SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 17
MEMORY VERSES:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5)
“But blesses is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:7)
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
“I, the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)
CONSEQUENCES OF SINS BEING ENGRAVED:
- Your wealth and all your treasures will be plundered. (v. 3)
- You will lose all the inheritance that God gave you. (v. 4a)
- You will be enslaved by your enemies. (v. 4b)
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TRUSTING GOD.
- He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. (v. 6a)
- He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. (v. 6b)
CONSEQUENCES OF FORSAKING GOD:
- He will be put to shame. (v. 13a)
- He will be written in the dust. (v. 13b)
JEREMIAH CONSIDERED GOD AS HIS:
- Healer (v. 14)
- Shepherd (v. 16)
- Refuge (v. 17)
KEEPING THE SABBATH HOLY (vs. 19-27)
The Lord commanded the people of Israel to keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work. If they obey, kings and official who sit in David’s throne will ride in chariots and horses and their city will be inhabited forever. But if they do not obey, God will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gate of Jerusalem and consume her fortresses.
THOUGHTS:
There are two kinds of people being contrasted. Those who trust in human beings and those who trust in the Lord. The people of Judah trusted the false gods and military alliances, so they became barren and unfruitful. In contrast, those who trust the Lord will flourish like trees planted along a riverbank. In time of trouble, those who trust in men will become hopeless and weak. But those who trust in the lord will have abundant strength. Whom will you trust?
A person who become rich by unjust means will end up foolish and poor. We should strive to be honest in all our dealings. Gaining prestige and wealth by dishonest means will never have God’s blessing nor lasting happiness.
Observance of Sabbath day is one of the ten commandments. God created the heavens and earth for 6 days and rested on the 7th day. He also wants us to observe Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Keeping God’s law is more important than making money.