Behar/On the Mount
Leviticus 25:1-26:2
Jeremiah 32:6-27
Do we stand on one side of the road and see God’s judgments and displeasure; or on the other side and see the abundant grace in His promises for a future and abundant life? Take some time if you can and read the torah portion in Leviticus and consider the magnificence of the Lord of Glory’s economic system, that makes man’s versions so one dimensional in comparison and scope. This week however, I want to focus on the haftorah portion: Jeremiah 32:6-27. I have to admit that I don’t totally understand the context of their situation being in what seems to be prison; yet there is obviously some ability to meet and buy and sell… So, Jeremiah buys a piece of land, making sure it’s totally legal and then the Lord says:
14 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Take these deeds, both this purchase deed which is sealed and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may last many days.” 15 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”
The Lord in His all knowing, helps the children make provision for their unseen future; here they are in captivity, and He instructs them to put the deed in an earthen vessel that will last “many days”… With just a few words the Holy One of Israel gives them perspective and hope at the same time: He is so good! Thus, even in a time of judgments Jeremiah is able to respond:
17 ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. 18 You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them—the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts. 19 You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.
God isn’t trying to produce theologians, but lovers of Him and His ways! An earthen vessel is used to produce a heart that can know God! Nothing with Him goes to waste; what a God we serve; the gods of this world should not even be able to tempt us… Jeremiah and the people of God are also encouraged by knowing their history with Him:
20 You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day. 21 You have brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror…
Let’s become aware of our heritage in the Lord; whether you are a Jew and can easily access these words of the Lord, or as a Gentile know that you have been grafted into this “household of the Living God” through the blood of Jesus. Our present situation is held in the loving hands of the Creator of all that ever was and shall be! Enjoy the comfort of that truth and let it penetrate your very being and not just your mind! Isn’t it amazing that He put His treasure in these (us) earthen vessels, to preserve that treasure for the future!
“But what got them in this captivity?” you might ask…:
22 You have given them this land, of which You swore to their fathers to give them—“a land flowing with milk and honey.” 23 And they came in and took possession of it, but they have not obeyed Your voice or walked in Your law. They have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do; therefore You have caused all this calamity to come upon them.
Note to self: it’s not the devil! When the Children of Israel enter into captivity, it is actually the beginning of their redemption, as seen in God’s promises to them; will end here, not to belabor the point: God is so good! by john eisner
Bonus verse for you Gentiles: Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints (Children of Israel) and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Old Testament History), Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you (Jew and Gentile) also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
I would like to invite you to consider reading my book available on amazon: “The Book of Ephesians…a love story to the Gentiles” by john eisner
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