BIG IDEA: God’s Word is true.
Bible Verses:
Jeremiah 1:5- I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Bible Story: Jeremiah
Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. He’s given this name because he mourned for the nation of Israel and its upcoming destruction. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet right before the Babylonians would come destroy the city and exile its inhabitants. Jeremiah questioned his call initially due to his young age but God affirmed the call in Jeremiah 1:5 by stating that God had set Jeremiah apart and had always planned to use him.
God told Jeremiah to warn the people that their rebellion would lead to their demise. He offered to relent from this punishment if they repented but the people failed to turn back to God. Part of the reason Jeremiah mourned was because he could see the upcoming destruction, and he pleaded with the people to change, but they refused.
Jeremiah prophesied gloom and doom. But there were many false prophets who said they were speaking for the Lord when God had not sent them. These false prophets were prophesying prosperity for Israel and the people chose to listen to them rather than Jeremiah. Later we learn that because of Israel’s rebellion and unwillingness to repent, destruction did come. What Jeremiah prophesied about came true.
Destruction came upon Israel like never before, but Jeremiah’s prophecy about punishment was paired with prophecy about hope in the future. Part of God’s punishment was to get the Israelites' attention and bring them back to himself. In the midst of chaos, God gives them a promise for a good future. God will eventually give them their land back and reestablish them as a nation, but first, God’s punishment on the nation must be released.
Here we see God’s judgment for sin, but also his mercy in giving his people new hope.
This hope was fulfilled partially when Israel was reestablished, but we saw it further fulfilled through Jesus. Jesus is what gives us all hope today. Because of his death for our sins and his resurrection, we can escape the judgment for our sins and live in heaven with him for eternity. The world will one day experience God’s final wrath, but those who profess faith in Jesus will not experience this wrath. Instead, those people will live in his new mercy forever and ever.
Key Takeaways:
God has known you forever
When God speaks, Listen
There is Hope
Parents, 3treesKIDS will also be learning about the prophet Isaiah this Sunday, both in-person and online.
Be sure to check out their lesson at www.3trees.com/kids.
To find service times and locations, visit https://www.3trees.com/planyourvisit.