I. THE FULNESS OF THE DIVINE WORD. It is not one communication but many, and under circumstances of the utmost conceivable variety. Not in one book but many - a library, representing every stage of human history and spiritual progress. No age or exigency of human nature has found God silent. How great is the multitude of his messages! How many words have been spoken and acted that have not been recorded (cf. John 21:25)! The written book is like a vessel let down into the great ocean of the unwritten words and deeds of the Eternal. II. GOD'S CARE AND ADAPTATION WITH RESPECT TO IT. This prophecy was to be preserved in a book, that no portion of it should be allowed to perish until its fitting time should arrive. The words it contained were all precious, and of pregnant significance in the future of the Church and the world. The adaptation of the prophecy is not less striking. It would not bear public announcement at the time of its communication to the prophet, and it might have imperilled his life; but it occurred then in the natural order of God's thought and purpose; by and by the people would be in a better mood and frame to consider it; therefore it was held over. It is written in a book that it may present a faithful transcript of the Divine thought. The progress of revelation has been slow; but that is not the fault of the Revealer, but the necessity imposed by the conditions of human progress. "In the fulness of the time God sent forth his Son" (Galatians 4:4; cf. 1 Peter 1:20). III. THE REASONS THERE MAY BE FOR THE DARK DISPENSATIONS OF PROVIDENCE. Who in these stem times could tell the depth of the tenderness of God? It is necessary on such occasions to appeal to the fears of transgressors. The most awful calamities that befall the Church and the individual Christian are inflicted in love; but that love cannot express itself until the requirements of righteousness have been satisfied. The soul that is afflicted ought, therefore, to submit itself to the mighty hand of God, and wait patiently for light. The best wine is kept to the last; the gospel interprets all antecedent revelations. IV. THE INFINITE RICHES OF REVELATION THAT AWAIT THE SPIRITUAL MATURITY OF THE SAINTS. There are educative, wayfaring truths; and there are truths at which we are to arrive in the end of our growth and pilgrimage. Truth is not only prospective but reflective; not only directive to the feet of the Christian, but revealing the mind and heart of God. How much is held over until these earthly days are ended (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:12)? - M.
Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. I. STATE THIS DECISION OF THE LORD.1. Israel, from the time they became a distinct nation, cast off God; therefore, given into Assyrian captivity and divorced by God. 2. Judah had retained the worship of God, but revelled in idolatry. 3. Because of their apparent superiority, Judah would scarcely own her relationship to Israel. 4. Though their sins were ostensibly less, they were committed with tenfold aggravations. Their advantages had been greater; larger number of prophets sent them; enjoyed stated ordinances; presence of God in their midst (in Temple). II. CONFIRM THIS DECISION OF THE LORD. Specious insincerity is worse than open profaneness, because — 1. It argues a deeper depravity of heart. 2. It casts more dishonour upon God. 3. It does more extensive injury to man. Address — (1) (2) (C. Simeon, M. A.) Judah hath not turned unto Me with her whole heart, but feignedly: The word "feignedly" is literally, with a lie. See the picture: here is one figured as a penitent woman, who comes to pray — in other words, to tell lies in the sanctuary, and to heap up falsehoods upon the altar where the fire has gone out. But is this possible? It is not only possible, it is actual, it is the history of today. Could we but see things as they really are, we should see that the largest figure amongst many competitive figures is that of hypocrisy. That admits of many colours and many definitions and modifications. All hypocrisy is not the same as to external attitude and bulk and colour. How subtle it is! It likes a little prayer; it does not object to go where the music is good, and where the preaching is pointless; it can speak smoothly, when it is full of anger; it can promise musically, and disappoint mockingly and triumphantly; it can sit like a saint, whilst its heart is far away or is plotting mischief. There is, then, a return to God which is no return; there is a going to Church which is not going to church; there is a piety which is impious; there is a calling to God as Father which God Himself replies to ironically, as if men would call Him anything to flatter Him into the suspension of His judgment or the conferring of an immediate favour.(J. Parker, D. D.) People David, Jacob, JeremiahPlaces Babylon, ZionTopics Jeremiah, SayingOutline 1. God shows Jeremiah the return of the Jews.4. After their trouble they shall have deliverance. 10. He comforts Jacob. 18. Their return shall be gracious. 23. Wrath shall fall on the wicked. Dictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 29:32Library A Bygone Year. A Bygone Year. "For who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto Me? saith the Lord."--Jer. xxx. 21. A year, another year is fled; Its issues who can tell? Millions of voices of the dead Reply from heaven or hell. All these were living at the birth Of the departed year; They all have vanish'd from the earth, We fill their places here. Though to the eye, the ear, the mind Of man their speech is seal'd, The eternal meaning each may find, In two plain words reveal'd. Lost spirits, from the … James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's Ministry - the First Sunday - the First Disciples. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 30:1 NIVJeremiah 30:1 NLT Jeremiah 30:1 ESV Jeremiah 30:1 NASB Jeremiah 30:1 KJV Jeremiah 30:1 Bible Apps Jeremiah 30:1 Parallel Jeremiah 30:1 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 30:1 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 30:1 French Bible Jeremiah 30:1 German Bible Jeremiah 30:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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