TCN's Biblical Journey July 31st

Today's reading is Jeremiah 9-12

My eyes a fountain of tears!

I have been reading a book in which the author seems at time to make light of, if not mock entirely, Christians who are concerned about the lost of the world. Of course, the author pointed out all of the flaws in these people that isn’t anything new for the follower of God. God in scriptures wasn’t afraid to open to the world the multitude of flaws concerning His followers. Yet, in this book, it seemed as if the author was laying out the flaws as an excuse for dismissing their faith. I see their flaws and though they may have been great, I don’t out of hand dismiss their concern for the lost of the world. Perhaps, this is because I want others to look past my mistakes and sins, but whatever it is, tears over the lost isn’t anything new.

The most quoted example of someone crying out to God on the behalf of others (that I have heard) is here in chapter 9 of Jeremiah. These people are not dead yet, but Jeremiah sees that they are slain in God’s eyes. They are having a good time, they are sleeping around, using and abusing people to get ahead, unaware that destruction is coming. I would guess the people around Jeremiah would mock his tears, but they are real. He cries not out of an imagined disaster but a real one.

Yes, Jeremiah might be more predisposed to tears because of his personality and temperament, but that doesn’t dismiss their sincerity. I am not saying that all Christians should be weeping often like Jeremiah or have the imagined toughness of John the Baptist. However, we should all be moved when a saint of God is moved to tears over the lostness of others. I don’t think we should ever dismiss them.



Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey July 30th

Today's Reading is Jeremiah 5-8

Can you find one honest businessman?

Jeremiah 5:1 Can you find one honest businessman?

Thankfully, I believe there are some in this country. However, God says that all of the righteous-sounding people of Jerusalem were liars and didn’t seek God. He said if one person could be found that he would halt judgment.

It would be easy to look at this and focus on God’s judgment, but I see God’s mercy. One person could stop the judgment? One! This reminds me of the conversation between Abraham and God about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Perhaps this is the picture God is trying to show. The truth that a few people can make a difference. They can change the destiny of a people. However, this few make the change not because they are in political power, they post the right words on Facebook, or are in the church but because they are truthful in their lives and they seek truth (God).

Are you one of the few? Are you seeking the right things?

Then you can make a difference.

 Photo by Rob Bye on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey July 27th

Today's reading is Jeremiah 1-4

God in this chapter bewails that that Israel hasn’t just left him the “living water” but have dug their own cisterns which are cracked. The first is not good to walk away from the source of life. The second is willfulness in wanting to save themselves which they can’t do.

Israel was placed between the great countries of the world and served as a conduit for traveling caravans. The place was prime real estate for every major power of the world as a source of income (tariffs) and for military security. The only way they could hope to survive is with something beyond themselves protecting them. This was God’s role. Yet they forsook God and tried to come up with ways they could protect themselves. They, of course, could never work for long.  

Also, God gave them a way of living which provided for the less fortunate which if carried out as commanded could have brought them prosperity. Yet greed caused them to choose something else, which also didn’t work.

Finally, God gave them a way to have a relationship with him and the promise for something greater to come. Here again, they choose to follow other gods, which gave them what they wanted and promised to give them control (they offer the right sacrifice and the god promised your results).

The results were: they rejected life and choose hard work (digging a cistern is hard) to get nothing. Why? The faulty idea that my way is the right way, Pride, selfishness, the desire to be a god. Guess what we’re not.

TCN's Biblical Journey July 26th

Today's reading is Isaiah 62-66

Choose Wisely!

I find it amazing that in many ways Isaiah ends the same way Revelations ends: God enthroned with His people from every nation in a new heaven and earth and the rebellious in torment and judgment. It reminds me as one preacher said, "There's heaven and hell and you can't miss both of them."

Coming to the end Isaiah we are reminded the old preacher was right. We might not like it. We might not think it is fair. We might wish it just wasn't so, but it is. There are only two choices right or wrong, God or yourself, heaven or hell.

Choose wisely.


Photo by Ybrayym Esenov on Unsplash
Photo by Edu Grande on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey July 25th

Today's reading is Isaiah 57-61

Whose to blame?

It feels like a cop-out to say that death may have been better than living, but according to the scripture in Isaiah 57:1-2, it is true. I have heard it quoted many times I have to say. most of the times it has been said because there was nothing else to say (Speaking is a bad option in a grieving situation, silence is better than speaking something which may/will cause pain). The lack of tack in its use doesn't dismiss the truth.

There are things better than death, but there are also many things worse than death. I have talked to many a people who wished they never would have lived to see _______________. The list of what those things are long and some I would actually agree with. So it can be understood that God may allow the death of a saint to keep them from facing worse.

This being understood, however, this doesn't mean that every premature death of a Christian is God saving them from something worse. Claiming that a person has died because God is saving them from worse is presumption on our part. So I go back to the idea that silence is best in a grieving situation because you and I don't have the whole picture. 

This may be the answer in some premature-deaths but more often than not, death, like plane accidents, is the result of human error. We would just prefer to blame it on God.

Photo by Mark Duffel on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey July 24th

Today's reading is Isaiah 52-56

How much clearer can it get?

In the middle of today's reading is a portion of scripture which if you didn't know otherwise a person might say was written after Jesus went to the cross. However, even the most unbelieving scholar admits it was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Isaiah 53 is this chapter.

This chapter tells of his humble birth, his life, death, burial, and even hints at his resurrection. It is clear to those who wish to see the power of God revealed. Yes, other scriptures may be more mysterious but this one paints a clear picture. It even starts with the proclamation that God's report won't be believed.

So will you believe?


Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash

TCN's Biblical Journey July 23

Today's reading is Isaiah 47-51

Handling Victory

Do not gloat when your enemy falls;

when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,

or the Lord will see and disapprove

and turn his wrath away from them. Proverbs 24:17-18

I immediately thought of this scripture when God, through Isaiah (46:6), explained to Babylon that he had handed Israel over to them and then they mistreated those they conquered. 

Most people might think this has nothing to do with individuals, but I happen to disagree. There is a danger for anyone to become proud and overbearing when they are promoted, win or in other ways victorious over other people. Especially when these people have been adversaries in one way or another.

The Christian attitude shouldn’t be that way. Our attitude should be one of the humility. This humility isn’t an attitude of apology or shame over a victory that is honestly won, but a gratitude over a job well done. When it is in the matter of wrongs it should be gratitude the justice is done not revenge given.

In a simple sentence, it is having the attitude of Christ. 

Photo by Marcus Wright on Unsplash