Sometimes the clearest and most profound insights can be found in the simplest and most common scenes in life. Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house provides a rich message of God’s willingness to receive repentant sinners. God is gracious and ever willing to accept those who return to him. With God, there is always hope. It never is too late to turn to him.

Appreciate the Lord’s patience (Jeremiah 18:1-4)

Verse 3 often is rendered to reflect the modern usage of a pottery “wheel.” The King James Version has “wheels,” which echoes the underlying Hebrew phrase denoting a pair of wheels. The lower wheel was operated by the foot while the clay was shaped on the upper wheel. Jeremiah saw the potter masterfully creating a variety of objects.

Jeremiah also noticed what the potter did when he noticed an imperfection, perhaps a blemish in the clay, or a misshapen vessel. The solution was simple. Start over. The potter smashed the object and remolded the clay. He then made another object. It was the decisive, expert action of a potter driven to produce.

The control of the potter over the clay impressed Jeremiah. The potter determined the object’s design. If a flaw was detected, the potter worked the material until it met his specifications.

The message is clear: just as the potter can reform clay until he is satisfied or decides to discard it, so also the Lord can reform the nation Israel, or if she refuses to be worked, discard her. God has decisive involvement in his people’s lives: He builds their lives, shapes them, determines the purpose of their lives and decides on the roles they will serve in his kingdom. If a defect threatens his purpose for their lives, he can rework their lives, or, if they resist, he may discard them.

The applications of this message resonate loudly. Those who oppose God’s will and purpose may find themselves removed from God’s benefits. Their lives will be characterized by sin and dissatisfaction with life. For those who yield to God’s authority, God will eliminate the defects of sin, then transform their lives to fulfill his purpose. Because God has absolute power to shape one’s life, one never is without hope.

Appreciate the Lord’s power (Jeremiah 18:5-10)

Verse 6 expresses the core Lord’s message: Israel is as clay in the Lord’s hand. God has absolute power over his people. Unlike capricious human rulers who misuse their power with deadly displays of strength, God offers his people two options.

Unlike clay, God’s people have a decision to make: if they repent of their evil, God will adjust his reaction to their response. God also responds to the opposite decision by those who misconstrue God’s clemency with repentant sinners as a green light to sin. Verse 10 states God also reconsiders his good purposes for those who once were loyal but later turn to sin.

This paragraph develops one of Jeremiah’s recurring themes. The verbs of demolition in verse 7 (“uproot,” “tear down” and “destroy”) derive from Jeremiah’s call in 1:10, where the Lord states that one purpose for Jeremiah’s ministry is to “devastate.” The potter’s message fulfills this purpose in the lives of those who turn away from the Lord. The verbs of establishment in verse 10 (“build” and “plant”) also derive from Jeremiah 1:10. Those who return or remain with the Lord will be established and sustained in life.

The outstanding message of verse 8 is that God willingly scales his judgment according to the human response to his message. God is a gracious Lord, not a judgmental tyrant. The Hebrew word describing the Lord’s relenting means “turn back.” When referring to human action, the word is translated “repent.” Here, the KJV uses “repent” to describe God’s reaction to human repentance. Because the English word “repent” is connected to the concept of “turning from evil,” many have a difficulty with God “repenting.” Therefore, other translations use the word “relent” or a similar concept. “Relenting” more appropriately describes God’s action, showing the gracious Lord downsizes his judgments for those who truly repent.

The good news is that even God’s strongest message of judgment can be scaled back for the repentant. A great example was the people of Nineveh who responded to Jonah’s withering message of judgment (Jonah 3:4-10) with repentance. God accordingly altered his plans of judgment. The Hebrew word “turn back” occurs in Jonah 3:9, again describing how God relented from sending the judgment Jonah announced.

Amend your ways (Jeremiah 18:11-15)

This paragraph delivered God’s full warning of judgment with a call to repent. In verse 12, the people refuse to turn from the evil in their hearts. Verses 11-15 exclaim the Lord’s incredulity that his people would turn from him. They prefer to serve lifeless idols and risk losing their lives and land than continue serving the living Lord and enjoy the benefits of his happiness in their lives.

Verse 12 reflects the people’s fatalistic attitude. They look at them lives and think they cannot change. This is a deceptive half-truth. God has the power to transform their lives (see Romans 12:1-3). He is “The Potter”! He can reform an evil life for his purposes. He can remove imperfections and transform sinful lives into lives that satisfy his requirements and an individual’s deepest hopes for life as well.

When waiting in the check-out line at your local grocery store, what do you see next to you? Candy bars? Junk food? Miscellaneous items you may have forgotten to pick up while shopping throughout the store? Magazines with the latest celebrity gossip spread across the glossy front cover?

Most of us hate to admit it, but too often as we stand waiting patiently for the check-out line to progress, we browse through those magazines to read about the latest fashions and celebrity break-ups. The Sports Illustrated reader checks which athlete has snagged the highest paying endorsement gig in the industry lately.  For a moment we may find ourselves imagining what it would be like to live one of these indulgent lifestyles we read about, or we simply may catch ourselves envying that fabulous wardrobe or that oversized paycheck.

These self-indulgent lifestyles are celebrated today. The world celebrates independence, success, wealth and beauty; and unfortunately, many of us find ourselves celebrating and seeking after these things, too. In our American society, we are privileged to be able to indulge ourselves in the latest trends and the latest luxuries. While these luxuries are not bad in and of themselves, our indulgence in them leads us to focus on nothing but ourselves, our lives and our rights. In contrast, our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to focus not on ourselves but on Christ and others.

In 2 Peter 2:10-14, Peter gives a not too subtle description of ungodly people: those who ache for satisfaction and aim to pull others into these self-seeking ways along with them. Peter calls these people “bold” and “arrogant.” Today’s society, in fact, encourages us to be bold, courageous, confident and independent. Peter states “… these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand.” This arrogance—this pride—Peter says leads to death. What powerful, and frightening, words.

These are times when we need reminding that though the world calls us into enslavement to materialistic things, as Christians, we are no longer of this world. Our master is Christ, and our calling is to pursue and endorse his teachings. We must remember that we are not called to be what the world ratifies as proper, but we are designated Christians—“little Christs”—and are charged to be like Christ. Therefore, our lives must not point toward ourselves but toward the life that Christ offers.

Peter states in 2 Peter 2:19, “for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” As Christians, even though we profess we follow Christ, we must decide daily, and even moment to moment, whom we will call master. If we choose to let the world be our master and live self-indulgent lives, Peter says we are enslaved. And yet, when we choose to allow Christ to be our master, Christ gives us freedom. That includes freedom from the penalty of sin, of course, but also the opportunity of freedom from sin itself.

In Philippians 3:17-21, the Apostle Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example and the example of those who follow the path to righteousness. This reminds us that even though the world constantly encourages self-gratification, we have numerous fellow Christians to look to for encouragement and strength.

Paul reminds us we are citizens of heaven and not of this earth. We must reject the selfish lifestyle that so easily seduces and keep the cross before us as a reminder of our purpose and our future. Our purpose is determined by God, as is our future. Because of our relationship with him through Jesus, we can dare to trust both our purpose and future to him. Though vested with the personal right to heaven, Jesus followed the Father’s will, became a man and gave his life for all. It was this trust—and the Father’s trustworthiness and power—that led to Jesus’ resurrection.

As Christians, our future is a rich one. As we resist indulging in the world’s selfish treasures, Paul reiterates that Christ “will transform our lowly bodies so that we will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). We cannot fathom the riches and glory of heaven, yet we trust in the truth that it is the most glorious and beautiful existence.

When we keep the cross in the front of our minds, we realize this world has nothing to offer us because our treasure, the only treasure we need, is in heaven. The former is temporary. The latter is eternal.

Questions for discussion

•    In what area in your life do you struggle with self-indulgence?

•    How can we remind ourselves to align our desires with God’s desires and not the world’s?

•    Are you doing a good job at encouraging other Christians around you?  How can we help to encourage and strengthen our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in their walk with Christ as Paul did for the Philippians?

•    What personal right can/should you give up in order to follow in faith God’s will for you?

Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us, by Timothy Keller (Dutton)

Timothy Keller connects the grace of God with the divine concern for justice. And he does so in way that connects with Baptists—he builds his case from Scripture.

“From ancient times, the God of the Bible stood out from the gods of all other religions as a God on the side of the powerless, and of justice for the poor,” Keller writes.

The implications of the connection between grace and justice are vast. One area, of course, relates to poverty, which “is seen in the Bible as a very complex phenomenon. Several factors are usually intertwined. Poverty cannot be eliminated simply by personal initiative or by merely changing the tax structure.” Keller stakes out a biblical position on poverty and wealth that transcends polarizing views. It takes no one off the hook, either the rich or the poor.

Doing justice “means ministering in both word and deed, through the local church and as individual agents dispersed throughout the world. It means engaging in relief, and development, and reform,” Keller says. And he connects justice to evangelism, with an important warning. “Deeds of mercy and justice should be done out of love, not simply as a means to the end of evangelism. And yet there is no better way for Christians to lay a foundation for evangelism than by doing justice.”

Ferrell Foster, associate director

Advocacy/Care Center

Baptist General Convention of Texas

The Wedding Promise, by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer (Penguin)

The Wedding Promise is the second book in a series of Cape Light novels written by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. It’s not necessary to have read the first book in this series in order to enjoy The Wedding Promise, but there are familiar crossover characters who appear in this stand-alone sequel.

The Wedding Promise is set in a small island village near Boston called Angel Island and centers on recently divorced Liza Martin, who inherited the Inn at Angel Island from her deceased aunt. The inn badly needs repairs, and Liza needs guests in order to carve out a new life for herself. Her big break comes when Jennifer and Kyle ask her to plan their wedding at the inn. On the day of the wedding, a storm rolls in—and the groom is nowhere to be found. Everything—including Liza’s budding romance with mysterious handyman, Daniel—is going wrong, and she knows they all need an Angel Island miracle.

If you like cozy, well-written fiction that is full of hope, based on biblical precepts, has no foul language or racy romantic scenes and delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful plot with mem-orable characters, then this book won’t disappoint.

Sarah Crouch, adjunct professor

Dallas Baptist University

Max on Life:

Answers and Inspiration for Today’s Questions by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson)

The subtitle of Max Lucado’s latest book provides a hint into the volume’s content. In Max on Life, the San Antonio pastor answers 172 challenging questions in a clear, uplifting manner.

Lucado appropriately groups the queries into seven categories—hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots and hereafter. He then fills each answer with Scripture, sound advice and memorable statements.

When dealing with hurt, Lucado writes, “Don’t make a decision in a storm that you wouldn’t make in calm weather.” On worship, the pastor says: “Worship begins as an attitude. But worship deepens as an action.” He mentions trust, lust, intimacy and grace in the him/her section. In talking about home, the father of three advises that it’s “easier to make money than to make up lost time.” Lucado reminds haves/have-nots, “Greed is always hungry.”

The questions and answers apply to all ages and stages of life—anyone who has ever felt anxiety, heartbreak, doubts, fears, love or grace. And topical and scriptural indexes add to the work’s usefulness. Any pastor, Sunday school teacher, parent or church leader faced with answering life’s tough questions should buy Max on Life and keep it handy.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas

Waco

Controversial topics such as the issue of women in ministry have caused much debate, criticism, fighting and, in some cases, ungodly behavior within Baptist life.

These types of controversial topics tend to raise people’s blood pressure and put them on the defensive. I think if we would remember the wonderful Baptist distinctives of autonomy and priesthood of all believers, some of these issues could be discussed in more effective and constructive ways.

One of the problems of attacking controversial issues rather than dialoguing and working through these issues with one another is we sometimes we use the Bible as a proof-texting weapon instead of learning from the Bible.  The story of Deborah in the book of Judges is one example.
    
The main idea from Judges 4:1-16 and 5:1-7 is the leadership and faithfulness of Deborah to God and the people of Israel. Deborah demonstrates the foundational characteristics of godly leadership. Her strong leadership is rooted in her faithfulness to God. Flowing from her love and faithfulness to God is her love for the people.

Deborah had to have an incredible faith. God asked her to take the key position of leadership in the nation of Israel. Deborah’s role as judge of Israel included judging disputes, priestly duties and political leadership. The culture of her day was fiercely male dominated, and I cannot imagine what she must have thought when God called her to be judge of Israel.

There really are no modern comparisons that fully capture the difficulty of what Deborah was asked to do. The Bible tells us of the hesitations Moses had when God called him, but interestingly, the Bible does not mention any hesitations on Deborah’s part. I am sure she struggled with this calling, but her faith in God is what jumps off the page.

In addition to Deborah’s strong faith in God was a devotion to her people. She was put in a position to make difficult political decisions, such as going to war. She settled disagreements between people, which tends to put the judge in a no-win situation. She also was a prophet, which was not always a popular position to hold.

Can you imagine how difficult leading the people would have been when she knew that most of them disagreed with the position she held because of her gender? Growing cynical and frustrated would have been easy for Deborah, but her love for God and the people kept her faithful to her calling.

The leadership Deborah demonstrated was fueled by her love for God and love for people. She was able to lead Israel out of oppression. Her leadership was strong as evidenced by the song in chapter 5. The people respected and loved Deborah.

When we find ourselves in leadership positions, we should follow the example of Deborah. Our faith in God is the most important aspect to being a godly leader. No amount of leadership conferences or books will give you the strength you need to lead, only God.

Also, if we do not love people, we never will be true godly leaders. There is a temptation to see people as a means to an end as a leader, but that is not what godly leadership is all about. Loving God and loving people are both necessary to be a leader for God.
    
In addition to the leadership example of Deborah found in this passage, there is an element of tension in the passage that should be acknowledged. Reading this passage makes clear that Deborah was given a position of leadership over the nation of Israel. This leadership was not limited. In fact, it was expanded beyond some of the other judges of Israel. Deborah was a minister to the people of Israel.

This is in contrast to some other passages in Scripture that seem to speak against certain roles women may have in ministry. Passages such as this cannot be dismissed from the conversations surrounding this controversial issue. I hope that this passage helps us realize there may not be black-and-white answers.

God clearly called Deborah to lead Israel, and I am very uncomfortable saying God could not call a woman today to serve him as he chooses. No matter what your position on women in ministry may be, I hope you approach the subject with humility and a desire to be faithful to the whole of Scripture.  

Honestly, I have struggled with this issue, and I recognize the tension in Scripture. A few months ago, my 4-year-old little girl came up to me and gave me a big hug after a busy Sunday. She looked up at me and said: “I want to be like you when I grow up. I want to be able to preach like you do and tell people how much God loves them.” The innocent love and faithfulness to God she showed me, filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears. I do not have all the answers and I was not about to ruin this moment with any words of wisdom. I was just thankful my daughter recognizes the love God has for her and wants to love him back.  
    
I hope we as Christians never let our disagreements and discussions hinder someone from experiencing the love of God. Maybe we should be more passionate about the things that are undeniable in Scripture rather than those that are a little muddied. Let us bravely love God and love people just as Deborah did, so we too can be faithful to our Lord.

One impressive service God’s word provides to believers is assistance in communicating with God during times of deep personal distress. Life before God is not merely the successful management of external life.

The Lord desires a heart-level relationship with his human creation. He created the human heart to feel deeply the impact of life. Yet God does not abandon his people to stormy waters. He ministers to his people and helps them approach him and express their concerns. The present passage of Jeremiah is a good example of God’s work with the suffering heart of a committed one.

The Lord cares (Jeremiah 15:10-11)

The first nine verses of chapter 15 declare the utter hopelessness of Israel’s spiritual situation. The people have turned away so completely from God that he would not even respond to the prayers of two previous intercessors: Moses and Samuel (v. 1). Proclaiming this message has earned Jeremiah more than scorn. In response, the people curse him (v. 10).

Verse 10 compares Jeremiah’s position with that of lenders and borrowers. Financial misfortune drives lenders and borrowers to abuse each other verbally. Jeremiah was not involved in financial dealings, but he was maltreated similarly.

Verse 11 applies God’s promise to rescue Jeremiah (see 1:8). God understood Jeremiah’s situation. He not only would deliver Jeremiah from his tormentors but cause them to seek Jeremiah’s help. On other occasions (Jeremiah 21:1; 37:3; 38:14; 42:1), Jeremiah’s enemies, who had no use for his message, would desire to take advantage of his status before the Lord. They would request Jeremiah to invoke God’s favor and grant their wishes. God’s response never satisfied Jeremiah’s enemies. Nevertheless, their approach with requests was a sign of God’s protection in his life.

Like Jeremiah, believers need to interpret their circumstances in light of their relationship with their Lord. Sometimes God demonstrates the truth of his presence and his care for his followers through life’s opposing circumstances.

The Lord knows (Jeremiah 15:15-18)

God graciously responded to Jeremiah’s interruption and continued with his message to the people (vv. 12-14). Again, Jeremiah interrupted to express his need. Chapter 15 could be facetiously titled, “How to Interrupt God, Express Frustration and Get Away with It.” The point is not to promote disrespect for the Lord but to call attention to God’s willingness to care for his servants.

God’s gentle patience with Jeremiah is impressive. Jeremiah’s knowledgeable approach to his Lord in a time of emotional need also is impressive. Jeremiah needed to express the personal impact of serving God. The Lord listened and carefully responded to his beloved servant.

In this passage, Jeremiah modeled how to express frustration respectfully to the Almighty God. In verse 15, Jeremiah acknowledged God’s understanding. This is followed by a request that the Lord remember, care for him and take vengeance against his persecutors. These requests derive from Jeremiah’s privilege as a faithful practitioner of the covenant.

The word “remember” does not imply God forgot about Jeremiah. Instead, it is used to invoke God to take covenant action at this point in Jeremiah’s life.

Notice also that Jeremiah refers vengeance to the Lord. Jeremiah practiced God’s revealed desire in Deuteronomy 32:35 (“to avenge is mine”) that discipline control anger and the impulse for vengeance. Thus Jeremiah referred his complaint to the Lord.

Verse 16 reminds God that Jeremiah “ate” God’s words, that is, he “ingested” or internally applied God’s words. Jeremiah was a willing practitioner of God’s words. In fact, God’s words were his heart’s delight—the attitude of a true believer toward God’s word.

Verses 16 and 17 describe Jeremiah’s refusal to be associated with those who rebel against God. His words are reminiscent of Psalm 1. Jeremiah was indignant against the enemies of the Lord, just as David was indignant about the blasphemous taunting of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:26).

Jeremiah never wavered in his commitment to God. Yet he was frustrated with the unending suffering associated with his ministry. These were grievous and enduring, not insignificant, sufferings. God listens to his people, even when they vent deep-seated frustrations. He even preserved Jeremiah’s complaint so believers could have an example to follow and hope that God would answer. From the human view, it seemed God abandoned Jeremiah in his troubles. Jeremiah didn’t want to succumb to this thought. He needed the Lord’s help because his sufferings were taking a toll.

The Lord strengthens (Jeremiah 15:19-21)

God’s answer features one word root used four times in verse 19 (repent, restore, turn, turn). Jeremiah was not exempt from practicing repentance. Repentance includes both turning away from evil (and those who practice it) and turning toward God. Both aspects are emphasized in verse 19. Such conduct made Jeremiah worthy to be God’s spokesman.

Verses 20-21 promise God would make Jeremiah a wall to the people. Jeremiah would not waver in his sufferings. God would strengthen Jeremiah to resist everything people brought against him. He would not allow Jeremiah to falter. Again, God underscored his promise to rescue, save and redeem Jeremiah. Jeremiah was to stay focused, and God would handle the rest. In intense situations, God is not put off by his people’s expressions of need. God wants his people to desire him and turn to him. When his people serve him and sacrifice themselves for his kingdom, God takes specific care to strengthen them.

When Zacchaeus heard Jesus was coming, the “vertically challenged” man felt compelled to perform any feat necessary to see the Messiah. Jesus spotted the earnest disciple and immediately showed interest in building a relationship with Zacchaeus through table fellowship (Luke 19:5-6).  

Jesus’ actions, however, proved offensive to some. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus was considered a traitor to his people. For a Jew to help the Roman oppressors take away the money of God’s people proved horrendous in the eyes of the Israelites. Further, most tax collectors also charged the Jewish citizens extra and placed the surplus cash in their own wallets. Thieves and traitors should be the last people invited to dine with the Messiah, but Jesus offered the social outcast a chance for redemption.

Zacchaeus proved so grateful for Jesus’ response that he promised to redistribute the wealth he had stolen. He pledged to return fourfold and give half of his possessions to the poor.  Healing and redemption had spawned more actions of healing and redemption. The former outcast risked bankrupting himself  to have others experience the riches of restored relationships and relief from suffering.  

Generosity with possessions and money should rise from the joy of salvation. When one experiences an authentic encounter with the divine, the entire person is transformed. Money, people and relationships all look different. God empowers believers to see their resources as tools for kingdom work rather than simply blessings for themselves alone. Zacchaeus proved able and willing to release his death grip on money for the sake of the world around him. Modern believers should share his enthusiasm.

Thanks to the work of Christ, we can know love. 1 John 3 explains believers should mimic the love of the Savior who placed the needs of others so high he died for their sake. John asks the ultimate question of generosity: If the Master was willing to lay down his own life for the sake of love, how could the believer see others in need and not provide aid? How can one filled with Christ’s love not show love when the situation demands it?

If one is truly being transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18), one must react to people’s needs in the same manner as did Jesus. The Christian is required to ask how Jesus would treat a hungry child in an impoverished country or what Jesus would do for a family struggling to pay their bills after the breadwinner has been laid off, or how would Jesus help a homeless man freezing on the street?  

We naturally restrain from giving too much of our finances or possessions for fear of the consequences. The beauty of salvation is its freedom from such fear and from attachment to material wealth. We begin to feel what God feels and love what God loves. Our values and priorities align with the Savior’s, or we don’t truly belong to him.

A servant is not greater than the master (John 13:16). If Jesus was not exempt from sacrificing for the sake of others, neither are his followers. Rather than ask what will happen if we give, perhaps we should question what will happen to others if we don’t.

In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul described a wonderful display of generosity by the church of Macedonia. Even though the church consisted of individuals living in poverty, the members graciously gave to the cause of the Jerusalem church that also was dealing with financial struggle. The Jerusalem church was overwhelmed with members of the community struggling to survive, and Paul sought aid from other churches in order to bring about unity and relieve the people of Jerusalem from suffering. After all, Christians from all around the globe are united in their work in the kingdom and should provide aid to one another when needed (2 Corinthians 8:13-15).

By sacrificing their money for the sake of others, the Macedonian church was blessed with the opportunity to share in the work of God’s people, even ones far away and whom they may never meet. Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to mimic the smaller church’s attitude and see the needs of the kingdom as more important than their own.  

The world around us screams for restoration. Poverty, hunger and pain can be found both in our backyards and around the world. Christians are called to use their resources to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs that surround them. The manner in which a local church uses its resources may differ based on the leading of God and the limitations of the congregation. However, churches always must exercise generosity with the financial and material blessings God has allowed. Funding missions, giving food to the hungry, housing the homeless and many other ministries all serve as part of continuing the ministry of  Jesus who forfeited the riches of his heavenly throne in order to enrich others (2 Corinthians 8:9).  

May we share in the blessings of mimicking Christ’s generosity. May our encounter with divine love and redemption compel us to share love and redemption with others. May we see our resources as opportunities to advance the kingdom. May we see the needs of people in the same manner as Jesus.  

Questions for discussion

•    How do you express the joy of your salvation? Does it involve financial sacrifice? Why? Why not?

•    How can you and your church give generously to meet needs around you and around the world?

•    What obstacles prevent you from giving as did Jesus?

This week’s lesson explores the rich content of Jeremiah’s famous temple sermon. His message stressed the importance of having a right and truthful relationship with God. Such a relationship is based on true commitment at the heart level, which, in turn, is reflected in justness in one’s activities.

Hear the Lord’s word (Jeremiah 7:1-2)

Israel’s place of worship was the obvious place to proclaim and receive God’s message. Surely those who came to worship truly desired communication from the Lord. Jeremiah’s message began with the command “Hear the word of the Lord” (v. 2). Genuine believers, whether in Jeremiah’s day or ours, welcome God’s word.

In Hebrew, hearing means more than mere listening. Hearing includes obeying (or doing; see James 1:22). Jeremiah had a message that God wanted worshippers to obey. No matter what the Lord’s message may be, believers come to worship hoping to hear a word from their Lord. Genuine worshippers desire to hear and obey.

Believers should take regular inventory of their purposes and expectations in worship. The elements of worship easily are externalized by those who go “through the motions” without engaging the mind and heart.

True worship has two-way communication at its heart. Genuine followers of Christ believe the Lord responds to authentic expressions of worship. They crave communication from the Lord, knowing he speaks to their lives.

Correct your behavior (Jeremiah 7:3-8)

The core challenge of the message comes in verse 3. God commanded his people to reform their ways. “Reform” is a repentance word that emphasizes the external action God desires to accompany internal repentance. The Old Testament teaches external behavior points to the true condition of the heart. Therefore, God expects to see works of repentance.

James explained the connection of faith and deeds in James 2:14-18, (especially v. 17). Jeremiah and James express similar concepts: one’s external actions are direct reflections of the character and commitments of the heart.

A unique feature of Jeremiah’s temple sermon is found in verse 4. Here the prophet mimics the repeated response of his people to the Lord’s call to reform their ways. By answering, “the temple of the Lord,” the people stated they believed God never would send any kind of judgment that would harm his temple. Therefore, the people were safe (see v. 10). Therefore, the people must be right with God. Therefore, Jeremiah must have God’s message wrong. These are deceptive words, said Jeremiah, because God eventually would take the drastic step of destroying the temple to get people to think differently about their lives.

In verses 5-6, Jeremiah listed five actions that specified the type of reform God desired: change ways, act justly, don’t oppress others, don’t shed innocent blood and don’t worship idols. Verse 7 repeats the conditional covenant promise indicating these five reforms are required to satisfy the covenant.

Occupation of the Promised Land was contingent upon obeying the Lord’s commands (Deuteronomy 4:40; 30:17-18). The nation of Israel was very close to losing their Promised Land. Jeremiah pointedly exhorted his people to return to the Lord and exhibit evidence of a righteous walk with God.

Likewise, believers today should examine their lives and strive to exhibit deeds consistent with faith in Christ.

Get real (Jeremiah 7:9-11)

Jesus taught in John 16:8 that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of its guilty status in sin. This section of Jeremiah expresses a similar observation when it states the Lord is “watching” (v. 11). The Lord told Jeremiah in his call vision (1:12) he was watching his people.

Look at what Jeremiah’s people thought they were getting away with—murder. Yet they thought they were safe (v. 10) before the Lord. Their behavior was miles off the mark, yet they thought they had a right standing before God because they had his temple in their midst.

God knows the conduct of people. He has intimate knowledge of each person’s heart. He knows their purposes, philosophies and commitments. He understands how a person’s actions reveal the truth of the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 states: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Speaking through Jeremiah, the Lord wanted his people to look at their outward appearances or actions and understand what was revealed about their hearts. Lifestyle inspection must be a regular part of the disciple’s regimen.

Learn from past failures (Jeremiah 7:12-15)

Now the Lord directly refutes the response of his people in verse 4. Do they really think they are safe from his judgment? They should remember what happened to the shrine at Shiloh, says Jeremiah.

The story is found in 1 Samuel 4. By that time, the tabernacle tent was in tatters. The sons of the priest Eli thought that they could guarantee an Israelite victory over the Philistines by carrying the Ark of Covenant into battle. The Israelites were defeated, the sons of Eli were killed, the Ark was captured and Shiloh ceased being the center of Israelite worship. Thus, Jeremiah pointed to Shiloh’s dark lesson: God will not be manipulated. He commands his people to maintain right relationships with him. There are countless benefits for those who serve God, but he will not allow complacency and sin to occupy the lives of his people. God desires a wholesome, heart-level relationship with his people.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel across the Atlantic to Africa. I went with an organization called Makeway Partners to the country of Sudan. We were going to work with children at New Life Ministries in Nyamlel, Sudan.

There were around 400 orphaned children at the time, and they were more a blessing to me than I was to them. One individual stood out at new Life Ministries—its founder and leader, James Lual Atak. Meeting James was a blessing. His love for the Lord and his dedication to God’s calling on his life was infectious. God is using him to make a difference in a land most of the world has written off and forgotten about.

James would not be in the position he is today if he had not have been obedient to God’s call on his life. James grew up in a world we cannot understand. Northern and southern Sudan have been at war for the better part of half a century. The northern aggressors have been invading the south many years.

When James was boy in his early teens, he was forced to fight for his homeland of southern Sudan. Eventually, the government realized having these boys fight was not right, and thousands of boys were sent to refugee camps. These boys became known as the lost boys of Sudan.

James found himself in Kenya, where he was taken in by a missionary. He worked with the missionary until the time came that most would consider akin to winning the lottery: James was given a plane ticket to the United States. He was going to have the opportunity for a new life and a new start in a land far from the horrors of his own country, but God had a different call on James’ life, and James listened and obeyed.  Rather than come to the United States, James took what little money he had and went back to his home town of Nyamlel, Sudan, in order to bring hope to the hopeless.

James went to the local church when he returned, and he told people he was going to build an orphanage. The people laughed at him.

The next day while James was working to clear the 40 acres of land the government had given him for the orphanage, a young man named Archangelo joined James in clearing away the brush. He caught James’ vision and still works at New Life Ministries. James began with a handful of children, and today, there are more than 500 orphans. They receive an education and learn about the hope found only in Christ. James was willing to follow God’s calling, and now he is leading the cause of hope in Nyamlel, Sudan.

God’s chosen individual to lead his people into the Promised Land was Joshua. Joshua must have been a very special and faithful follower of God, because picking up where Moses left off could not have been easy. Joshua committed himself to God’s leadership, and he was able to lead the Israelites on one of the most impressive military conquests the world has ever seen. The odds were stacked against the Israelites, but because of Joshua’s reliance on God and his leadership of the people, the Israelites overcame all the odds.

In Joshua 24, we find the mighty leader addressing the people for what appears to be the final time. This must have been an amazing scene—the people finally were ready to enjoy the promise of God’s land and peace. Families were planning their future together as they raised a family on their new land.

Then their beloved leader stepped forward to give one last speech. The people hung on every word he had to say. He began not by reminding the people of their great military victory, but rather of the God who had been faithful to them since the time of Abraham. He then gave the powerful imperative: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua had lived out this statement from the beginning, and the people had seen his faithfulness. They responded to him with respect and loyalty and then declared their faithfulness to God. Joshua had a great impact on the Israelite people because of his devotion to God. If he would not have been such a devoted follower, he would not have been a great leader.

James Lual Atak has made a difference against all the odds. He had not done this due to his charisma or title, he was able to make a difference because he was a devoted follower of Christ.

I do not know if God has plans for you as dramatic as James’ and Joshua’s, but I do know God wants you to impact this world for him. There will be people you will have an impact on: your family, friends, co-workers and others. If you want to be an influence on them like Joshua was on the Israelites, you must be a fierce follower of Christ.

In 1 Timothy 6, the Apostle Paul issued a word of encouragement and a warning for the young minister Timothy. Some false teachers had begun to teach a gospel of greed. As we explored last week, however, Christ’s teachings reject allegiance to materialistic prizes. Instead, one should pursue the qualities of and conform to the image of Christ.

Paul wasted little time in dismissing the money-grubbing prophets and explained godliness with contentment is a great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). After all, everyone is born with absolutely nothing—no possessions, no clothes, no cars, no cell phones, no houses and no bank accounts. When we die, we leave with nothing. No amount of earthly wealth will be transferred with us to the afterlife.  In the big picture, “stuff” doesn’t remain with us long.  

In a world filled with constant media and propaganda, contentment easily can get lost the noise. Advertisements explain to us how badly we need the latest product, or better yet, how much we deserve it. Toys, phones, clothes and technology from only a few months ago no longer satisfy as the newest version of our previous goods supposedly makes our lives “simpler” or “better.”  

Commercials make us instantly “need” things. Often, I can sit down to watch a football game without a concern in the world. By halftime, however, I have witnessed the glories of a dozen new products. I wonder how I ever survived my entire life without a new phone which can do my taxes or a vacuum cleaner that possibly could fly me to the moon, or at least that’s the implication.

In a world which preaches consumption as the fuel for life, we have transformed malls into temples and sale items into gods. When happiness depends on the acquirement of stuff, our hearts will remain eternally empty. There always are new things to own. The pursuit never ends.

Greed is a monster whose hunger never will be satisfied. Paul urged Timothy to only pursue basic physical essentials and nothing more. The apostle was familiar with how greed can destroy souls: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).  

How many life-altering stories of credit card debt have we witnessed in the past several years? Many in our society live under bondage to endless payments just for the sake of getting the newest, greatest stuff. Interest rates continue to consume dreams and hopes. One wonders why such products proved so irresistible in the first place.  

Greed comes from many sources. We want things in order to impress people, control others, gain security, experience pleasure and create a sense of self worth. Arthur G. Gish, in his book Beyond the Rate Race,  observes we often buy things we don’t want with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.

This easily blinds people to the glorious life offered by the Creator: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).   

When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he expressed appreciation for a generous donation from his brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle, however, emphasized how his state of existence did not depend upon such gifts. After all the trials and hard times Paul endured during his missionary journeys, the pastor had experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

When one’s entire world revolves around Christ, everything else appears minute. As long as the believer has the basic necessities, he or she can find reason to celebrate life. One can find purpose, hope and joy even in the midst of poverty if Christ serves as the epicenter of life and the foundation of existence. In God’s kingdom, love, mercy, peace, forgiveness and justice prove exponentially more satisfying than the latest merchandise fad or an abundance of modern comforts.  

The church of Philippi’s gift proved valuable. By providing Paul with financial support, they removed many obstacles in order for the apostle to more efficiently share the gospel. In the big picture, however, even if Paul never received the aid, Christ still would reign and the kingdom still would prevail. The power of the gospel is self sufficient.  

May we not be overwhelmed by the oppressive power of greed. May we find contentment with what God has provided rather than exhaust ourselves in a race for fleeting fads and temporary goods. May we pursue godliness and thrive in a life filled with the goodness and blessings which derive from the hand of God.  

Questions for discussion
•    What do you really need?  What things prove more burdensome than useful?
•    Do you feel content with what you have? Why or why not?

Exodus from Hunger by David Beckmann (Westminster John Knox Press)

God is calling Christians to transform the politics of hunger, according to David Beckmann, president of the Bread for the World advocacy group and winner of the 2010 World Food Prize. Churches and individual followers of Christ should contribute to international charities and volunteer in local soup kitchens, but they also should speak truth to those who work in the halls of power, he insists.

When God wanted to deliver the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt, he did not send Moses to take up a collection of canned good for the slaves, Beckmann observes. Rather, God sent Moses to Pharaoh to issue a political challenge to let the slaves go free. Similarly, Christians should exert political influence to call for justice for the poor and hungry.

Speaking as both an economist and a Lutheran minister, Beckmann points out reduction of poverty and hunger contributes to national security and international stability. He offers both visionary goals—such as the elimination of child hunger—and practical, achievable objectives—such as making foreign assistance more effective. He tells his own story about how God called him to a life of advocacy for the poor, and he provides practical steps any Christian can take to become more involved in changing the politics of hunger.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Dallas

Fast Living by Scott C. Todd (Compassion International)

Scott Todd, senior ministry adviser at Compassion International, believes Christians can end extreme global poverty in the next 25 years. But first, God’s people must break free from the tyranny of low expectations. “If you think the poor will always be with us, they probably will,” he writes. But Todd firmly believes Jesus was talking to Judas when he made that often-quoted statement—not 21st century Christians.

Todd urges Christians to observe the “true fast” the Old Testament prophet described in Isaiah 58—to seek justice, share resources with people in need, break bonds of oppression, honor the Sabbath and pour out oneself for the hungry. The prophet’s challenge offers a call to personal commitment on behalf of the world’s poor and hungry.

Once it becomes personal, Todd insists, God does not diminish the hunger within the soul of any of his people. Rather, he multiplies it, as we identify with the impoverished and hunger for justice on their behalf.

Todd offers a timely, challenging and hopeful message for Christians in this generation.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard, Dallas

Jeremiah 3:1-4:4 emphasizes the need for God’s people to practice heart-level commitment in their relationships with the Lord. God is not satisfied by external religious behaviors, even those he instituted. God established external religious forms to instruct committed followers. The insights were meant for internal application. This lesson focuses on the heart and the need for repentance in the lives of those who desire a right relationship with the Lord.

Admit guilt (Jeremiah 3:12-13)

In this passage, “Israel” refers to the former northern Israelite kingdom which was destroyed by Sargon II of Assyria in 722 B.C. The surviving northern Israelites were transplanted to other regions within Assyria.

A century later, Jeremiah proclaimed (v. 11) Israel was more righteous than Judah (the surviving southern kingdom). Israel deserved its punishment because she deserted her covenant with the Lord. Nevertheless, because God continued his covenant relationship with Judah beyond the limits he imposed on Israel, a fair treatment modification to Israel’s sentence was due. Therefore, even at this late date, God was willing to receive any northern Israelite who desired to return to the covenant.

One condition accompanied God’s invitation to return to the covenant: acknowledgement of guilt in breaking the covenant. No offerings, sacrifices or penance was required. Israel’s acknowledgement must admit of rebellion against the Lord, turning to other gods and disobedience to the Lord (v. 13).

Truthful confession is the first step in establishing a right relationship with God. This anticipates the teaching of Jesus’ first Beatitude (Matthew 5:3): blessed are the poor in spirit. God is not pleased by rote fulfillment of external religious rites (1 Samuel 15:22). The covenant must be practiced at the heart level—the place of willful determination must be invested in seeking and serving the Lord.

Accept blessings (Jeremiah 3:14-17)

The word “return” in verse 14 is the dominant concept in chapter 3 (occurring seven times) and one of Jeremiah’s frequent topics. Jeremiah repeatedly called his people to return to the covenant. The New Testament uses the word “repent” to call people to turn to God. This concept is consistent with the Old Testament’s idea of returning to the covenant. To return to the covenant is to return to God. Thus, Jeremiah called people to repent and turn to God.

Verse 14 describes the Lord as the “husband” of the people. The relationship between God and his people has similarities to marriage: an intimate, exclusive, mutually-supportive relationship. The breaking of one’s relationship with God also is similar to unfaithfulness in marriage. Jeremiah declared the people had broken their relationship with God.

Verse 14 indicates the returning to the Lord will be allowed on an individual basis. Though the northern people were exiled collectively, people will return to the Lord individually, underscoring Jeremiah’s point in verse 15 that returning is a matter of the heart.

The Lord promised to provide religious leaders (shepherds) possessing knowledge and understanding (v. 15). These leaders will personally have “returned” to a heart-based relationship with the Lord. They will know how to lead their people to heart-level covenant commitments.

The Ark of Covenant in verse 16 was suggested by the topics of “return” and “covenant.” Jeremiah spoke strongly against the veneration of religious objects. In his temple sermon, Jeremiah warned against trusting in religious objects (Jeremiah 7:4). Many reasoned God would not allow the temple to fall, and, thus, their lives were safe. Actually, the people were no more safe than the northern Israelites had been.

Those practicing heart religion (i.e., lifestyle repentance [Luke 9:23] and seeking God with all one’s heart [Jeremiah 29:7]) do not need external religious relics to have fulfilling relationships with the Lord. Verse 17 applies the significance of the ark, symbolizing God’s place of rule, to the city of Jerusalem. If the ark’s significance can be transferred to a city, it also can be transferred to the heart. The people had not done this, therefore, evil ruled the their hearts. Once one’s heart is right with God, a relationship with him becomes fulfilling and life becomes satisfying.

Avoid judgment (Jeremiah 4:1-4)

The appeal to return is repeated in verse 1. The word “if” emphasizes the condition for reconciliation with God. Dedication of the heart is required, which should be reflected in one’s external conduct.

Verses 1 and 2 paint the two parts of repentance. One part is to turn away from “idols.” An idol is anything that receives the heart’s dedication in the place of the Lord. Ultimately, all idols reduce to the human self, which rules one’s life and permits behavior detrimental to a relationship with the Lord.

The other part of repentance is truthful turning to the Lord. This truthfulness is exemplified in the introductory oath “as surely as the Lord lives.” The appeal to the living Lord for validation is the essence of real commitment: we depend on the living One to provide what we cannot provide for ourselves. See Romans 10:9-10 which speaks of the commitment of the heart to God followed by a verbal declaration of the heart’s commitment.

The climax of the call to return comes in verses 3-4 with the command, break up the unplowed ground, and its parallel thought, circumcise your hearts. Breaking unplowed ground refers to a previously unpursued lifestyle. Circumcision refers to dedication to the Lord. Circumcision of the heart places dedication at the level of life that impresses God, making commitment internal and not merely an external rite.