Psalm 127

The curse placed upon mankind the burden of labor, but that curse did not remove God from the picture. God is no less or more important today then he was before that first sin. God is no less interested in the lives of people, all people, then he was before Eve reached out her hand to grab that forbidden fruit. He is as thrilled to hear a 21st century believer confess his name as he was hearing the same words 3,000 years ago. God's love has not changed nor has our need for him to work in our plans. We still need him.
It took less than 60 seconds to read this psalm.
Stuart

Psalms 125-126

No author is attributed with the words of psalm 125, but I think I can imagine what God used to inspire him; the mountains of Jerusalem. They aren't the same as the Rockies but they are beautiful and protective in their own rights. I imagine the pilgrams approaching Jerusalem. The young ones here the excitement in the voices of the aged.  Wrinkled and weathered hands point toward some hills in the distance. Those are the mountains that surround Jerusalem. Maybe the author heard an older saint speak the words before he penned them; "They surround Jerusalem just like the LORD surround his people." What a wonderful description of the love of God for his people.
It took less than two minutes to read these psalms of ascent.
Stuart

Ezekiel 24-26

The news that God gave to Ezekiel to pass on to the exiles would be a terrible as the attack on the World Trade Center towers in 2001.  Shock, anger, rage, sorrow, and numerous other emotions would have poured out as the details of the news spread.  The question would have been raised, “How is this justice?”, “Hasn’t Judah been punished already with our exile?”  But the sons of Josiah and the people of Judah had not repented.  They continued to live is disobedience to God; thumbing their noses at his Law, and the holiness that he called them to live.  God had withheld his justice for years as the people continued their slide into arrogance and self-worship.  Eventually the time for him to fulfill the curses of the Law came to pass.  Today the church must protect itself from the very same traps of sin.  The world already stands condemned.  We must be busy sharing the news of hope and securing the faith.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Psalm 123-124

A good and faithful servant would be attentive to the plans of the master. And often the best way to anticipate the master's next move would be to watch his hands.  When he set the cup down the servant would check to see if it needed to be filled. When his hands moved to push away from the table the servant would be nearby to help him up. God often described his movement as the works of his hands. The faithful Christian servant should likewise attend to his master's plans. We should be watching his hands.
It took less than 2 minutes to read these songs of ascent.
Stuart

Isaiah 39

As Hezekiah began the last 15 years of his life he welcomed some visitors from the far away kingdom of Babylon. God used the opportunity to warn the recovered king of what would take place in Judah's future. I've always been bothered by Hezekiah's response. He didn't seem to be heart-broken the way his great-grandson Josiah would one day mourn over the faithlessness of Judah. When Jerusalem was under immediate threat the king fasted and humbled himself. But when God warns him of a future threat the king shrugs it off. Maybe he was thinking, "What can I do about something that will happen after I've died?" Isn't that one of the tasks God has given parents in the faith? To pass on the truths that they have learned about God to their children? I think we give ourselves less credit than God does.
It took about 1 minute to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ezekiel 20-23

Israel’s slide into idolatry wasn’t an overnight choice.  God describes the progress in Ezekiel 22:7-12.  The immorality began with the lack of respect for the authority of parents.  The contempt flowed from authority figures to those who were socially vulnerable; aliens were extorted then the orphans and widows were denied justice.  The rebellion of Israel began to reject the limitations God had set down in the Sabbath; a display of dependence on God which the people no longer sought or desired.  Their words became slanderous towards others and their religion became more self-centered, irreverent, and sensuous.  They chose willing sexual perversion and unwilling rape.  They rejected the marriage covenants and saw members of their household as objects to feed their unquenchable desires.  Their self-interest led them to reject all notions of justice in favor of profit; completely forgetting the God who had provided them with their abundance.  Is that not the same with any people who focus on prosperity rather than seeking God?

It took me 27 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 38

Though I have never faced death Hezekiah wrote a poem after God restored him to life.  The kings thankful heart is evident as he expresses his heart to God. The kings focus after his healing was to honor his God. Yet it appears that Hezekiah failed to do what he sang about in verse 19: to sing to their children of God's faithfulness.  For the son not even born when he lay dying did not live as one who understood God's righteousness. His heart was full of evil and treachory.
It took just a couple of minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ezekiel 16-19

There must have been some complaining against God by those in exile. They could not understand why God had rejected them. The revelation given to Ezekiel was very clear; God only responded to them as Israel had repeatedly dealt with God. Again and again the people of the covenant followed their own desires. They did more than neglect God they rejected his standards. And all these things were recorded for us, that we might learn from the mistakes of those who came before us.
It took me over 20 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 37

In this chapter the text continues with the narrative about Sennacherib's threats against Jerusalem and mocking of the God of Israel.  Then in verse 22 he returns to poetry and God poetically declares his plans for the arrogant king of Assyria. I wonder if Isaiah sang these words from God? If God planted a catchy tune along with the words in Isaiah's mind? I can picture the prophet singing out a lymric belitteling the invading king. But I also wonder if the tune was so attractive that the song was heard in the camp of the Assyrian army and was even noticed by the king. "What a lovely little Hebrew tune." The king might have spoken off-hand. "I wonder what it means?"  The song woulf have become a haunt in his mind as he marched his army back home still stinging from the unexplained deaths of 185,000 healthy warriors.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ezekiel 12-15

Ezekiel was going about his daily business when some of the elders in exile came up to him asking to inquire of the LORD.  I wonder if God let them speak their mind before he spoke to Ezekiel?  The physical eyes of the prophet saw men of righteousness but the eyes of the Spirit of God saw men of idolatry.  It really doesn’t matter if their idols were figurines or dollars and cents they had decided in their hearts to serve something else and give God second place.  But there is a problem with that arrangement: God determines his place of priority in our lives and it is not second place.  Second place is for those who can’t fulfill our every need.  Second place is for those who aren’t attentive to people, and who just sit around and soak up the adoration.  God does not belong in second place.  I need to be reminded of that every so often.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 36

In verse 4 the rabshakeh, who was like a general in the Assyrian army, sent this question to Hezekiah king of Judah: "On what do you rest this trust of yours?" Even though I don't like to be taught by people with whom I have a disagreement I would have to say that this question posed to God's people of faith by an ancient pagan general is still a questioin that we need to answer. Buried in the depths of that question is a concept with which we need to wrestle and pray that God will give us the victory.  Our trust should be securely resting of our faith in Jesus: his atoning sacrifice and saving grace. Hezekiah based his trust on God's promise that he had given the land to his peope Israel. The promise we have is even more sure because it does not depend upon the Law but upon the son of God; Jesus Christ. That is a very sure foundation.
It took me a little less than 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Ezekiel 8-11

Two times in this passage Ezekiel names the people who are blatantly disobeying God. In 8:11 he witnesses Jaazaniah making incense offerings to the images he had drawn in the hidden places of the temple. In 11:2 Ezekiel mentions Jaazaniah and Pelatiah as those who plan iniquity among God's people. It took a lot of fortitude for Ezekiel to name these men. They may both have been relatives because of the proximity in the temple. If these events had been hidden from his sight earlier then the revelation shown to Ezekiel must have been shocking.
It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 35

I'm not sure which part of this chapter is the most exciting. Surely Isaiah enjoyed sharing this good news. God was all about restoring his people. That is a truth even today; restoration is God's focus. But the message of exile is still present. Why else were they feeble knees?  What else would cause weak hands? Where those hearts as anxious like king Josiah when they understood the anger of the LORD against Judah? Isaiah message for the faithful remnant in a time of social evil: be strong, do not fear. Your God will come.  We need to hear that word as well.
It took a little over 1 minute to read this passage.
Stuart

Ezekiel 5-7

I doubt that Ezekiel enjoyed sharing the message of punishment that God revealed to him. As a priest he must have been appalled when God described the punishment being prepared for Jerusalem. He may have gasped when God described the suffering about to be unleashed inside the city walls. How many people was Ezekiel able to name that he knew he would never again see? And what about going home? Would Ezekiel die in the land of exile? Hadn't God promised to restore Israel when he spoke through Isaiah? Though this passage doesn't reveal any of these question from the prophet they must have at least entered his mind.
It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Ezekiel 1-4

Is being a watchmen a burden or a privilege?  In the last part of chapter 3 God describes to Ezekiel how he is to act as the watchman for Judah and Israel.  It would be honorable to know that God will judge people for their actions, and to have the privilege to warn a transgressor about the coming judgment.  But what a burden when someone rejects the warning.  The truth can be a heavy weight on us as we encounter people who persistently reject it.  Not because it is not true but because of the stubborn hearts that refuse to receive the truth.  I’m sure that there have been times when I have rejected the watchmen’s warning.  I am thankful that God in his grace has redeemed me from my stubborn heart.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 34

Even as God revealed his judgment against Edom he made a promise to the creatures of the land; they will inherit the land God takes from Edom. Just as God had promised to restore Israel to their inheritence so God will give Edom to the wild animals as their inheritence. God was displaying his power over the people of Edom by subjugating them under the wild animals. That was a reversal of the dominion God gave mankind after creation. God's move was the ultimate act of humiliation. And it was because of Edom's rejection of God authority.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Peter 4-5

Peter says that as Christians we need suffering (4:1-2).  When we suffer for our faith we are enabled to move beyond the passions of the flesh and completely surrender ourselves to the will of God.  I can state quite clearly that concept has not been in my agenda.  Peter was speaking not only as a man who had faced death for Christ at least once before he wrote this letter but also as a man of conviction who rejoiced in threats and after witnessing the murder of his closest friends.  Peter the author still displayed the straight shooting attitude of Peter the you disciple.  Suffering is the test that this world offers to show the value of our faith.  I hope that I will rely on God to the point that the faith he has built in me will stand fast in his love and grace.

It took me less than 10 minutes, but I got stopped half way through.

Stuart

Isaiah 33

In verses 5 and 6 Isaiah offers a truth for all people not just pre-exillic Jerusalem. Trust in God brings stability to society. When the people heed God there is knowledge and wisdom. When the nation has made themselves submissive to God's rule then they will understand how very precious that rule really is. For a culture that is based on the respect of God will stand fast.
It took me about 6 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 Peter 1-3

The current recession has made an impact on the lives of many people.  Some are buying gold and other precious metals to sustain them if the economy does not improve.  Peter speaks of something with greater eternal value that gold or silver;  the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:19).  From God’s perspective gold and silver will both disappear on the day of Christ’s return.  When all of the elements shall be torn apart how much value will there be in any atomic matter?  When there is nothing physical left will the possession of gold or silver have any meaning?

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 32

What sort of character should a leader possess? What trait should be noticable by everyone? I think that verse 2 of this chapter draws the perfect picture of a leader. They are someone who provides protection for the vulnerable from the tempest of life. Whether it be the winds of change that the elderly face, the storms of fear encountered by the poor, the desert of isolation for the refugee, or a shade tree for those burnt out. A leader will seek to be a refresher, an encourager, or the one to carry a load now and again. That is the picture of a servant leader.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

2 & 3 John

As John was closing out both of these short letters he pointed out that he didn’t want to continue his discussions on paper, but rather in person.  The old fisherman knew the value of the spoken word.  He had spent years under Zebedee witnessing the exchange of business, concerns, and values by word of mouth.  He spent three years watching Jesus talk to the people; not manipulating the crowds but gently and patiently drawing them closer to his heart.  He stood with Peter at least twice before the Sanhedrin where he witnessed the power of the words of conviction from God pour out of his mouth.  John knew that he could best convey the message he wanted to get across through his physical presence.  But I am so glad that God burdened him to record some of his thoughts on paper.  That John took the time to call in a scribe and dictated two letters; one to Gaius and to the other church.   Thousands of years after John’s physical tongue fell silent we can still take in the power that God spoke through the apostle.

It took me about 4 minutes to read both of these short letters.

Stuart

Isaiah 31

Where is my trust? Many people today are putting their hope and trust in our government. Other people only trust those with whom they have dealt for years. Sometime I trust in my experiences and nothing else. While at other time I place my trust in the wisdom of another person. But how often do I trust in the Lord first? Surely in spiritual situations I do. But what about at work? Is God not the creator of my vocation as well? In this chapter Isaiah passed on God's warning to the Jews who were placing their trust of survival in Egypts armies instead of the God of Israel. We believers can fall into the trap of trusting our congregation or our denomination while not placing any trust in God's leading. Where do I place my trust?
It took about 1 minute to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 John 4-5

John ends his letter by encouraging the readers with three facts that we take on faith:

1.      Because the Christian doesn’t make a practice of sin God protects us from evil.

2.      Christians live in an order that is totally opposite of the world.

3.      God has granted Christians understanding of his nature unavailable to those outside of grace.

Why do we possess these gifts? Because of God’s grace.  That is why our lives have to be so obviously different from the world around us.  The people in the world can’t understand how we think.  So when they hear critical words they call us judgmental.  When we seem inflexible they charge us with prejudices.  When we take a stand on our invisible faith they say were are superstitious.  The world does not understand us and cannot understand us.  They are like 2 year olds listening to the Christian speak about nuclear fission.  But God has given us a language that they can understand; his unconditional love expressed in acts of kindness, mercy, and patience.  I wonder if that is the Law Jeremiah was speaking of in 31:33-32 which God promised to write on the minds and hearts of everyone in the new covenant?

It took me about 8 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 30

When I make plans how many of the details do I discuss with God? Do I humbly submit my intentions for God's review or am I like the people of Judah who heard Isaiah's voice; they stubbornly held on to their plans ignoring what God had to say to them. This is the same message that James passes on in his letter; 4:13-17.
It took me about 8 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

1 John 1-3

"When I grow up I want to be ....." This is a statement that we hear many children, and too many adults, proclaim. When we hear the stories of future fireman and princesses we sometimes smile and move on without really hearing the message being spoken; "I want to matter to someone." The desire to contribute and "make a difference" often gets lost in the demands of family and houses. But John tells us what we should desire in this life: to be children of God.
Yep, John instructs us to grow up and become children.  John drives home this point in 3:2-3.  Then we scoff and say, "How can I make a difference if I am only a child?" Or maybe, "Children are not important." But those thoughts come from a worldly perspective. John tells us that as Christians we ARE children of God. Because of that we need to act like it. When we act like the weak and helpless children of God that we are we find out that God uses that weakness to make a difference in our world. Maybe not in the same way as if we were an astronaut or police officer but in a wonderful way as he shares his love for others through us.
It took me about 7 minutes to read this part of first John.
Stuart

Isaiah 29

In verse 19 Isaiah mentions two characteristics that God seeks in his children; two attributes whose possessors shall receive God's favor.  They are the meek and the poor. It should come as no surprise that Jesus mentions the same two traits among those who will find happiness in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3, 5).
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Lamentations 3-5

The frist part of chapter 3 speaks of the sorrow that God has placed upon the people. There is no visible image of the goodness of God to be seen. Then in verse 21 the writer changes his tone. In spite of the hopelessness that surrounds him his faith in God clings to the "last" truth about God's nature: God's love NEVER fails.  knowing this the worst of times are bearable because God continues to pour out his love on his people. Though anguish and insults rain down the loving hand of God is ever present in the lives of the faithful. And that love provides a hope that cannot be extinguished.
It took me about 10 minutes to read this portion of Lamentations.
Stuart

Isaiah 28

Begining in verse 9 God spoke about trying to teach Israel. But they would not listen. So God explains that he will teach Israel through the words of foreigners. People who's language is unknown were to become God's instruments of instruction in his holiness and purpose. I wonder how many times God has planned to employ the same stratgey on his church?
It took me about 5 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Lamentations 1-2

Lamentations 1:1 is not only the beginning of the lament over Jerusalem it is a stern warning from God to every ruler and authority who begin to ignore the fact that God provides all we have and need.  I don’t think it matters if the ruler is over a nation, city, or even a congregation in the church.  When we claim ownership over that which God has only given us stewardship we are in danger of meeting the same end described in this verse.  It is not because God hates us or wants to punish us.  I think God’s nature demands that the truth be told in every situation.  When I claim something as my own I have pushed God out of the picture; I have robbed God.  This is true of possessions as well as responsibilities.  That is a hard truth and it requires me to check my motives and feeling to ensure that I am remaining submitted to God’s authority. 

It took me about 13 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 27

Verse 6 speaks of a day when Israel will produce a fruit to fill the whole world. I wonder what Isaiah might have thought this fruit would be? I wonder how many devout Jews of that day considered that the fruit for the world would be the very presence of God? Did they even imagine that God would make some gentiles as holy as he had made made Israel? Do we Christians grasp that truth as well? Do we understand that through the blood of Jesus we are the recipients of a fruit that Isaiah and the faithful remnant in Israel longed for all of their lives? A longing that they didn't realize until death had pulled them into God's throneroom of grace.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 50-52

As God spoke about the coming destruction of Babylon, because of their arrogance and rejection of his rule, he makes a point in 51:23 to speak of the depth of the disruption of Babylonian society.  God will not only break apart the government but he will also destroy the sources of food and clothing that were the basis of Babylonian culture.  When God rejects those who have persistently rejected him that separation is complete.

I kept getting interrupted so I’m guessing that it took at least 20 minutes to read this passage that closed the book of Jeremiah.

Stuart

Isaiah 26

In the last two verses of this chapter God issues a warning. This warning is for those who have been faithful to God. It is a warning to watch out; because God is preparing to judge the world of all the unrighteousness that has been displayed. The picture God shows is of the earth giving up its dead as evidence against those who have killed the innocent.  It will indeed be a sad day to witness the horrors of the cultures of death that have thrived through the centuries.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 47-49

In 49:7-22 God pronounced his judgment upon the kingdom of Edom.  Yet in verse 11 God shows his compassion for orphans and widows even among the most rebellious people.  God calls out to those rejected and abused by their societies and offers them hope and provisions.  I think this is yet another picture of the compassion of our God.

It took me about 18 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 25

Those of us who are listening to God's words today know that he was planning for our repemption long before he created the begining. He knew that he would send his son to die for us, and that through his death the rest of mankind could be set free from death.  What a promise.
It took me almost 3 ninutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 43-46

Jeremiah spoke the true word of God and he is kidnapped and taken Egypt by his rebellious countrymen. But even after they arrived there Jeremiah continued to speak God's. Message  his life is a lesson for us to live faithfully above every circumstance that seeks to drag us down.
It took me about 20 minutes to read through this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 24

Isaiah's message had persistently been focused of Israel with a few other countries mentioned. But in this chapter God gave his prophet a revelation that displays his dominion over all of the earth. God has passed judgment on all the nations and they have been found lacking in righteousness. But we know that the judgment of the world was taken to the cross. Even though Isaiah says nothing about God's eternal plan in this passage we know that God showed a little part of his plan of grace to Israel.  Jesus broke the strength of the curse and made a way, for all mankind, to walk back to God. That is the sacrifice that has always been needed.  I am thankful that Gosd completed his plan so that I could receive the fruit of his sacrifice. But I too need to take God's message to the world.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 23

Isaiah paints a woeful picture of the similarities and contrasts of Tyre and Israel. Isaiah says that both kingdoms are under God's judgment. But the difference involves God's plans after the exile is over. Israel will be rebuilt but Tyre will be returned to her ruins and left to repeat the same failures before God.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 40-42

Jeremiah was chained up with the rest of the exiles and on the march to Babylon when the message of clemency was sent from the king. Jeremiah was a free man. (40:4) It may have been very tempting for Jeremiah to find an abandoned house and field and make it his own. There he might have lived out his life in peace. But God had sent him to the people of Judah and there was a remnant left in the land. Jeremiah was staying true to his mission and stayed with his people. Though he would end up a prisoner of his own Jews he would not forsake his mission.
It took me about 12 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Jeremiah 37-39

In chapter 38 four men grabbed Jeremiah and lowered him into a dry cistern; leaving him to die. The record doesn't indicate how long Jeremiah was there but I wonder what he did in that pit?  Did he set the example for Paul and Silas and sing songs of God's praise? Did he continue to shout out God's message for the people to surrender rather than die by the sword? God did not forget his faithful prophet and in due time raised Jeremiah from that tomb to walk in new freedom.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Jeremiah 34-36

Jehoiakim is a picture of every ruler, every authority that has rejected the word of God through all the ages.  He didn’t like what he heard God speak and so he destroyed it.  He must have thought that if the words were not written then they could not be true.  But God’s words cannot be erased; by fire, by time, by rebellion, by any means.  Centuries later Jesus proclaimed “…until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matt 5:18)  Jehoiakim is gone and forgotten by most people, but the word of God is still revered and feared by billions.

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 22

The people of Jerusalem in Isaiah's day took the security of their walls for granted. They knew that the city had been divinely protected numerous times. Their big problem was that they had forgotten the first command of their God; "You shall have no other gods beside me. Because of that transgression they lived their life empty when they should have been full to overflowing. Believers today face the same challenge; to remember God's work in our lives and give him the honor he is due.
It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Isaiah 21

It took me about 3 minutes to read this chapter. But the point of this passage escapes me. That in itself is a powerful lesson about God and his word. There are times when I see God's word and his Holy Spirit opens my eyes and I comprend.  But then ther are times like tonight. I know that there is a treasure of truth buried there. It may affect how I live or how I view God. But the treasure is deep. I plan to walk this path (read this passage) again. And maybe at that time I'll have learned enough to see the treasure. Or maybe I'll dig a little deeper and wait for the next trip through Isaiah's writings.  The treasure will always be there.
Stuart

Jeremiah 30-33

I have heard a lot of talk by Christians about the importance of the modern nation of Israel.  The calls to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”, and “Israel is still God’s chosen people” (and others) all ring true with scripture.  There is no question that Israel still holds a place of desire in God’s heart.  But I believe the same is true of every person on Earth.  Just as the church has the purpose to reach those in Israel and the rest around the globe so also Israel had a purpose.  Part of that purpose is described in Jeremiah 33:23-26.  When he spoke to the despondent Jeremiah God promised that he was sending “one of [Jacob and David’s] offspring to rule over the offspring of Abraham….”  We know who that offspring is.  We can understand him to be the seed of woman who crushes the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).  We know that it is the same man who God told Abraham he would send as a blessing to all nations (Genesis 15:4).  The one whom Jacob called Shiloh (Genesis 49:10).  The same man who Moses described to Israel as a prophet like me (Deuteronomy 18:15).  The man Jesus of Nazareth.

It took me 18 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart

Isaiah 20

God may ask his people to do very hard things.  First God sent Isaiah to the kingdom of Judah with a warning of terrible judgment if they don't mend their ways. That was not a pleasant task. But imagine what the social consequences were for Isaiah's family. How many times was his wife refused food in the market because her husband's words offended to produce seller? Was the prophet and his family refused shelter because of his words? But then God gave Isaiah a very humiliating command. Walk naked and barefoot for three years. Now imagine the stares and the comments that the family received. Did Isaiah have the message during this long period or did he receive it at the end? What lesson does a naked man of God convey? The first lesson is that God would humiliate and carry away the political alliance upon which Judah was depending; leading them off to captivity barefoot and naked. The second lesson is that no request from God is too much for him to ask.
It only took 1 minute to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 28-30

I wonder if Nebuchadnezzar caught wind of the message that Jeremiah sent to the exiles? If he did, I wonder if the king took offense with the LORD claiming to be the power behind the exile of the Jews and the humiliation of Jerusalem? I wonder if he mocked the LORD or rebuked him seeking to set the record straight? I know that I often forget to give credit where credit is due; to God working in my life. Every good and perfect gift is from above.
Through numerous interruptions I spent about 25 minutes reading this passage; though the actual reading time was much less than that.
Stuart

Isaiah 19

God had spoken to Abram and promised that through him, pointing to his yet unborn descendants, he would bless the whole earth. Every Jew who left Egypt knew this truth. Every member of the family of Israel under David believed this truth. When Isaiah spoke in verses 23 through 25 about the blessings that would come from Egypt and Assyria I wonder how his Jewish listeners responded? Did their jaws drop open in shock? Did their eyes bug out of their heads in disbelief? Did they begin mocking Isaiah for making such a claim? God didn't record the responces that this message received but the promise does give an indication of God's work. National boundaries will not always limit the breadth of God's love. For that I am very thankful.
It took me about 4 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 25-27

It would take a lot of faith to speak as Jeremiah did in 26:14-15. He knew he was speaking words of condemnation to a proud people. But he also knew that those were the words that God had given him to speak. That is the struggle I face; having the faith to lay my ego on the line in order to speak God's truth. I guess it is a matter of faith.
It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart

Isaiah 18

God does not give greater preference to anyone. If they are mighty and fearful, like those men of Cush, God will not quake before them.  He will rebuke them if need be, and then he will seek to lead them back to his throne room.  For just as he is not prejudicial in his judgment neither does he seek to withhold his love from anyone.
It took me about 2 minutes to read this chapter.
Stuart

Jeremiah 22-24

As God was planning to send Judah into captivity he gave them a sweet message to comfort them during their absence from the land.  The picture of the ripe figs (24:1-10) was to be for them a message of hope.  A message that would carry them through the separation, and comfort the pain of humiliation.  The message was to be shared with their children and neighbors.  It was to be a message that sheltered their future plans.  God would return them to their land and give them a new heart to know him deeply. 

Christians today have a similar message as we live in exile from our spiritual home.  It is a message that we should share with our children and neighbors.  It should help us endure the separation and comfort us when unbelievers insult us.  It should be the comforting protection upon which we can build an eternal future.  God will return to take us to his land and give us new bodies so that we may worship him deeply.

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage.

Stuart