Topic: Prepare Yourself! [Thursday April 6, 2017]
Text: Jeremiah 19:1-15
Key Verse: “And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle” (Jeremiah 19:3).
A story was told about a boy who failed all his school work. He sent a text message to his mother: “Failed everything; prepare Papa.” His mother, after some time, replied, “Papa prepared; prepare yourself.” This is the message all mankind needs in view of the looming judgment of God. God is prepared.
We need to prepare ourselves! After several attempts by God to bring backslidden Israel back into fellowship with Him, coupled with clear warnings on the impending judgment of their persistence in obstinacy and rebellion, He sent prophet Jeremiah to announce the fast approaching judgment on idolatrous Israel. The prophet was directed to deliver the message near the Valley of the son of Hinnom.
There were various reasons for the imminent judgment of God upon His people. They had forsaken God. They made their nation a place of idolatry, false religion and false worship. They persecuted the prophets and practised human sacrifice. The kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem had developed stony hearts and were committed to flagrant disobedience. God’s judgment upon the rebellious Israel would be so severe that the Valley of the son of Hinnom would be renamed the Valley of slaughter.
Similarly, the world at present has lost interest in God. It has turned a deaf ear to His warnings and is persecuting preachers who proclaim holy living and righteous disposition. Certainly, judgment will soon come upon the world and our universe will shortly experience the great wrath of God. The Bible teaches that God has “appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts 17:31). The Lord has not given up on the world of the ungodly. He still pleads with everyone to heed His warning and escape imminent judgment.
Thought for the day: The door of mercy is open today; delay is dangerous!
Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 10-12
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
