Jeremiah 29:8-13 For thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the middle of you, deceive you… I. THE HUMAN RACE IS UNDER DIVINE TRAINING FOR A BLESSED AND GLORIOUS FUTURE. God cannot create a single creature to hate and to leave in sin and misery, and if He could, how could He be God? II. LET US WITH REVERENCE AND HUMILITY TRY TO LEARN SOMETHING OF GOD'S GREAT THOUGHTS RESPECTING THE FUTURE OF FALLEN MEN. Try to think of the future of God's lost children in the light of what He has done for them. If we consider it in the light of the Incarnation of the Son, His heavenly teaching, His mighty works, and His voluntary sufferings, we shall never despair. Think further of what God is doing through His Spirit; for He is through His Spirit enlightening men's minds, leading them to the truth, convincing them of sin, and purifying the nature and perfecting the character of believers. If earthly fathers are so anxious for making a worthy and honourable future for their children, is it likely that the Divine Father will be heedless about the future of His children? No; that cannot be. In all the sufferings, trials, and discipline of the present, He has their future perfection, happiness, and glory in view. 1. Holiness of nature. 2. Perfection of character. 3. Perfection of service. 4. Perfection of joy. (Z. Mather.) Parallel Verses KJV: For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. |
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