Psalm 193 from Beyond Psalm 150 The book of Lamentations serves mainly as a postscript to the book of Jeremiah. It consists of five funeral dirges that mourn the loss of Jerusalem, as proclaimed in Jeremiah’s prophecy. Many Bible scholars consider Jeremiah to be the author of Lamentations, and some ancient translations list the book’s […]
Psalm 192 from Beyond Psalm 150 Jeremiah, God’s prophet, proclaims his Lord’s words. When Pashhur, the priest in charge of the temple, hears Jeremiah predicting destruction, he has the prophet beaten and thrown in stocks for a day. Upon his release, Jeremiah foretells that because Pashhur prophesied lies, he, his family, and all who listen […]
We Can Control How We React The prophet Jeremiah is in Jerusalem. He writes a letter to the exiles in Babylon. Let’s not rush past the word exiles. These exiles suffered much. Exiled First, Babylon conquered the nation of Judah. Then it captured the people. Next it forcibly relocated most of them to a distant […]
Psalm 191 from Beyond Psalm 150 Our next two Psalms come from the prophet Jeremiah. His ministry occurs toward the end of the nation of Judah’s existence. His book ends with Judah’s exile. In this short psalm, Jeremiah opens with an unassuming gentleness, yet he quickly implores Yahweh to punish those nations and families who […]
See God at work in the Babylonian King’s Life When I consider Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, I think of an evil man who killed countless people and plundered the nations he conquered. Yet, despite his many shortfalls, I wonder if God views him differently. Jeremiah quotes the Lord as calling Nebuchadnezzar “my servant.” God […]
Tell God “Yes” and Don’t Hesitate God speaks to us through the Bible, through his Holy Spirit, and through others—be it people or angels or even circumstances. When God tells you to do something, what’s your first response? Do you give him an immediate “yes” or an excuse? An excuse could be telling him you’re […]
A Fresh Opportunity Today’s passage: Lamentations 3:22–27 Focus verse: His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22–23) The five-chapter book of Lamentations is a series of five laments often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. A lament expresses grief, mourning, or deep regret. As such, we expect the book of Lamentations to be […]
“I am the Lord’s Servant,” Mary Answered. Key Passage: Luke 1:38 Focus verse: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) The angel Gabriel has just delivered shocking news to Mary. It’s a lot for her to take in. It would be a lot for anyone. The […]
Sometimes We Blame God for Our Pain, When We’re the Source of Our Troubles A lament is an expression of grief, sorrow, pain, regret, despair…you get the picture. Lament occurs when life overwhelms our hearts and steals our tomorrows. Many of the Psalms are laments. Though lamenting is biblical, our church services seldom includes the […]
Justice but Not Anger After Jeremiah gives a stinging prophecy about God and idols, he pauses to pray. He may feel he has no other choice after giving the people God’s stern warning. Jeremiah’s prayer is not like one we might hear—or say—today. His words are not positive. He doesn’t talk about God’s grace, mercy, […]