Idolatrous Pagan Disaster (Jeremiah 44:1-14). You saw the disaster that came upon Jerusalem for worshipping idols. Why would you flee into Egypt just to take up their gods? Do we trade in the LORD for gods we don’t know who have no word or covenant? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Continuing Wrong Direction (Jeremiah 43:1-13). We dismiss God’s Kingdom word as partisan politics when it disagrees with our arrogant agenda. We insist on going our own way. Rather than come under God’s discipline, we are eager to work ourselves out of our own problems. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Worthless Surviving Schema (Jeremiah 42:1-22). A ramshackle group of remnants seeks a word from the LORD. May the LORD be a witness against us if we spurn his word. Will we live by faith trusting the LORD will make us thrive, or will we just try to get by on our own? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Wicked Priority Addiction (Jeremiah 41:4-18). Those addicted to their old pattern and stuck in the disaster reject repentance. They hinder new life by fostering death. Rather than helping liberate people, they enslave them. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Reassuring Remnant Restoration (Jeremiah 40:7-41:3). Settling down after the disaster becomes an opportunity for a new start. While some people can move past the disaster, others cannot get past it. Their hearts are so filled with pain, resentment, and revenge. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Disaster Finally Comes (Jeremiah 39:11-40:6). The rebellion against the Babylonians ends in catastrophe as the city is razed. Even the unbelievers declare, “You are defeated because you sinned and forsake the God of grace.” What is the message for the Church? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Decisive Direct Dissention (Jeremiah 38:14–28). God warns Israel’s king to surrender so they may live and not be destroyed. To live, you must die to your prerogatives. To have well-being, you must surrender. Jesus’ theology of the Cross is here in the Old Testament. (Luke 9:24, Luke 17:33) #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Muddy Cistern Starvation (Jeremiah 38:1–13). Jeremiah speaks treason against the State because his prophesy advances the reign and sovereignty of God. Government officials do a wicked thing to starve him to death, but a man of integrity acts. God keeps the prophet imprisoned to keep him safe. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Unheeded Abused Messenger (Jeremiah 37:3–21). The desperate, indecisive king trusted in politics, not the LORD. Even if Israel’s opponent was lame, God would still defeat Israel to make them yield. Because God’s words are unbearable and repugnant to people, so God’s messenger is abused. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah

Unavoidable Determined Word (Jeremiah 36:27–37:2). God’s sovereign will and word cannot be eliminated. God is resolved and determined to make his scripture available. God’s word doesn’t depend on human authors or listeners, but exerts its own authority. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #ProphetJeremiah