The Seven Streams Method

Mark 15-16 We are in the Christ Stream reading from the book of the Hebrews. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

"Lord Jesus, This day expressed the depth of your love. All we want to do and be are people who understand your love, then live it and share it.  Amen." Mark 15 - Jesus is taken by the leading priests and elders to Pilate since they were not getting anywhere with their illicit trial.  Pilate had no interest in killing Jesus since Jesus had done nothing wrong.  As we all remember, a prisoner Barabbas is released, instead of Jesus, since that is whom the crowd was goaded to cry for the release of.  The part where Pilate stalls for time by sending Jesus to Herod is found in Luke, not Mark - in case anyone was wondering. When the crowd demands, "crucify him!", Pilate's question is so good: "why, what evil has he done?"  And to that, they have no answer.  They only demand, "crucify him!" over and again like a frothing mob of crazed drunks.  Pilate hands Jesus over to be whipped, and then to the Romans who mock and beat him and put a crown of thorns on his head. When he was led out to Golgotha, Simon from Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus' cross for him. Jesus is offered wine and myrrh but he refuses to drink it. The Romans crucified him and divided his garments by lot v.s. cutting it - each getting a piece. It was now 9 a.m.  Mt/Mk/Lk say almost identical reports about the sign above Jesus' head "The King of the Jews".  John's report of the crucifixion tells of the sign being in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The squabble about what it said and the chief priests' fussing about it , the details about the dividing the garment since it was seamless and they opted not to cut it because it was seamless. Matthew and Mark have the detail about people chiding and deriding Jesus on the cross, telling him to save himself. Luke has very little of this. John has none of it.  [The confession of one of the thief wanting Jesus to remember him is in Luke; none of the other gospels] "My God...why have you forsaken me? is in Matthew and Mark only for they were writing to the Jewish world.  The distinction at his point of death is interesting.  Mt/Mk tell of Jesus giving a loud cry, Matthew says Jesus yielded up his spirit, Mark says Jesus breathed his last, Luke has, "father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." John concludes Jesus' life with "it is finished." The centurion is impressed to say, "truly this man was the Son of God!"  All four gospels note the women who were there observing all of this.  The Burial of Jesus is given the fullest description in Mark. 16 - The women came to the tomb on the first day of the week, bringing spices to further anoint Jesus and find the stone rolled away, an angel there beside it who told them Jesus had risen and was not here.  The angel told them to go tell the disciples.  Amazing that the news that is most important in history is trusted to the women who are to pass it to the disciples.  What better and most sure way to spread news but the inform the ladies of this grandest of events. Ladies must talk about what they have experienced and are feeling about it.  A culture that had females to be secondary status was about to be altered some and ladies were to be very involved with the men in sharing the gospel everywhere they go.  That still holds true today.

Jeremiah 18-21 We are in the Prophetic Stream and using the New Living Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

Lord, we get the message that you desire us to walk with you.  You so badly don't want us to go astray as we see what happened in Judah during this season in their history. It's so important that we learn from what they lived through.  Teach us Lord, to walk by faith in you.  Amen.

18 - The potter and the clay illustration is spot on. God working with Israel and a potter working clay are identical situations.  Something has gone very wrong and it it time to flatten this piece of clay and reshape/build it up again...[Judah being the piece of clay].  And symbolically, the clay is lecturing the potter claiming the clay is in charge - not the potter! What?!  Most all of us have worked with others and when there turns out to be a rebel in the building/on the team/in the gathering, we want them to shape up and help the cause, don't we?  And when they cause far more trouble than the worth that they bring, the sentiment is to get rid of them. And if they persist in creating squabbling or become such contrarians that it is not even possible to press forward until they are gone, then they are to be removed.  Like then/like now/like still --> Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, as God told Saul around 1030 B.C. thereabouts. Now, it isn't just Saul, it's all of the Southern Kingdom. They are behaving worse than the neighboring pagans. They are leaving God little choice but to smash them flat and start over. I think He will. The potter's illustration causes Jeremiah to be aggressively shunned.

19 - Jeremiah takes a clay jar, as God commanded, and he goes to the southeast corner of Jerusalem where the refuse was thrown and burned. Jeremiah gave a message that the place was soon to be a refuse heap of slaughtered Judeans that have been refusing to listen and yield to the Lord of Heaven and His Army (of angels). They have spent generations intermittently worshiping Baal and building a monument to one thing: their own stupidity!.  They've burned incense to false gods, like the stars & gods of the sky.  What fools they have deliberately turned themselves into!  And it is rather intriguing that Jesus stood in this exact area, in this gateway about 600 years later and used a zinger of a play-on-words to tell about how the Pharisees and their ilk were in danger of the fires of hell as the trash fire burned behind him.  In less than a week, they killed Jesus for this.  What do you think they will do to Jeremiah? 20 - Well, Pashhur ["Pah-SHOE-er"], the son of the Priest in charge of the Temple, arrests Jeremiah and has him whipped and put in stocks in the Temple gate called "Benjamin". Now think a moment: is Jeremiah arrested and whipped for lying or for telling the truth? ... chew on that one, folks!   Jeremiah is released then has a petition for God that is understandable. It really hit Jeremiah wrong that he was treated this way. --understandable if one puts themselves in Jeremiah's sandals for a day. Don't you think? 21 - Jeremiah is sought out as the leaders of the Temple ask Jeremiah to pray to God for relief in Judah from the Babylonians who were besieging the country and approaching Jerusalem!  [this coincides with II Kings 24, btw] The nightmare was upon them for their centuries of disobedience and derelict leadership.  Verse 7 is quite "the riot act" to read: "I will send war, disease, and famine...showing no pity, mercy, or compassion."  They could surrender to Babylon (as prisoners) or die. for Jerusalem was to be turned into an ash heap.  God was dropping the gavel. The Priests and Judges were altogether corrupt and God was fighting them now.  Why would they call on God now after disobeying Him for so long that no one even remembered what it was to follow him?!  Jer. 27:6 clarifies matters as to God's perspective regarding this turn of events: God refers to Nebuchadnezzar; King of Babylon as His servant. If God's people won't listen to God and clean up their ways then God will send an enemy to level the city and let God start over.  Yeeeesh, obeying would have been so much more simpler.

Psalm 69-72 We are in the Wisdom Stream reading some of King David's psalms. We are using the New Living Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis 69 - This is a cry for relief from suffering that is slamming David at so many levels; spiritually, physically, socially.  It is akin to Psalm 22 in its desperation tone.  Ps. 69 is quoted 8 times in the N.T.  David feels he is going down in so many ways.   And amid this pain he remains confessional and deeply committed to God's house.  He is wading through a slough of ridicule, rejection, derision - so much so that he feels that the insults are going to kill him.  He's really going under ... so it seems.  He wants all his punishers to be punished, and those who are punishing him are just about everybody.  David wants people to just let him be and let him be with his God again, undisturbed.  David wants to praise God in jubilation [a little more joy and a little less anguish in his worship it that's not too much to ask!!]  David also wants lovers of God to be well.  It's a landmark prayer coming from a good heart bent on walking with God.

70 - This Psalm is reminiscent to what we heard in the latter part of Ps. 40.  David is demonstrating in his words here that there is joy that can be clung to; joy in the Lord even thought there is persecution going on.  It reminds us that in all circumstances we are to search for God even when things are difficult. 71 - In a world where most of the people the world over were chanting things like, "this rock is my god,"  David gave a clarion call to look up for answers - not out and around.  He declared, "God is my rock."  He is looking back on a life filled with God's faithfulness and his assurance and security are the stuff of devotional material that is shared wherever there is judeoChristian theology and a proper perspective of God in Heaven who reigns on earth. 72 - Solomon is speaking in a wondrous tone here.   Certainly carried throughout this Psalm is the imagery of Christ reigning on the earth when He returns.  The things that all those who have a heart for God sense ought to be on earth truly are.  There is prosperity, the rescue that is needed is readily provided, the godly flourish, all worship the one true God, .

I Kings 4-7 We are in the Nation Stream and learn about the applied wisdom of Solomon. We are reading from the New Living Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

God, we learn of the Temple that was the highest of priorities and so engrossing for so many, ...and it is humbling and inspiring to hear, learn and know that WE are the Temple you are interested in.  We are beauty and worth investing in.  Your love for us is a marvel.  Amen. [caption id="attachment_673" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Solomon's Temple[/caption] [caption id="attachment_674" align="alignnone" width="500"] King Solomon's Palace[/caption] 4 - Solomon was what gets called, "large and in-charge".  He inherited the most powerful Kingdom in existence at the time.  His father David had expanded the borders to the greatest they had ever been.  The residents of the newly absorbed areas sent in tribute money and Solomon commenced building the kingdom to even greater and more than it ever had been.  It blossomed to the height of it's greatness under Solomon.  The peace and prosperity and culture and music and education was a national marvel that left countless people enthralled to visit Jerusalem and the rest of the country.  The national administration of officers and governors are listed.  Just a note in case it is news, the Hebrew prefix "Ben- " before a name means "son of". It's the same as in English putting "son" at the end of a name/ "sen" in Swedish/ the prefix "Mc" in Gaelic - you get it, right? -the people were numerous, the population along with Solomon's staff are well fed, the stalls are filled with animals; including horses for royalty. Solomon is writing voluminously, and ambassadors come from the world over to learn from Solomon. Solomon had asked for wisdom in I Ki. 3 [also II Chr. 1] and God granted his request - did He ever! 5 - The preparations for the building of the Temple went into high production.  The relationship with Lebanon and her leaders was rich, deep, and warm.  They traded heavily as Lebanon supplied cedar and staffing as Israel offered food in exchange. To put it into what may be simpler to envision--> The wheat shipped north was 12+1/2 full size truck loads per year (and there are no trucks at the time!).  The olive oil sent each year to Lebanon was a volume that would fill four full size in-ground swimming pools. The staffing and labor and construction crews and supervisors were more than 180,000 men.  They began making the timber and the stone for the Temple and more projects that Solomon had planned. 6 - The Temple begins construction.  Can you imagine the excitement?  It was 480 years since leaving Egypt and the goal of the culture was under construction. Notice in verse seven that there was no sound of hammer, ax or any iron tool.  There was no sawing sound either.  What?! a construction site that is nearly silent....! This was the house of God and it was a reverent undertaking. Mid-job, God reminded them that they would have God's presence with them eternally as long as they keep His commands.  The dimensions of the Temple are given again, the details of the interior are listed. the intricacies are boggling and beautiful. The aroma of all the cedar, and the breathtaking beauty of all the gold! good heavens.  The Temple was up in the realm of seven years. And it was astonishing to gaze at. The expense, and the staffing, the transport, the work being done in silence - we've heard a clear and intriguingly credible description from a world-reknowned leader that this Temple could not be built today. 7 - Solomon then built his palace to be his residence. There was also the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Throne Room/Hall of Justice. Solomon is quite the architect, y'might say!  Then a man named "Huram" is conscripted to come and do metal work and carvings.  His skill is legendary in his giftedness. The things he made, carved, shaped and formed are mind-boggling. It's difficult to envision it all.  He made things for the Temple plus numerous furnishings for the Temple.  When the Temple was completed all the dedicated gifts were brought in and stored in the treasury of the Temple.  Such a feat was completed.

Exodus 34:1-37:24 We are in the World Stream learning about the building of the Tabernacle. We are reading from the New Living Translation this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis "Thank you Lord for second chances, for grace unending, for love that never fails, for rest, and for caring so much that your top concern for us is that we find you, walk with you, and are well, May we be found faithful in what you have asked us to build in your Name.  Amen"

34 - The Lord makes a second inscription of the Ten Commandments since Moses broke the original last time he came down the mountain.  The rerun for Moses is overwhelming, the worship that God's Presence brought upon Moses is most impressive.  God gives Moses a few reminders to be sure and assert upon and teach the Israelites so that they live long godly healthy lives.  The time Moses spent with God; the Light of the World, even affected Moses' face so that it glowed too. 35 -  The Sabbath Law is presented to the people again.  And then comes the occasion of the offering for the making of the Tabernacle and the articles therein.  The list of items to bring forward is presented.  The articles to be built from the offerings are listed and then the excitement begins as each went back to their tents to gather what they would bring as their offering for the Lord.  The Spirit moved in a touching way over the people.  Hearts were stirred for generosity.  Women got going and got sewing. Gems were brought forth. It really was a worship experience.  Bezalel and Oholiab were presented as the ones who would lead the project and teach others their skills as well. 36 - The work began and a wonderful "problem" occurred in that people were still bringing offerings beyond what was needed to complete the Tabernacle.  This is a pastor's dream, btw. Imagine having to tell people to stop bringing offerings because it was excessive! Halelujah, what a problem  :-)  The work commences. After all these instructions and the drama of the Ten Commandments.  It had to be something to take part in this. There is no hint of the usual attitudes or complaining.  The atmosphere is abuzz as all are jumping in to do what they can to see this structure go up as their "house of God" in the desert. 37 - Then the time came to make the Ark of the Covenant.  It is amazing the way this box has entranced the religious world for 33-34 centuries. The Raiders of the Lost Ark was a landmark piece of cinema. The arguments about the Ark's location even today can make one's ears tingle. Well here in Exodus 37 is where it started. The gold, the gold, the gold!  It has to be beauty that challenged anyone's ability to describe such a thing. Then the table was made, the lampstand, and the incense altar.  There was so much gold involved in the Tabernacle endeavor.  There would be more than a ton of gold involved in the building of all this by the time of completion.  We will complete the project next week and marvel at what God does once His house is built!

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I Corinthians 10-12 We are in the Church Stream reading from the Modern English Version this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

Thank you God for another week together as we spent a day in each stream of Your Scripture. Your Word is truly our guide and handbook for a good life in you and a good eternity with you.  We thank you with our lives as our offering to you.  Amen.= 10 - Paul wants those who are following Christ, in fellowship, and taking communion to continue in their faith and to do so in a holy manner.  Some were endangering their faith by taking part in wrongful practices - the habits from their former lives in the ungodly world. The illustration of the Exodus is a brilliant parallel for them. They had left Egypt and were 'baptized' being brought through the Red Sea. They were, however, not in the Promised Land...not yet! And those who strayed enroute, in the desert, died in the desert. In this day as before, they had been saved from bondage, they were on pilgrimage, but however, they needed to hang on to their holy faith in reverence, lest they be cast away and 'die in the desert' - not reaching the Promised Land of Paradise. Those parallelisms from Exodus applied in Corinth, and they apply today. Paul assures them that God will protect them as they hang onto their faith.  The living in lust, the complaining, the idolatry and the dabbling in the demonic - all that had to go!  Paul reminds that whatever we do, it must be all for the glory of God and the edifying of one another. 11 - The matter of headcoverings is far less contentious than some of the nervy feminists that have slipped into the church make it out to be. Paul is addressing an era wherein women had their heads covered in public unless they were "women of the night" / prostitutes / or just plain "loose" women.  Women were joining churches; and in various cases coming to Christ more readily than some reticent men and/or their husbands were.  The freedom in Christ was tremendously alluring to women of the world who, in the pre-Christian era, were seen as property, not much above slaves, and in many situations lower than the household pets. These women came to church and were so overjoyed that they would remove their head coverings in elation.  To some this was perceived as "gee, she joined a church, now she looks like a hooker! What is going on in that church anyway?!" <-- This is what Paul is addressing.  He isn't trying to jerk anyone around or squash women. He's not trying to keep women under clothing tents as some cultures do even today. He simply is reminding Christian women to look different than women of ill-reputations.  He also wants women to not try to take over the churches but to be subject to the men who were in charge. All studies show that when there is an institution wherein the women take it over, the men don't fight it - they just leave it (they "go fishing") and they don't come back. If this were to happen unchecked, the next generation would involuntarily leave; 75% of them. Once a second generation passes through, it would be all but dead. Guaranteed, if Paul had not addressed this matter, the Church would have been a phenomenon of the first century; a completely abandoned movement by 200 A.D. at the latest. That cannot happen. -As for the communion, this too needed to be returned to its purpose. The Corinthians were turning communion into a lavish food contest; the rich were flaunting, and the poor were excluded from the table, others were ingesting wayyyy too much wine. What was started by Jesus at the Last Supper was turning into a "Roman food orgy".  Christ was long forgotten for them.  So thankfully Paul [very appropriately] laid out the structure of what the communion was to be and how it was to be, who was to take part and under what conditions. 12 - This is the spiritual gifts chapter.  I love it when a sports commentator refers to someone as a gifted athlete.  [. . . whogave them that gift? or are we allowed to ask question in public anymore?]  Paul was explaining that each person's gift(s) that were employed were to bless the body of Believers and the Kingdom as a whole as a gift.  Gifts are something we are excited about, grateful for, they are useful for blessing and building.  They are not to be issues to squabble over or compete with, or to use to get ugly toward others over !  These gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, languages (to bless and reach others for the gospel) were just that; GIFTS from God to build and bless.  They were one body and each played a part of that body for God's glory.  No one was better than another.  Within that, the teachers were highly reverenced and therefore worthy of double honor.  But that only made them subject to more spiritual scrutiny - it was not for lording over others.  They were to abide with each other, call upon each other, honor one another, assist one another, bless and cover for each other, ad infinitum. For we are the unshakeable and unending Kingdom of God. Looking back on this week - the details seemed of paramount importance:  The details of the Tabernacle were intricate and manifold. This would be where God visited them. No slop allowed. Interesting that in the middle of this 15 chapter long section of scripture there is the golden calf incident to provide disgusting contrast of what it looks like when a people have no mind for details - only their latest urges to party like hyenas. -the details following the aging and passing of David are quite interwoven. There are residual attitudes that needed to be addressed in a precise manner. Each one is dealt with properly and specifically - especially the rebels. David gave clear orders for Solomon to follow (Sol. could have paid better attention to this and to the details of the Law, yes?) -The Psalms are classics and it is a issue of precision that David keeps his attitude properly segregated in that he remains adverse in heart to his enemies and yielded in heart to his God. Too many that we meet along the way in life, run into trouble from an adversarial person (who happens to be quite against God) and too many come away from something like this angry . . . at God - for something God didn't do!  Let's keep our emotional details straight here!! -in Jeremiah, the details of Judah's destruction, Jeremiah's sorrow and preservation, his need to remain celebate, to not engage in the locals follies or ceremonies, to remain fixed on God, to keep the Sabbath and remind others of the same - these are details of dire importance. -the famine that Joel tells of was a matter that, perhaps God could have gotten through to them some other way but, apparently no other detail worked on them.  So God used this. When people ignore God's details for them nothing gets their attention like a fast.  And, uh, the storehouses were empty along with the fields - a detail that could not be ignored. -the details of Jesus final days are astonishing. The specifics of the woman who anoints Jesus are the stuff of legend!-->and still talked about all over the world. Jesus makes numerous predictions and each is spot on. The Sanhedrin try to accuse Jesus but what doesn't add up?...the details of their accusations! And it forever ought stick in our minds that Judas; who despises Jesus, kisses him (before killing himself) while Peter, who screams against Jesus, is committed to Him unto death and therefore has a triumphant ministry that shook a continent. -the detailed gifts that God gives to His followers are numerous and wonderful. Do yourself a favor and read through them all again today.  Open yours and use it, Halleluia.

We are in the Christ Stream and reading Mark 14 from the Modern English Version this week.

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Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

Joel 1 We are starting a new book in the Exile Stream today. We are reading from the Modern English Version this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis God's response to the nations sinfulness is the theme that Joel is driving at.  There are hints of restoration and promises that God will come and pour Himself out and bless in ways the world had yet to see.  But the theme that arises in this book is "the day of the Lord." The Lord is going to come and bless those who are His. He is also going to come and judge those who are against the Lord and His workings.  Many may remember those dreaded hours of in trepidation when they had disobeyed and mother when she stated, "wait until your father gets home!"  The time between that statement and the arrival was uh, rather stressful for youngsters.  There is an element of that here when Joel articulates "the day of the Lord." They should be scared and/or in total awe of this imminent event.  Perhaps we are jumping ahead,  as we will be in Joel today and for the next two Wednesdays.  Be that as it may. It is one of the earlier prophecies to Judah.  It was written a century after the nation split [at the earliest]. ca. 830 B.C. nothing specific of the date is known beyond that.

1 - Joel is the son of Pethuel and that's all that is assured of his identity. A plague of locusts have stripped the country and the vineyards are devastated, the wheat harvest is gone, food is scarce and there is nothing to eat as well as there being nothing to sacrifice to the Lord on the altar.  The Lord is not concerned with that part -the absent sacrifices-  for the people have been offering sacrifices to God and yet having hearts that were NOT THERE.  They may as well be dropping an offering in the plate and then shaking their fists and hollering, "hey God, you got my offering now leave me alone this week, ok!, you hear me, 'sky-guy' ?"     ... pretty bad, huh? yes it is. So God is getting their attention  These locusts left nothing green and Joel is using the situation to teach a colossal lesson.        Joel, speaking for God, wants repentance. He wants Judah to change and have a transformed heart for Him.  He wants prayer, a mind for him, fasting, He wants Judah seeking His face.  God is dead serious with these Judeans.  He wants them hungry for Him, and he's made them hungry to prove His point.  The granaries and storehouses are empty as are the fields, the animals are so hungry that they are dizzy, the grasses have been devoured by fire. Joel states some rather piercing symbolism when he writes that even the beasts of the field are longing for God.  Now to get the Judeans to long for God - it's a great plan, but how?

Jeremiah 15-17 We are in the Prophetic Stream reading from the Modern English Version this week. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis

15 - Jeremiah is praying for these people and has been with quite-the-pastoral-heart.  However God is not going to relent on removing them from the country after an invasion by Babylon, a disturbing deathtoll, and the city falling nearly silent.  Before anyone thinks that God has become mean and the He could learn something from the long-suffering Jeremiah - that is not what is going on here.  God has been patient with these people for right around 800 years and they have been a sorry state spiritually for much of the time as their rebellion and sorry whining attitude began the first week after the Exodus.  The Lord will not relent and things are past the point of no return. Judaeans will die by the sword, starve in famine, and be chained together and forced to walk to Babylon.  And believe it or not, it gets far worse; even ghoulish.  You read about it today and it doesn't need to be repeated.  The lament that will pour over Jerusalem will be historical (586 B.C. is coming) -Jeremiah's lament over caring for those in Jerusalem that despise him is unbearable save for the fact that God will be protecting and showing favor to Jeremiah in the time of chaos.  Jeremiah seems to pause and muse over his assignment of ministering in such an adverse time to such an adverse people.  I think this helped Jeremiah understand how God felt for over 800 years trying to show love to these obstreperous people.  Amid this, God assures Jeremiah that God will deliver Jeremiah from the violence. 16 - Jeremiah received a word from the Lord that he was to be apart from the local culture. It was an extreme calling in that he was not to have a family; take no wife and have not children.  He was also not to take part in the natural compassionate deed of attending ceremonies with those who are mourning (funerals), he was also not to go to banquets wherein there was feasting and drinking.  He had a prophetic call top adhere to plus, how could Jeremiah bear it to be mindful of a family when such horror was imminent. Yes, captivity was coming. It was 430 years in Egypt last time.  It would be 70 years in Babylon this time - and they would return from the north when they were to return...in a couple of generations.   There is a peculiarly powerful word that ends ch. 16. God is about to raise a hand and strike [via Nebuchadnezzar] but His heart is always to call back, to instruct, and restore. 17 - The downfall is inevitable for Judah.  It is engraved and spoken by God.  It's done. Judah will fall. Her wealth will be snatched up by another.  Still God calls to them.  If they are to repent, their land and lives and families will last forever.  The truth abides: turn and depart from God and be cursed and destroyed -- turn to God and trust in Him to be restored and be like a healthy tree; planted strong and green.      The Lord knows all things: that people are incurably wicked, that thieves turn into fools, that the glory of God is what shines -Jeremiah has promised to be delivered but he still prays for it; for his deliverance - he must have had a wave of fear pass over him as he was pondering the future of his city.    The people must have been working overtime relentlessly (as restless and guilty people have been known to do).and ch. 17 ends with a protracted explanation of how the people will be returning to an honoring of the Sabbath or their city is going to be reduced to ashes.