jer 29:21-23 we see two guys mentioned - Zedekiah and Ahab (not the kings elsewhere mentioned in scripture) who are like Hananiah that we read about last week. They are part of the chorus of false prophets who were taken to Babylon. They not only said the wrong thing but did the wrong thing as well. These guys committing adultery with their neighbour’s wives. Judgement was pronounced against them both. The judgement was very detailed as well – the King of Babylon would burn these men with fire, Jer 29:22. What is your response to some modern day messages within Christianity that say things are all good and that we should not be talking about a God who sends people to hell for eternity? Like Jeremiah we are merely the messengers, we have no right to change the message of the Messiah.
3. Jeremiah is really up against it with the multitude of voices against his ministry. What would your response be to the words of Shemaiah Jer 29:24-32, another false prophet? Shemaiah writes to Zephaniah the priest who was left in Jerusalem to deal with Jeremiah and lock him in stocks, vs 26. Fortunately Zephaniah reads the letter to Jeremiah so he can respond, vs 29. Jeremiah pronounces judgement upon Shemaiah and his friends, vs 32 – just as he did with Hananiah, the false prophet from Jer 28. Is this too harsh, what do you think? How do we apply that to some of today’s slightly off voices within Christendom? The Lord has a way of silencing the voices that are not honouring His message.
4. The question posed in Jer 30:6 has an obvious answer. A man cannot bear a child! Yet in today’s society the push from the transgender community is wanting us to believe otherwise.
5. Look at Jer 30:21, “Their prince shall be one of themselves; their ruler shall come out from their midst;”. This of course refers to the Lord Jesus Christ who would be the ultimate Prince of peace and ruler of the world. Pray for the Jewish people that they would see Him as their Lord and Saviour today. Only Jesus of course can approach the Father. That is the point of the final part of the verse – no other earthly prince or priest has this ability.
6. Jer 30 is what the Judeans really wanted – restoration and peace. It comes at a cost of course. They will go through the long 70 year trial of captivity in Babylon, but then they will have deliverance. Do you see any parallels with our lives here on earth and the long blessing of eternal security? I think Jer 30:24 is relevant for us, one day we will fully appreciate the Lord’s will and what He was achieving through all the events that happened here on earth “In the latter days, you will understand this”, Jer 30:24. This is also true and prophetic for the Jewish people. One day they will see Yeshua as their true Messiah.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sunday’s sermon “Let me boast a little” – reading 2Corinthians 12:1-10
1. Paul had a significant spiritual experience. He went into the third heaven. He saw and heard amazing things. What is the most intense spiritual encounter you have had with the Lord?
2. Paul listed off a whole heap of trials he had endured in 2Cor 11. What trials have you endured? Paul said he boasted in trials and weakness, because that is when God’s strength is shown, 2 Cor 12:10. How is it possible to boast in your weaknesses?
3. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble and not go into conceit and spiritual pride. He had lived a previous life as a Pharisee so he knew what spiritual pride was. This thorn wasn’t a pin prick, but more a tent peg. Why does God sometimes send Satan to us as He did to the Apostle Paul. Discuss this challenge.
4. If you can say “I believe in Jesus”, that is the most miraculous event that can happen in anyone’s life. Discuss.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray for Brett Dwyer and the Dunn household and others with this virus as they recover.
2. Ministries as they have started back.
3. That we see Christ even as Covid goes through the community.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. People returning to church as Covid is passing through the church and community.
2. And families who have recovered from Covid.
3. People encouraged by Sunday’s message.
4. Joy in our service, great times in the cafe.
5. Worship and technical team. Thanks Josh, Ben, iMan and Tim.
Announcements
1. Cell groups back. A new cell group will start at the church for residents around Karalee. This will start on Wed 7pm at church.
2. Kidz@Church every Sunday
3. Members Meeting after the service 27th Feb
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for February...
Q. 16. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation and live according to his word.
