Sayings in Jeremiah (1)

By Ron Thomas       Through the course of years, I have read the Book of Jeremiah many times, and as I’ve read, I have taken note of what I consider sayings from the pen (mouth) of the Lord’s prophet that are interesting. What strikes me as interesting may not strike you the same way, but I thought I would develop a thought or two from those sayings, those expressions. I begin in chapter 6.     Jeremiah 6:10, notice the various versions of the English Bible:     KJV: O whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.     NET: Who would listen if I spoke to them and warned them? Their ears are so closed that they cannot hear! Indeed, what the LORD says is offensive to them. They do not like it at all.     ESV: To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.     If one is not familiar with the language of the Bible, then perhaps the idea behind an “uncircumcised ear” is perplexing. The NET gives the actual sense of what was said by the prophet. With that said, looking at the versions, the three English Bibles give no significant (or insignificant) difference in what is said. The Lord gives warning, but who listens? To ask is to answer, and this is what makes Jeremiah’s task so difficult because no one (hyperbole) was going to listen. Why won’t they listen? Because their ears are uncircumcised (closed); uncircumcised (closed) ears can’t hear, like an uncircumcised heart refusing to submit to the Lord. Those who couldn’t hear first began with a refusal to hear.     The Hebrews writer says, Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will (2:1-4, ESV).     It should go without saying that it is of utmost importance that we who identify with the Lord should make it a point to hear the Lord. It should go without saying, but it can’t. In Jeremiah’s day, the same should have been thought, but as it is today, so it was then, many refuse. The consequences of such an action is the Lord’s displeasure and the subject’s damnation. The Lord’s prophet warns.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Sayings in Jeremiah (2) Seek The Old Paths

By Ron Thomas     There are some sayings in Jeremiah that are better known than others. One we mention today will be one of those sayings. In Jeremiah 6:16 we read, ·       KJV: Thus, saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein. ·       NET: The LORD said to his people: "You are standing at the crossroads. So, consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls." But they said, "We will not follow it!" ·       Brenton: Thus, saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths of the Lord; and see what is the good way, and walk in it, and ye shall find purification for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in them (English translation of the Septuagint, or Greek Old Testament). Context: Jeremiah was the Lord’s prophet who had placed on him a burden so heavy that it’s a wonder he held up under it, and he only did so because of his loyalty to the Lord. His burden was “simply” to preach the Lord’s word to a people who did not want to hear it, as can be seen/read at the end of this verse. The Lord called on His prophet to go where the people were and say to them what they did not want to hear. Knowing this, Jeremiah heard the Lord’s will, and he went. He went to a stubborn people, and he called on them to seek the “old paths.” What are the “old paths” that Jeremiah spoke of? This is a reference to the same thing Isaiah said when he preached to stubborn people. “To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them” (8:20, ASV).     The Lord appealed to them to hear His word and be saved from the coming destruction. Sadly, they chose a different path.     There is an application for us in this: Some Christians seek to be more like the religious world around, just like they were in Jeremiah’s day. Those loyal to the Lord, however, will not tread upon a path that has a destination full of uncertainty. To seek the old paths is to stay with the Lord. Don’t go to the right and see how exclusive you (we) can be, and don’t go to the left and see how inclusive you (we) can be. The religious world will do what they can to dictate to you (us) what should be, but only the Lord has authority in these matters. There are many solid folks in this world who genuinely want to follow the Lord’s will, and they try to the best of their ability; be there to help and encourage them but stay with the old paths as you do. As the passage says, those who do will find rest for their souls.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Sayings of Jeremiah (3) Trust Not in Lying Words

By Ron Thomas       LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). To put one’s trust in the Lord means not only one’s knowledge that He exists, but that He is the answer to all questions related to life and relief that no man or woman can give, especially if they live and operate by the philosophy that belongs to Satan. Those who trust in the Lord also know that He will be the one who will make right what others have made terrible wrong. This is to be our response to those frustrations of life that seem to have no answers in the immediate context in which we live. Thus, when Paul writes In Jeremiah 7, the Lord exhorted the people to hear Jeremiah when he said, “Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these” (7:4, KJV).     The Lord was giving attention to the willingness of the people to hear the “prophets of deceit” because they felt the presence of the glorious Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem would prevent Babylon’s threats from coming to realization. Even though Jeremiah preached continuously that God was bringing Nebuchadnezzar to Jerusalem to punish the people of the Lord, the people believed the prophets (of deceit) when they said it would not happen (cf. Jeremiah 13:13-16). The people believed a lie and wanted to believe the lie.     As the Lord’s prophet spoke to the Lord’s people, one would think Jeremiah might have a ready audience to hear; sadly, he had hardly an audience at all who wanted to hear (7:13). Because the people refused to hear the Lord, they turned to themselves for guidance and then became guilty of idolatry, oppression, murder, injustice, and to make it worse, they presumed to think the Lord was on their side because of the Temple.     There is a powerful lesson in this for us. Jerusalem is a “perfect” illustration for those who refuse to hear the Lord, how they turn to themselves for wisdom and guidance and then take office in D.C. and the state legislatures! The powerful lesson we learn is this: If you (any one of us) put trust in something other than the Lord, we are trusting lying words, words that promise help, relief, but actually tighten the bondage to the point of strangling. Solomon wrote, “Trust in the about all things working together for good to those that love the Lord, what he means is that those who love the Lord, obey His will, salvation results. “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1, ASV).     To put your trust in the Lord may be easier said than done because everywhere about you, you see and hear the activities of life and wonder if you should think this and do that. This was exactly the problem of the people in the days of Jeremiah. How does one put his (or her) trust in the Lord? By spending time with the Lord.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Sayings of Jeremiah (4) The Actions of the Feet Jeremiah 8:5

By Ron Thomas   Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return (8:5, ESV).       Why do people wander away from the Lord, Jeremiah asked. Before they wander, these same people allow themselves to wonder about what’s on the other side, they wonder if the grass is greener over there. As they wonder, they begin to wander because they are intrigued by what they see, curious one might say. With this curiosity, they want to try what others are doing. There are some who look at their economic circumstances and see those on the other side are not struggling or suffering like those on this side. In that which they try they soon conclude that “It’s not that bad” never realizing that it will soon become overly bad, deadly bad (if you will).     Such things like these allow them to think “they all can’t be wrong” so they go over, sometimes never to return. They stay there by holding fast to deceit; they have convinced themselves 1) God does not exist, 2) God does not care, 3) God doesn’t see me in the sheer mass of humanity, 4) God won’t judge me because He knows my heart, 5) I have time to get things turned around, 6) look how prosperous they are, the Lord must have blessed them, 7) they don’t struggle like I do with my feelings, I’ll go where I’m accepted. On and on justifications are offered.     When Jeremiah preached the Lord’s message, calling upon the people to repent or the Lord’s wrath will be experienced, the people concluded that Jeremiah was a burden to them and to be dismissed. What makes people do this? Evidence can be presented, and solid reasons given to move people in the Lord’s direction, but the Lord’s reasons are rejected because the people would rather stay put right where they are. Since they have enjoyed some benefits for their wandering, why change! Perhaps there are several reasons people use to justify their actions (as mentioned above); ultimately, however, it boils down to “I want to stay here; this is the place with which I am comfortable and change I do not take too easily, especially if it’s going to require me to give up what makes me happy, satisfied, and prosperous. I’ll just stay where I am and you go where you want to go,” they say.     They say this, not because they have counter evidence that warrants their place of residence, but they say this because moving is unpleasant. They say this, as Jeremiah wrote, because they know not the Lord (8:7). They may hear the Lord and know the words that have been preached / spoken, but the words found no home in the heart of each hearer “who knows not the Lord.” The words came from the mouth of the Lord, but the people put up a wall and refused to let them come in. These same people consider themselves wise and, thus, have no need for the Lord. It’s a lot like those who turn away from the Lord’s church, not knowing they have turned away from the Lord Himself. They regard their own wisdom more than they do the Lord’s. They will deny this, but the fruit of their wisdom is in the actions of their feet.     So, what can we learn from this? When Paul wrote to the church at Colosse, he exhorted them Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God (3:16, ASV). Notice: the word of Christ is to dwell in one richly, that is, the word of the Lord is to have a place in one’s heart (mind). The word that dwells there is one that nourishes and protects. Secondly, equally important, the word that dwells within teaches us to sing the Lord’s praise because we know the Lord.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Sayings of Jeremiah (5) Excessively Pleased Jeremiah 9:23-24

By Ron Thomas       Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”     What does “boast” or “boasting” mean? The American Standard Version uses the word “glory,” while most others (all that I checked) use the word “boast.” Merriam Webster defines the word to mean “excessive pride in oneself.” If this definition stands, we get why the Lord would be against those who glory in themselves.     I remember when I was in high school there was a friend of mine that seemed always to be able to get “one -up” on others (at least this seemed to be the case as I recall it). When we had our 20th high school reunion, I received the same impression from him as that which I had in high school. What he said may have been the truth from bottom to top, but I remember thinking that I had doubts about it.     Have you come across people who might have been similar? It seems like they boast about this or that, resulting in you wondering if there is any substance to what it is they are boasting about. In the days of Jeremiah, as it is in our day, the same existed. When one boasts about accomplishments, others hear and may be inclined to extend good wishes, but those good wishes evaporate quickly when boasting continues. We are reminded, there is nothing new under the sun; every generation has many who think much of their accomplishments. If accomplishments are not real, then fabrications occur.     To what was Jeremiah giving attention? As you look at Jeremiah 9:23, there are 3 points to notice. First, man’s wisdom. Second, man’s might. Third, man’s wealth.     Man’s wisdom, whatever it might be in the way of usefulness, is only temporary wisdom. It may have a great deal of benefit in this world, but will it prepare one’s life for judgment when life in this world is over? The wisdom one gains from this world's experience has a termination point, not so with the wisdom gained from learning of and from the Lord.     Man’s might, whatever it may be, is not nearly as strong as he thinks it is. I have often said, this country’s military is the strongest on earth, but if the Lord is against our country (I wonder if He is), a country the size of Rhode Island will defeat us in short order. There is no might that can overcome the Lord’s might.     Man’s wealth, whatever it is, has only a short-term existence. You may have a million dollars in the bank for retirement, but if the Lord calls you to stand before Him, what will that retirement income do for you?     As you reflect on the propriety of boasting, let us not have “excessive pride” in those things that we’ve done or the wealth we attained. Instead, let us glory in the Lord and be “excessively” pleased He has mercy on us.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Sayings of Jeremiah (6) I don’t Have it Within Me

By Ron Thomas   ASV: O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.   NET: “LORD, we know that people do not control their own destiny. It is not in their power to determine what will happen to them.”       Preachers will quote this passage frequently. The congregants, because the preacher quotes it often, can repeat it. What does it mean? Man determines which direction he wants to go, but as the NET reads, the Lord does not grant him the privilege of determining what will happen to him when he does walk the direction he chooses. No one of good sense will purposely seek to destroy himself with his choices, but in the choices, he makes, it’s not possible for him to know where he’ll arrive. He thinks he knows, but that is not the same thing as actually knowing.     The thrust of the passage is easy enough to understand. Humanity does not have within itself knowledge that can know one’s eternal destination. The only way to know is to gain that information from Him who has that knowledge, He who is in eternity. Since this information is now available, why is it that so many choose to live as if it does not matter what comes from the “mouth” of the Lord? People choose to live the way they do for at least two reasons (cf. John 3:19). First, they live in the present, that is, they judge what is in front of them by what they have been taught and mesh that in with their experiences, then make decisions about how to go forward. Second, they convince themselves God is on their side, and with that conviction or hope they move toward a destination they hope will facilitate a safe landing.    I am reminded in Psalms 14 the foolish one lives as if God does not exist, the stupid one has conviction that He does not exist. In all cases, the choices made determine the direction walked. One’s arrival at the door of eternity comes much quicker than is realized. Did you not just graduate high school yesterday? How old are you now?     I am also reminded that many believe (even strongly) in the Lord, but justification is made for the path chosen to walk. “The Lord knows my heart” they will say. Yes, that is true; He knows you have rejected His Son, or you have accepted His Son, but chose a way that is diverted from the Lord’s exact way. In this context, He knows your heart is not with Him. “I don’t live an evil life like so many that I hear and read about” they say. That may be true, but as with them, so with you, the Lord begins with one’s response to Jesus, followed by loyalty to the words of Jesus and His apostles.     It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps, the Lord said. Let us be reminded, then, of two things: first, Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son (1 John 5:10, ESV). In this context, belief is trust and obedience. Second, If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37, ASV). To acknowledge the authority of the Lord through His chosen servants means one will obey the words written by such men as Paul.     We don’t have it within us to know the Lord’s way of righteousness. Because of that, those who love the Lord will hear Him and obey from the heart His ways.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

Raising Our Kids to Be Successful Socially

By Brian Mitchell       In Lk.2:52, the Word of God states that Jesus “grew in wisdom, and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Thus, Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.  As we think about raising children to be successful, the early life of Jesus I believe is given to serve as a pretty successful model for child development. If we can help our children grow in these 4 areas, especially spiritually, then we have given them everything they will need to be truly successful in life in all areas. Having discussed the first 3 areas already, in this last lesson we will turn our thought to helping our children grow socially.      The importance of social growth cannot be overstated when it comes to developing a successful life. God did not create man to live in isolation, but rather as a part of society in general.  It is as the old saying goes, “no man is an island unto himself.” God made us social creatures who desire contact with others—Gen.2:18. Thus, we do not live our lives in a vacuum, but rather as a part of society influencing and being influenced by those around us.     The importance of social growth cannot be overstated when it comes to developing a successful life. God did not create man to live in isolation, but rather as a part of society in general.  It is as the old saying goes, “no man is an island unto himself.” God made us social creatures who desire contact with others—Gen.2:18. Thus, we do not live our lives in a vacuum, but rather as a part of society influencing and being influenced by those around us.     So in our efforts to raise our children to be successful, let us not forget to teach them how to interact with and be a positive part of society. I think one of the biggest keys to developing socially is learning to be content.  We live in a world that breeds and fosters discontentment. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements which impress upon our minds the desire for more to the point where we feel we deserve more.     A lot of people don’t develop socially because they were never taught that sometimes the world says no to us. Discontentment leads to worldliness and the pursuit of worldly desires which are in direct conflict with spiritual desires and responsibilities. Mt.6:24, says that no man can serve 2 masters. Thus, we must teach our young people that “life does not in the abundance of things we possess” (Lk.12:15). When it does the things we possess end up possessing us instead of the other way around.     Thus, teach your children to lay up treasures in heaven, and be content with the things God has blessed us with. Our children can’t live in a vacuum, regardless of how much we may wish they could. Rather they are called to live in this world and to do so in a positive manner which brings glory to God and draws people to His Son. May we all endeavor to raise children, who like Jesus, grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net