Jeremiah 6-8
Have you ever been praying for someone and been overcome with grief because you knew what destruction they were running into if they continued down their present path? That’s what Jeremiah was experiencing as he presented the Word of the Lord to the nation of Judah.
Jeremiah loved his country. He knew what glorious days had gone before. Yet at this time in history, there was apostasy all around. The priests and prophets were even speaking falsely to the people. They were saying “Peace, peace” when there was no peace from the Lord.
God was calling these men whom He had established as His own to repent. Yet even the priests and prophets were corrupt. They had turned away from God, as had most of the nation.
They worshiped the idols of the surrounding lands. Yet they would still go into the house of the Lord at the proper time and go through the rituals. They were hypocrites.
They would steal, murder, swear falsely, commit adultery, burn incense to Baal, go after other gods, and still come into God’s house and pretend to be His people. It was an abomination to God.
These were dark days in Jewish history. Centuries had passed since they had been brought out of the land of Egypt and given the land of Canaan. They had been a prosperous nation, and these people thought that they were more sophisticated than their forefathers.
Well of course they were more sophisticated in the ways of the world, but they weren’t smarter than their ancestors. Their ancestors knew to trust in Jehovah who had blessed them. This present generation ignored Him.
God’s plan was going awry, because He was to bring a Messiah through these people. He couldn’t bring a Messiah to such a backslidden bunch!
His hand of blessing was about to be lifted from this nation. They just refused to listen.
The prophets continued to say, “Peace, peace.” But there was no peace.
Somber moments.
God’s plan was going to be done – as it always is – but through a different bunch. He was going to reject those who were rejecting Him.
I Timothy 5
There are many practical matters in the church, and Paul addresses some of these to Timothy.
It’s clear that the early church took care of its own. If there were widows who had no means of support, the local body of believers would take care of them.
If they had children or grandchildren, the family should meet their needs. However, if they didn’t have anyone else to care for them, the church would step in.
This is something for us to ponder in our day. In the western world, the government has made provisions for the elderly. And there are nursing homes which help out.
Ultimately, however, it’s our responsibility to take care of our own families. Even if the provision is provided elsewhere, the elderly need our love and support.
I know some people who go into nursing homes every week and sing for those there. Hearts have been lifted and many have come to Christ in their last days through this ministry.
I don’t want to forget those who have labored so much for me in the past. They deserve my love and honor.
