Sunday, February 4, 2018

REPENT!

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 24-25

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

A cross can be seen in windows of the Church of Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. This is the traditional place where Jesus was joined by Moses and Elijah, and where Peter suggested building three tabernacles. There are at least three buildings on the top of the mountain today built to celebrate the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). I think that Moses and Elijah were there to encourage Jesus at a time when He needed human companionship in facing His suffering and death on the cross. Jesus had tried again and again to speak to His disciples about the cross, but they failed to understand the necessity of it.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Jeremiah 25:5

They said, “Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever…”

 

Our key verse summarizes the essential message of all the Prophets from Moses to Jeremiah. “Repent” is also a word proclaimed by John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter at the very beginning of their public ministries.

Jeremiah 24 contains the story of two groups taken to Babylon from Jerusalem, the first symbolized by the good figs and the second by the bad figs. The story of the first exiles is found in 2 Kings 24:11-16. These people were taken away for their own good. The Lord, in this way, protected them from the evil influence of King Zedekiah and from the slaughter and total destruction of Jerusalem, which would come eleven years later. Included in these first exiles were Ezekiel and Daniel. In a few weeks we’ll be reading their books.

Jeremiah 25 is another of Jeremiah’s messages to Judah and Jerusalem. For 23 years he has been faithfully preaching the message of repentance (sorrow and regret for sin sufficient to stop doing wrong). Here he predicts accurately that in the future there will be a 70-year captivity in Babylon. Now that 70-year period is history (read Daniel 9:1-4). Throughout human history, because of His love, God continues to offer forgiveness and restoration to all who “repent!” At the same time, because He is holy, justice is absolutely essential. Jeremiah speaks of God’s “fury” and His “fierce anger.” The most horrible crimes against humanity were committed under Judah’s evil kings. Imagine the emotions of the judges, who sat on the bench at the Nuremburg trials of the Nazis following WWII, watching the pictures from the death camps where children were systematically put to death along with their parents. The people of Jerusalem had put their children to death (Jeremiah 19:4-5; 2 Chronicles 28:2-3; 2 Chronicles 33:5-6).

When Jesus prayed just before His crucifixion these words, “Father, if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42), perhaps He had in mind the words of Jeremiah, who six times in our reading uses the word “drink.” Evil had filled the cup of God’s anger against all that destroys people whom He loves. After being warned over and over again to “repent,” the religious and political leaders refused to do so. Judgment was the only alternative. Jesus drank that cup. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20b-21, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for grace to live in an attitude of repentance constantly. John, Your Apostle, wrote, “If we say that we have [present tense, and he included himself] no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1John 1:7-10). I confess my sin, and I believe that according to Your Word (You cannot lie), I am forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. I know this to be true because, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin,” and in His Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

One of our grandsons is named David-Peter (after his two grandfathers), but he likes to use the name “David Mainse the 3rd.” It’s on the cover of his Bible. I’ll try to get a picture of his Bible to add below. Also the back window of his friend’s Hummer vehicle has on it “Galatians 2:20.” This verse has been my daily confession each morning when I first awaken for many years. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Yours to help raise up a generation, unlike the one in today’s reading, where God’s Word is honoured, studied and obeyed!

David

I’m proud of all my grandchildren. I’ve told them that I would do this blog even if they were the only ones who read it.

Caleb’s grandfather has travelled from the USA to Canada as the guest preacher at Evangel Temple, Toronto. His Dad is a top executive at Hershey’s Chocolates in Pennsylvania. Caleb believes God has called him to preach the Gospel. His determination to witness for Christ is evident on his vehicle. “Fire” is the name of the SEU football team.

David Mainse III and Caleb Harris in front of one of the Southeastern University dormitory buildings. I’m proud of these young men who want to serve Jesus Christ with all their hearts, minds, and bodies.

12 thoughts on “Sunday, February 4, 2018

  1. Wonderful scripture and message, this morning. I memorized Galatians 2:20 after hearing David speak at Wesley Acres, in the Fall of 2015. It is now part of my regular morning prayer: Lord’s prayer, Galatians 2:20, 1 Chronicles 4:10, Matthew 6:33, Psalm 56:12-13. Wishing all saints, a blessed day. The snow sure is coming down, here–stay safe, everyone.

    Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. Eph 6:23 NLT

    I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIt9cnLJGQE

  2. Yes, wonderful message from David Mainse and thank you for your encouraging message and scripture Beverlee. Never thought of the Word as fire as well as hammer. Smith Wigglesworth’s great granddaughter also spoke of fire this morning on Sid Roth. There you have it both the Word and Holy Spirit as fire. Love you scripture song Beverlee. Another big storm in the Maritimes today! Blessings.

    • yes I heard the great granddaughter also speak of fire…I enjoy Sid Roth also….
      praise the Lord for Beverlee Kay, beautiful music……TY God bless you….

  3. David Maines 111 sure looks like his dad, Reynold! Blessings to both young men. David had every reason to be proud of his grandchild.

  4. So blessed with this blog this day…all the photos, the encouraging comments and prayer. Thank you! It is a cold day outside, but cozy inside!!

    Good figs…I pray this would be so in this Nation of Canada, that it be a Nation under God. With homes that are filled with love and respect. And leaders that seek the Lord for guidance! Let it be so Lord, Amen!

  5. God bless you Irene!
    Yes let us pray daily for our leaders!

    I would ask for prayers for me also….I don’t know what to do about my finances, I need to upgrade my home, I have spoken to the Lord, I don’t know what He wants me to do…if I am blessed with an amount to clear my loan, help family a bit;I have people who are willing to help with the upgrade as far as labor, but I need to hear from the Lord. I am ok with funds to do the upgrades and then talk to some of the Pastors about a room mate, just the right person for my situation, I would prefer someone who is working and his shifts work nicely with my sleep pattern…
    but I ask the Lord for His guidance, I ask for Him to speak to me, what do I do Lord? Show me what I need to do? In Jesus Name I Pray amen amen amen

  6. Sah, what comes to me is Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you know not.”
    Lord Jesus your word tells us to call on You and You will answer; Sah has called on You Jesus, and I pray that she will hear your answer; sooner, than later. Luke 1:37 says”For with God nothing shall be impossible.” and Math19:26b “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” I pray Lord Jesus in Your Name for a breakthrough for Sah, financially. Amen!!

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