YOUR MAKER IS YOUR HUSBAND

Isaiah 54:1-8 / Keywords 54:5

For your Maker is your husband- the LORD Almighty is his name--the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

 

The Future Glory of Zion

54:1 “Sing, barren woman,

    you who never bore a child;

burst into song, shout for joy,

    you who were never in labor;

because more are the children of the desolate woman

    than of her who has a husband,”

says the Lord.

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,

    stretch your tent curtains wide,

    do not hold back;

lengthen your cords,

    strengthen your stakes.

3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left;

    your descendants will dispossess nations

    and settle in their desolate cities.

4 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.

    Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.

You will forget the shame of your youth

    and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

5 For your Maker is your husband—

    the Lord Almighty is his name—

the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;

    he is called the God of all the earth.

6 The Lord will call you back

    as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—

a wife who married young,

    only to be rejected,” says your God.

7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you,

    but with deep compassion I will bring you back.

8 In a surge of anger

    I hid my face from you for a moment,

but with everlasting kindness

    I will have compassion on you,”

    says the Lord your Redeemer.

1. Sing, enlarge the place of your tent, and fear not! These are the commands of God for the people of Israel. In the Old Testament, the relationship between God and the nation Israel is compared to that of a husband and wife. Unfortunately, though, Israel had cheated in this marriage by worshiping other gods. As a result, they would be sent into captivity in Babylon and experience much shame and disgrace. However, God commanded them to sing because this was not the end of their relationship. They could sing because he promised to multiply their offspring. God commanded them to enlarge the place of their tent because he would restore their inheritance and expand their territory. They would possess the nations and populate the desolate cities. Furthermore, they were to fear not because God would completely remove their shame and disgrace. Their situation was hopeless, but God was their husband and he would redeem them. Israel suffered His wrath and anger for a brief time, but his love and compassion are forever.

 

2. What a tremendous reversal of fortune! If the Lord is your husband, what do you have to fear? What do you have to be ashamed of? You can rest in the hands of your Maker and Redeemer. It is time for you to sing and rejoice in him as well.

 

Prayer Father, your love and mercy never end.

One Word The LORD is your Redeemer

HE MUST BECOME GREATER

John 3:22-36 / Keywords 3:30

He must become greater; I must Thanks become less.

 

John Testifies Again About Jesus

3:22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[h]

31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God[i] gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Footnotes

h. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.

i. John 3:34 Greek he

1. When John's disciples saw Jesus baptizing on the other side of the Jordan river and everyone going to him, they couldn't help but feel somewhat deflated. Jesus seemed to be taking away John's fame and glory. Would their ministry even continue? But John did not try to compete with Jesus; he reaffirmed Jesus' authority. John was not sad but happy to see the fulfillment of God's will, which John helped prepare the way for. John did not give up his ministry work, but continued to affirm Jesus, humbly saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (30).

 

2. The work of God is not a one-man job. We need to trust the spirit of God to advance his kingdom in ways that go beyond our abilities and imagination. Sometimes, too much reliance on our leaders, ministries, or methods may limit God's work to raise disciples of Jesus in his way and time. We can both be aware of our limits and continue to advance God's kingdom.

 

Prayer Lord, you work in each person according to your good and perfect will. May I recognize my limits and trust in Jesus.

One Word I must become less

SO LOVED

John 3:16-21 / Keywords 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

1. Salvation is not about doing or not doing, but about believing and accepting the love of God. Jesus did not come to point out how horrible we are. On the contrary, our problem is not knowing that we are loved as we are. When we think or are made to believe that we are evil and unlovable, we fall into darkness and shame. We believe we are not even acceptable or loved by God. But God, despite our shame and darkness, loves us for who we are. He sent his one and only Son to demonstrate his love for us. Jesus sees through all the pain and suffering to reveal the goodness in each person and give us hope.

 

2. We tend to see outward measures or failures and judge accordingly, but God sees our hearts. He sees each person as his beloved child. Jesus saw a woman who committed adultery and forgave her (Jn 8). Jesus even forgave those who condemned and crucified him on the cross (Lk 23:34). Jesus laid down his own life and rose again that we may have eternal life in him. Jesus' love shines the light in any darkness to bring salvation and life.

 

Prayer Lord, I was so lost in my sin and feeling of inadequacy, yet you sent Jesus to demonstrate your saving love for me and made me free and whole again.

One Word You are loved by God as you are

A CURIOUS MAN (YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN)

John 3:1-15 / Keywords 3:3

In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

 

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3:1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]

Footnotes

a. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7.

b. John 3:6 Or but spirit

c. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.

d. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind.

e. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven

f. John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.

g. John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21.

1. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and religious leader. He still had enough humility to acknowledge that Jesus' words spoke truth, even though it challenged his whole world view. His curiosity allowed him to come to Jesus, earnestly, cautiously. Jesus told him, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

 

2. To experience the kingdom of God takes nothing less than a rebirth, a revolution of the mind and spirit. To be born of the spirit requires a heart that is open to the transformative power of the spirit. It comes to those who are ready and yearning for it, and in God's time. No one can force it on someone or convince someone; only God's spirit can intervene. This spiritual awakening may feel like a mid-life crisis or something that challenges the foundation of one's understanding, but it really is the greatest gift anyone can receive in life. Like the Israelites, surrounded by snakes in the wilderness, God sends his salvation to those who are looking to him for it.

 

Prayer Lord, may your spirit dawn upon us in our humility and yearning. Give us salvation and new birth into your kingdom.

One Word Be born again

THE TIME JESUS CLEARED THE TEMPLE

John 2:12-25 / Keywords 2:19

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

 

2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”[c]

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.[d] 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Footnotes

c. John 2:17 Psalm 69:9

d. John 2:23 Or in him

1. Many Jews came from all over Israel to Jerusalem during the holy festivals, including Jesus and his family, during the Passover holiday. The temple in Jerusalem was a sign of God's dwelling place and was the most holy place for the Jewish people. When Jesus saw people buying and selling in the temple courts, he became very upset and passionately cleared them all out. God's dwelling should not be a place of greed or selfish ambition. Likewise, it may take drastic measures to nurture our own life so God’s grace and love can grow and flourish. Sometimes, it is the things that we have always done that are the most difficult to notice we need to repent of.

 

2. When asked for a sign of his authority, Jesus made a reference to his own body as a temple. Jesus alluded to his own death and resurrection as God's sign. In Jesus, we have God dwelling among us. We have Jesus’ power to give us new life that overcomes our sin, suffering, and even death. We can put our faith in his authority.

 

Prayer Lord, you have come to purify our hearts so that you may dwell there. You have the power to give new life and cleanse us of all our sins.

One Word Purify my heart

WATER INTO WINE

John 2:1-11 / Keywords 2:10

and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved Thanks the best till now.”

 

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

2:1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b]

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Footnotes

a. John 2:4 The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.

b. John 2:6 Or from about 75 to about 115 liters

1. Jesus turned water into wine in his first miraculous sign recorded in John's gospel. Plain water has no taste or variety. Wine, on other hand, has many different varieties as well as costs. When the wine ran out, Jesus, following his mother's request and with the help of obedient servants, turned around 150 gallons of water into wine. The wine Jesus made is the kind you drink, not to get drunk, but to savor the smell and flavor of.

 

2. In the same way, Jesus changes lives that may feel dead and lacking in worth into beautiful and timeless masterpieces. He makes us realize the value of life that we did not see before. In God's eyes, no life is meant to be ignored or devalued, but to be treasured and loved for everything that God made it to be. And, when life endures, it is never too late to experience transformation. The wedding is not over yet, and the best may be yet to come.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for changing my life from never enough to more than enough. My cup overflows

One Word It's not too late for you

A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU

Luke 2:1-14 / Keywords 2:11

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

 

The Birth of Jesus

2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

1. Outwardly the world appeared to be ruled by Caesar Augustus and Rome. So, when the Roman ruler decided to take a census, everyone had to comply. Even though Mary was full term in her pregnancy, she and Joseph had to travel to Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem. There were no exceptions. Suddenly the time came for the baby to be born. It might seem like everything was ruled by worldly powers or happenstance, but this was God’s doing, according to his promise. Jesus came to be born in this world and in this way. The world had no room for him. This all happened by God’s sovereign will. He is the ruler of all.

 

2. The birth of the baby was announced to hard working shepherds as they tended their flocks. A host of angels appeared to them from heaven. They were terrified, but it was to these shepherds that the Lord made his glory known. The Savior of the world had come as a baby lying in a manger. He is glory to God and peace to men. He comes to lift us out of the rule of a cruel world to have peace and joy. He is the Savior born to us. He is good news from God.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for sending Jesus as a baby in a manger. Bless me with his peace and joy today.

One Word Jesus is good news

ZECHARIAH’S SONG OF PRAISE

Luke 1:67-80 / Keywords 1:68

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

 

Zechariah’s Song

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

69 He has raised up a horn[c] of salvation for us

    in the house of his servant David

70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

71 salvation from our enemies

    and from the hand of all who hate us—

72 to show mercy to our ancestors

    and to remember his holy covenant,

73     the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

    and to enable us to serve him without fear

75     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation

    through the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God,

    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness

    and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit[d]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Footnotes

c. Luke 1:69 Horn here symbolizes a strong king.

d. Luke 1:80 Or in the Spirit

1. When Zechariah could speak again, it was through the Holy Spirit. He saw what God had already done. He has come to redeem his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for them as he promised. He was faithful to his word through the prophets to raise up David’s descendant as king, and he was faithful to the covenant he made with the patriarchs. When Zechariah saw the birth of his son, John, the Holy Spirit gave him prophetic insight to see and speak of the fulfillment of God’s history, who has redeemed us from a hopeless world to the hope of eternal salvation.

 

2. In this context, Zechariah could speak of his son. He would serve the purpose of the Most High. He would prepare the people to hear and believe and accept the salvation provided to them, to know God’s tender mercy and the light of life. God was pouring out his mercy. From childhood, John would grow as a servant to guide God’s people in the path of peace—to proclaim his salvation.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Bless me with your Spirit, that I may proclaim your salvation work with assurance.

One Word He has redeemed his people

MY SPIRIT REJOICES

Luke 1:39-66 / Keywords 1:46-47

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

 

Mary Visits Elizabeth

1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

    of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

    holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

    from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

    but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

    but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

    remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

    just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

1. Upon hearing the angel’s words, Mary rushed to Elizabeth. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, saw Mary as the mother of her Lord. Even the baby in her womb leaped for joy.

 

2. Then Mary sang a song of praise. She deeply accepted the Lord’s salvation work promised, saying, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Her joy is the revelation of God. He is eternal and mighty, yet full of mercy for the humble. He is the God of history, especially Israel’s history, and he is eternally faithful to his promises. He is joy for our spirits because he is our Savior.

 

3. Elizabeth gave birth, and everyone shared her joy. When it came time to name the baby, Zechariah was obedient to the Lord’s command through the angel. He insisted on naming him John. He believed the Lord, and now his mouth was opened to praise God and bring others to praise him as well.

 

Prayer Lord, you are my source of joy. Use me to proclaim your saving grace and be a source of joy for others.

One Word Rejoice in God our Savior

THE HIGHLY FAVORED ONE

Luke 1:26-38 / Keywords 1:38

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

 

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Footnotes

b. Luke 1:35 Or So the child to be born will be called holy,

1. When Mary heard that she had found favor with God, she was afraid and troubled. She must have known that God's favor--his grace--though beautiful, is costly. She was just a simple country girl who was engaged to a young man named Joseph. Joseph was a humble carpenter, but the blood of kings flowed in his veins, for he was a descendant of David. Mary was looking forward to their sweet home. But God had a mission for her. He had chosen her to be the mother of his Son Jesus, the promised Messiah who would rule over an eternal kingdom. God was sending his Son, Mary's son, to be the Savior of the world.

 

2. Mary did not hesitate because of the personal sacrifice involved; she hesitated because what God asked of her defied her human reason: it seemed impossible. But nothing is impossible with God. The angel told her about Elizabeth. And Mary made a decision of faith to give up her human dream and be totally available to God--to be the Lord's servant.

 

Prayer Lord, let me serve you in any way you choose. Teach me to bear your costly grace.

One Word I am the Lord's servant

YOUR PRAYER HAS BEEN HEARD

Luke 1:5-25 / Keywords 1:13

But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

 

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

1:5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Footnotes

a. Luke 1:1 Or been surely believed

1. At this time Judea was ruled by Herod. Zechariah and Elizabeth were descended from the priestly line of Aaron, and they maintained a life of obedience to God and his word, but they were childless into their old age. So, whether at a national or a personal level, it might seem that the Lord was absent. This was the very time the Lord appeared. Zechariah was called to be a prayer servant for the nation. There an angel appeared to him. The Lord would answer his prayer, not only for the nation, but also for a son. The Lord was coming, and he would use John the Baptist as a source of joy for the people of Israel, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord. Outwardly the times looked dark, but the Lord was present and fulfilling his purpose, answering those who prayed so faithfully.

 

2. Zechariah could not believe what he saw and heard. Then the angel Gabriel struck him with silence until John’s birth. The Lord was coming to fulfill his word at the appointed time. When Elizabeth became pregnant, she prayed and saw that the Lord shows his favor and takes away the disgrace of his people.

 

Prayer Lord, the world looks dark. Help me to pray until I can see the Lord who shows favor and takes away disgrace. Make me a person prepared for the Lord.

One Word The Lord answers prayer

COME AND SEE

John 1:35-51 / Keywords 1:39

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

 

John’s Disciples Follow Jesus

1:35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

50 Jesus said, “You believe[h] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you,[i] you[j] will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’[k] the Son of Man.”

Footnotes

g. John 1:42 Cephas (Aramaic) and Peter (Greek) both mean rock.

h. John 1:50 Or Do you believe … ?

i. John 1:51 The Greek is plural.

j. John 1:51 The Greek is plural.

k. John 1:51 Gen. 28:12

1. John pointed his disciples towards Jesus, who he called the Lamb of God. Among the first to follow Jesus were the disciples Andrew and his brother Peter, as well as Philip and his friend Nathaniel. They were curious about Jesus, and Jesus welcomed them to come and get to know him. Part of what made them follow Jesus was because it seemed as if he really knew them and loved them.

 

2. In the same way, our relationship with Jesus starts with wanting to know him better and realizing he really knows and cares about us. The Word became flesh and initiated a relationship with humanity in such a beautiful way. When we get to know Jesus, we realize not only that he is our Lord and King, but he also wants to be our friend and guide us through our darkest paths of life with tenderness and grace.

 

3. Following Jesus is a journey where we can expect to see greater and greater things. Jesus invites us to his Kingdom, one that is new and wonderful. It changes our lives and the world around us.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for welcoming me into a relationship with you and to see your kingdom come on this earth through the way and life you lived.

One Word Come and see

THE LAMB OF GOD

John 1:29-34 / Keywords 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

 

John Testifies About Jesus

1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”[f]

Footnotes

e. John 1:26 Or in; also in verses 31 and 33 (twice)

f. John 1:34 See Isaiah 42:1; many manuscripts is the Son of God.

1. John the Baptist testified to Jesus being God's chosen one, the Messiah. When John saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John’s words alluded to Jesus, who would die on the cross for our sins.

 

2. Jesus' death on the cross revealed the worst of humanity’s sin and darkness. Jesus was an innocent man, God’s own son, who was betrayed and given into the hands of those who would put him to death. Even on the cross, Jesus said, “Father forgive them” (Lk 23:34). Jesus willingly sacrificed himself to bring God's grace and forgiveness to this dark world.

 

3. Jesus' forgiveness can heal us of all our sin and shame. We can know that we are accepted by God as we are. We are not defined by our worst mistake, but by God's grace. Unless we experience God's forgiveness, we cannot be truly free. Once we receive God's forgiveness for ourselves, we can also forgive others.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for Jesus who came as the lamb of God for the sin of the world. May I find healing through your life of sacrificial love and forgiveness.

One Word Look to Jesus

THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

John 1:19-28 / Keywords 1:23

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

 

John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah

1:19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[c] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

He said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”[d]

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 “I baptize with[e] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Footnotes

c. John 1:19 The Greek term traditionally translated the Jews (hoi Ioudaioi) refers here and elsewhere in John’s Gospel to those Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus; also in 5:10, 15, 16; 7:1, 11, 13; 9:22; 18:14, 28, 36; 19:7, 12, 31, 38; 20:19.

d. John 1:23 Isaiah 40:3

e. John 1:26 Or in; also in verses 31 and 33 (twice)

1. John the Baptist came as a voice in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Many people came into the wilderness to hear John speak and be baptized. Like Jesus, John taught repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He also urged those in positions of power to care for and not take advantage of those in need (Lk 3). He made disciples and even challenged religious authority.

 

2. John the Baptist was a great man of God, but he was humble enough to let his followers know that he was just preparing the way for the Messiah.

 

3. It can be tempting to claim ourselves as the ones who can save another person. Even as Christians who proclaim Jesus as Lord, how easy it is to take it upon ourselves to control the outcomes of another soul. Like John, we must know our limits and boundaries. Only then can the Holy Spirit work to really bring about new life in each person, beyond our imagination or desires.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for sending your people to share the gospel. May Jesus be our true shepherd and source of life-changing power and salvation.

One Word Make straight the way for the Lord

FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH

John 1:6-18 / Keywords 1:14

The Word became f lesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

1:6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Footnotes

b. John 1:18 Some manuscripts but the only Son, who

1. There have been many who have testified to the light, but Jesus came as the true light that gives light to everyone. The Word became flesh to dwell among us. In this way, the answers to “Who is God?” and “What is his will for us?” became more real than any other religion or philosophy. What words can describe God, who was revealed in Jesus? John says: Full of grace and truth.

 

2. Jesus’ grace reaches even the deepest depths of our sin and shame. He reaches out in love to bring hope and healing to the lost, sick, and excluded of society. There is no place where Jesus does not hold our hand when we need him. He came to call us family, God's children, not bound by any class structure. In Jesus, there is neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for we all belong in Christ (Gal 3:28).

 

3. The truth revealed in Jesus is also not bound by the rigidity of laws and fixed interpretations of scripture. Jesus' truth challenged the established legalistic culture and society. His truth expands our ideas of God's grace and love for humanity. It is deeper, broader and more inclusive, for it comes from God, the Creator of all life and everything.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. May your light shine on us today.

One Word Full of grace and truth

THE WORD GIVES LIFE

John 1:1-5 / Keywords 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 

The Word Became Flesh

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.

Footnotes

a. John 1:5 Or understood

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (1). The Word imparts life, not just physical, but also spiritual. The Word is also the love of God for all His creation. You and me and everyone were created by God in wisdom and love. The Word that created us continues to reach out to us, even in the darkness, to shine and impart resurrection power and new life.

 

2. If we allow it, the light can overcome all darkness that resides within us. The light overcomes the power of sin and shame that cripples us from realizing God's love and acceptance. There is no depth in which the light of God cannot shine, even though some resist it. When we experience the overcoming grace of God, we can be truly free.

 

3. Jesus is the Word become flesh. He continues to bring God's love and grace that gives life to all who receive him.

 

Prayer Lord, we thank you for shining in the darkest parts with the light of life. You are here. May we receive your grace today.

One Word In him is life

A FALSE PROPHET AND A TRUE PROPHET

Jeremiah 28:1-17 / Keywords 28:15

Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, "Listen, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies.

 

The False Prophet Hananiah

28:1 In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, early in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the Lord in the presence of the priests and all the people: 2 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the articles of the Lord’s house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here and took to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jehoiachin[a] son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the other exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the Lord, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

5 Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord. 6 He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. 7 Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: 8 From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. 9 But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.”

10 Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, 11 and he said before all the people, “This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.’” At this, the prophet Jeremiah went on his way.

12 After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 13 “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. 14 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals.’”

15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. 16 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord.’”

17 In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.

Footnotes

a. Jeremiah 28:4 Hebrew Jeconiah, a variant of Jehoiachin

1. This chapter contrasts two prophets. Hananiah was a false prophet. Jeremiah was a true prophet. Hananiah was a false prophet because he spoke false words. He said that the Lord had told him that within two years, He would throw the yoke of the king of Babylon off the necks of the people of Judah. Furthermore, the Lord would also bring back all the articles the Babylonians had carried from the Lord’s house and had taken to Babylon. The Lord was also to bring back Jehoiachin, the King of Judah, who had been taken to Babylon.

 

2. Jeremiah said, “Amen!” to Hananiah’s message. It would indeed be a great thing if what Hananiah spoke was true. But then Jeremiah pointed out that Hananiah’s message contradicted all who came before him. A prophet cannot be considered a true prophet unless his word comes true.

 

3. Jeremiah didn’t say anything else until the Lord gave him a message to give to Hananiah. The wooden yoke would be turned into an iron one. King Nebuchadnezzar’s rule would be like an iron yoke around the neck of Judah. And because Hananiah spoke the false word of the Lord, he would die.

 

Prayer Father, sometimes your word is hard to tell others because it sounds harsh, and the people don’t like to hear it. Give me the courage to speak your word truly, as Jeremiah did.

One Word Speak God’s word truthfully

GOD GIVES THE EARTH TO WHO HE PLEASES

Jeremiah 27:1-22 / Keywords 27:5-6

With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him.

 

Judah to Serve Nebuchadnezzar

27:1 Early in the reign of Zedekiah[a] son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 This is what the Lord said to me: “Make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck. 3 Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. 4 Give them a message for their masters and say, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: 5 With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. 6 Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. 7 All nations will serve him and his son and his grandson until the time for his land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate him.

8 “‘“If, however, any nation or kingdom will not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon or bow its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation with the sword, famine and plague, declares the Lord, until I destroy it by his hand. 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ 10 They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish. 11 But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord.”’”

12 I gave the same message to Zedekiah king of Judah. I said, “Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live. 13 Why will you and your people die by the sword, famine and plague with which the Lord has threatened any nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 14 Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say to you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying lies to you. 15 ‘I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord. ‘They are prophesying lies in my name. Therefore, I will banish you and you will perish, both you and the prophets who prophesy to you.’”

16 Then I said to the priests and all these people, “This is what the Lord says: Do not listen to the prophets who say, ‘Very soon now the articles from the Lord’s house will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying lies to you. 17 Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon, and you will live. Why should this city become a ruin? 18 If they are prophets and have the word of the Lord, let them plead with the Lord Almighty that the articles remaining in the house of the Lord and in the palace of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem not be taken to Babylon. 19 For this is what the Lord Almighty says about the pillars, the bronze Sea, the movable stands and the other articles that are left in this city, 20 which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take away when he carried Jehoiachin[b] son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem— 21 yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says about the things that are left in the house of the Lord and in the palace of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem: 22 ‘They will be taken to Babylon and there they will remain until the day I come for them,’ declares the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’”

Footnotes

a. Jeremiah 27:1 A few Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also 27:3,12 and 28:1); most Hebrew manuscripts Jehoiakim (Most Septuagint manuscripts do not have this verse.)

b. Jeremiah 27:20 Hebrew Jeconiah, a variant of Jehoiachin

1. The Lord sent Jeremiah out with a yoke around his neck. The Lord told Jeremiah to go to the envoys of the kings of Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon and to give them the word of the Lord to take back to their kings. The word was a forceful message that the Lord is the Creator God, creator of the heavens and all the earth. He can do with His creation what He wills. All these nations would soon be given into the hands of the King of Babylon. They would be subject to him for a time, until the time the Lord set for the Babylonians to be judged. Then, the Babylonians would be subjugated by others. If those nations refused to serve Babylon, the Lord would send the sword and plague to destroy them.

 

2. The same message was given to the nation of Judah. Jeremiah gave the word of the Lord to them, “Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people and you will live.” The Lord had a time set for the judgment of his people Judah. They would serve the king of Babylon for seventy years, until the time the Lord set for bringing His people out and leading them back to their homes. The message was as hard for Jeremiah to give as it was for the people to hear! But this word had to be spoken.

 

Prayer Father, you are God who is sovereign over all things and all people everywhere. Help people around the world to come to know and acknowledge your sovereignty.

One Word God gives to anyone he pleases

PERHAPS THEY WILL LISTEN…

Jeremiah 26:1-24 / Keywords 26:3

Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

 

Jeremiah Threatened With Death

26:1 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse[a] among all the nations of the earth.’”

7 The priests, the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the Lord. 8 But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9 Why do you prophesy in the Lord’s name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?” And all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.

10 When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they went up from the royal palace to the house of the Lord and took their places at the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord’s house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!”

12 Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. 13 Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14 As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. 15 Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

16 Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man should not be sentenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.”

17 Some of the elders of the land stepped forward and said to the entire assembly of people, 18 “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says:

“‘Zion will be plowed like a field,

    Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,

    the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.’[b]

19 “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the Lord and seek his favor? And did not the Lord relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!”

20 (Now Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath Jearim was another man who prophesied in the name of the Lord; he prophesied the same things against this city and this land as Jeremiah did. 21 When King Jehoiakim and all his officers and officials heard his words, the king was determined to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it and fled in fear to Egypt. 22 King Jehoiakim, however, sent Elnathan son of Akbor to Egypt, along with some other men. 23 They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him struck down with a sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people.)

24 Furthermore, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Footnotes

a. Jeremiah 26:6 That is, its name will be used in cursing (see 29:22); or, others will see that it is cursed.

b. Jeremiah 26:18 Micah 3:12

1. God had hope for his people that they would hear the word of the Lord and repent and turn from their wicked ways. So, he sent Jeremiah to the temple court to speak the word of the Lord. He told Jeremiah to speak the whole word of God and not to omit a single word. When Jeremiah spoke the whole words of God, the priests and the prophets wanted to see him executed. Instead of listening and repenting, they wanted to execute God’s messenger. But Jeremiah was unfazed. He again spoke the message of listening and repenting. There were some godly men there who spoke up and saved Jeremiah from execution.

 

2. The word of the Lord is not popular. It convicts us of our sin and urges us to repent. Many times, when we speak the word of the Lord, people become angry with us. In some parts of the world, people are executed for speaking his word. But the Bible is full of examples of the Lord calling His people to speak His word boldly. He called Jeremiah to do so. He calls us to do so too.

 

Prayer Father, your word is not always popular. It makes people uncomfortable because it confronts us with sin. Have mercy on us and help us to listen to your word and repent.

One Word Listen to the word of the Lord!

THE CUP OF GOD’S WRATH

Jeremiah 25:15-38 / Keywords 25:29

See, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my Name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all who live on the earth, declares the LORD Almighty.

 

The Cup of God’s Wrath

25:15 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.”

17 So I took the cup from the Lord’s hand and made all the nations to whom he sent me drink it: 18 Jerusalem and the towns of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a ruin and an object of horror and scorn, a curse[c]—as they are today; 19 Pharaoh king of Egypt, his attendants, his officials and all his people, 20 and all the foreign people there; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines (those of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the people left at Ashdod); 21 Edom, Moab and Ammon; 22 all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; 23 Dedan, Tema, Buz and all who are in distant places[d]; 24 all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the foreign people who live in the wilderness; 25 all the kings of Zimri, Elam and Media; 26 and all the kings of the north, near and far, one after the other—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshak[e] will drink it too.

27 “Then tell them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Drink, get drunk and vomit, and fall to rise no more because of the sword I will send among you.’ 28 But if they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink, tell them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: You must drink it! 29 See, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my Name, and will you indeed go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword on all who live on the earth, declares the Lord Almighty.’

30 “Now prophesy all these words against them and say to them:

“‘The Lord will roar from on high;

    he will thunder from his holy dwelling

    and roar mightily against his land.

He will shout like those who tread the grapes,

    shout against all who live on the earth.

31 The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth,

    for the Lord will bring charges against the nations;

he will bring judgment on all mankind

    and put the wicked to the sword,’”

declares the Lord.

32 This is what the Lord Almighty says:

“Look! Disaster is spreading

    from nation to nation;

a mighty storm is rising

    from the ends of the earth.”

33 At that time those slain by the Lord will be everywhere—from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned or gathered up or buried, but will be like dung lying on the ground.

34 Weep and wail, you shepherds;

    roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock.

For your time to be slaughtered has come;

    you will fall like the best of the rams.[f]

35 The shepherds will have nowhere to flee,

    the leaders of the flock no place to escape.

36 Hear the cry of the shepherds,

    the wailing of the leaders of the flock,

    for the Lord is destroying their pasture.

37 The peaceful meadows will be laid waste

    because of the fierce anger of the Lord.

38 Like a lion he will leave his lair,

    and their land will become desolate

because of the sword[g] of the oppressor

    and because of the Lord’s fierce anger.

Footnotes

Jeremiah 25:9 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them.

Jeremiah 25:12 Or Chaldeans

c. Jeremiah 25:18 That is, their names to be used in cursing (see 29:22); or, to be seen by others as cursed

d. Jeremiah 25:23 Or who clip the hair by their foreheads

e. Jeremiah 25:26 Sheshak is a cryptogram for Babylon.

f. Jeremiah 25:34 Septuagint; Hebrew fall and be shattered like fine pottery

g. Jeremiah 25:38 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (see also 46:16 and 50:16); most Hebrew manuscripts anger

1. In a vision, the Lord told Jeremiah to take the cup of God’s wrath and to go to all the other nations on earth and make their leaders drink from the cup. So, Jeremiah obeyed the Lord. He travelled from nation to nation and made their leaders drink from the cup of the Lord’s wrath. The Lord is God of all nations, not just Israel. All people have sinned against the Lord and are thus under the judgment and wrath of God. No one could escape, not even those who refused to drink from the cup. Even the shepherds would not be spared. They too fell under the wrath of God. All would be subject to the sword.

 

2. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And the wages of sin is death. We all deserve to fall by the sword of God’s wrath for we have all sinned. But God sent Jesus to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because of him, when the Lord sees us, he doesn’t see a sinner. We are made white as snow because of Jesus’ blood. We are forgiven and no longer under God’s wrath.

 

Prayer Father, we all deserve to drink from the cup of your wrath. We have all sinned against you. But Jesus took the cup and drank of it for us, so we are no longer under your wrath. Thank you, Jesus!

One Word Jesus drank from the cup for me