Sin Must Be Dealt With

"People of Jacob, my servants, do not be afraid,

because I am with you," says the Lord.

"I will completely destroy the many different nations

where I scattered you.

But I will not completely destroy you.

I will punish you fairly,

but I will not let you escape your punishment."

Jeremiah 46:28

READ Jeremiah 46:1-49:39

SITUATION Since the book of Jeremiah is not arranged chronologically, this section of scripture would historically follow the events of Jeremiah 25. Jeremiah anticipated Nebuchadnezzar's conquest (25:9).

OBSERVATION God not only ruled Judah, but all nations. God doesn't just rule over Christians, but over the whole world.

INSPIRATION You and I are called upon, at times, to announce coming judgment. There is no way that we can be faithful to God and avoid the judgmental aspects of our ministry. We must recognize that sin must be dealt with. It is impossible to be biblical and at the same time sugar-coat the message of the Gospel. This cuts right into the heart of man and into his sinfulness. As Oswald Chambers has put it, "If there is no tragedy at the back of human life, no gap between God and man, then the Redemption of Jesus Christ is 'much ado about nothing.'"

...When you and I are called upon to minister for God, one part of our message has to be to pluck up and to break down, to overthrow and destroy, to announce the coming judgment of God against sin.

Jeremiah's message did not end there. He was also called upon to build and to plant. There was also the message of mercy. Whenever God announces judgment, there is always also a great truth that righteousness and peace have met together. There is the merciful aspect of God. Mercy and truth have kissed each other, because those two things come together in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

...You and I are called upon, in our ministry in witnessing to others, to make clear the judgment of God against sin and the mercy of God who has provided the way out of that sin. (From Words of Fire, Rivers of Tears by David M. Howard)

APPLICATION Is there someone God wants you to witness to? As he brings people into your life, take time to get to know them. Let them know you. As you become friends, ask God to show you the right time to share Christ with them. And let your life portray the truth of what you say.

EXPLORATION God's Power -- Job 38-41. God's Justice and Righteousness -- Romans 3:9-26; Christian Witness--Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 3:20-21.

The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus; Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers


WHY WE SHOULD WITNESS? Here's a link to a Breitbart video with Atheist / Magician Penn Jillette who explains why Christians should witness. Mr. Penn describes a remarkable encounter with a Christian Fan who gave him a Gideon pocket bible. Link http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=245243