DAILY MANNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018 SHOW MORE CONCERN TEXT: JEREMIAH 8:13-22 Key Verse:

DAILY MANNA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018

SHOW MORE CONCERN

TEXT: JEREMIAH 8:13-22

Key Verse: "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.” (Jeremiah 8:21)

A British writer, Sir Walter Scott, noting the tendency of man to become self-absorbed, wrote: “The wretch, concentrated all in self; living, shall forfeit fair renown, and, doubly dying, shall go down to the vile dust, from whence he sprung, unwept, un-honoured, and unsung.” He was in essence saying that life is unfulfilled for those who focus solely on themselves, and are not bothered by the fate of other people.

Jeremiah was so different. He had watched in astonishment as the people of Israel turned their back on God. They spurned His prophets and rejected His commands. It was however strange that they accepted falsehood and were deceived by false teachers who proclaimed peace to them, when condemnation, judgement and exile were imminent. God Himself was about to consume them in His anger; yet, they were oblivious of what was coming. Jeremiah was shocked at their complacency as enemies, pestilence and famine that would devastate their land were very close. He urged them to quickly repent of their sins but they were unmoved. Thus, he became sorrowful because of the people’s rebellion, especially as every opportunity for salvation was slipping. He was deeply hurt, and in anguish.

As children of God, we should also respond in anguish and haste to rescue sinful people around us, who not only invent evil and sinful practices but also revel in them. It is only when we, like Jeremiah, show more concern for the fate of sinners that we would be moved to offer the message of salvation, God’s love and redemption to them.

*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Tears for the lost bring joy to the soul.
COVER to COVER: LEVITICUS 8-10.

PONDER:
1. Check the impending evils pronounced in v13, 16, 17. Why the prophesy? Because of God's love for them. He wanted them to avoid it. Prophesy/dream of evil is not final if only the recipient can do what God expect from them.
2. They were expecting peace and blessings why they never made peace with God v15. Who deceived them?
3. They were expecting bumper harvest, profits, salvation etc when they never repented v20. Who gave them false hope?
4. The wise must beware of those who specialize in preaching only faith, prosperity and grace without judgement. They may be giving false hope.
5. Jeremiah was concerned and burdened about the impending judgement. He preached and interceded. What about you?

HYMN: Rescue the perishing (GHS 111)

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Refrain:
Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.

2 Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
waiting the penitent child to receive;
plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently.
He will forgive if they only believe. [Refrain]

3 Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
chords that are broken will vibrate once more. [Refrain]

4 Rescue the perishing, duty demands it.
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
back to the narrow way patiently win them,
tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died. [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask for forgiveness for being nonchalant about the plight of the lost and the evils going on in your nation.
2. Ask for burden for the lost and the nation.
3. Promise God to passionately do your own part, like Jeremiah, as the Lord guide you on what to do personally.
4. Ask for mercy for the nation and spirit of repentance and fear of God to descend.
5. Pray for God's ministers who have lost the message of repentance and judgement to recover them.

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