Today’s Reading:

Read Jeremiah 45; 46:1-9, 13-19, 27-28; Jeremiah 47; Jeremiah 48:1-3

Spend some time as a family talking about what it means to say, “God is faithful.” Look up the word “faithfulness” in a dictionary. What are some ways we have learned that God was faithful to His people? 

The story of the Israelites’ captivity in Babylon is a perfect example of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. God promised that if the Israelites continued to disobey and worship false gods, there would be consequences. And, as promised, they were taken captive! God also promised to be with them in that captivity and that He would ultimately deliver them. The Israelites could trust that God was going to do just what he said. He had been faithful before; He would be faithful again. Jeremiah’s message to the nations who had hurt the Israelites by not helping them was one of destruction! However, read Jeremiah 46:27-28. 

But you, my servant Jacob, do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, Israel, for without fail I will save you from far away, and your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him. And you, my servant Jacob, do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—for I will be with you. I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have banished you, but I will not bring destruction on you. I will discipline you with justice, and I will by no means leave you unpunished. 

Jeremiah’s message was clear: God’s judgment was coming to the nations surrounding Judah. However, he was also clear that God’s hand would ultimately protect the Israelites from destruction. 

Application/Prayer:

Thank God for his faithfulness. As a family, discuss times in your family’s life when you have seen God being faithful! Thank Him for that today. 

August Memory Verse: