the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Jeremiah 26:1-11
Once again this chapter takes us back in time, four years earlier than the previous chapter (Jeremiah 25:1). At God’s command, Jeremiah goes this time to the temple to prophesy. This is undoubtedly on the occasion of one of the three great annual feasts, when all Israel went up to Jerusalem. V. 2 suggests this. Whatever the occasion, the speech is aimed at the whole of Judah and not just at her leaders. And not one word was to be missed out (v. 2; cf. Acts 20:27).
How touching v. 3 is! It gives us an insight into God’s gracious thoughts. Even though He knew in advance what would happen, He expresses His dearest wish: "If so be they will hearken . . ." (see also Jeremiah 36:3; Jeremiah 36:7).
This same "if so be" reflects the Master’s hope in the parable: "I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him" (Luke 20:13). However, they respected neither the Son, nor the prophets who went before Him. Look at the reception given to Jeremiah and thereby to the One who sent him. What blindness! These people who had come to worship in the house of the LORD (v. 2) reject His word, lay hands on His messenger and condemn him to death in that same house!
