October 7 – Covetousness and the Negative Promise

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
  Colossians 3:1-17
  Psalm 78:32-55
  Proverbs 24:27

Jeremiah 8:8 — This is truly a sad verse. The scribes spent their entire lives preserving God’s Holy Word; we’ve definitely benefited from their labors! The Word of God that you hold in your hands was preserved through scribes like this. But the scribes did not follow the Word they preserved! Romans 1:18 describes such men as those who touch the truth (in fact, they literally hold the truth), but they are forcing it down when it could shine through them! The wrath of God is coming against them.

Jeremiah 8:10 — The tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17) is a unique one. Western society has adopted commandments 6-9 (even though commandment 7 fell out of favor in the twentieth century), but adopting the 10th was difficult since it deals with a heart issue as opposed to a physical act. The 5th (obey parents) is the first commandment with promise, but it’s not the only commandment with a promise. In this verse we see that everyone was committing covetousness, presumably by coveting their neighbor’s estate and wife. Because of that, God promises to give their estates and wives to others. Those that try to gain, end up losing. One of the many “opposites” found in the Bible (Luke 6:38).

Jeremiah 8:22 — What is the Balm of Gilead? From GotQuestions.org:

A balm is an aromatic, medicinal substance derived from plants. Gilead was an area east of the Jordan River, well known for its spices and ointments. The “balm of Gilead” was, therefore, a high-quality ointment with healing properties. The balm was made from resin taken from a flowering plant in the Middle East, although the exact species is unknown. It was also called the “balsam of Mecca.” Myrrh is taken from a similar plant—Commiphora myrrha. The Bible uses the term “balm of Gilead” metaphorically as an example of something with healing or soothing powers.

Jeremiah 9:1 — This is the verse that gave Jeremiah the nickname “the Weeping Prophet.” We talked earlier about the “weeping patriarch” (Joseph).

Jeremiah 9:24 — Paul echoed Jeremiah. Don’t boast in your wisdom, might, or riches, but boast in the LORD!

Colossians 3:2 — Paul is not saying to quit your (earthly) job. What are the earthly things he says to avoid, though?

Colossians 3:5 — Among this list of sins is the sin of Jeremiah’s day – covetousness! Paul doesn’t have a problem with you having an earthly job or earthly possessions, but he has a big problem if your desires are directed to the earth. In the same way that Jeremiah 8:8 warns about wrath, Paul warns in Colossians 3:6 that this still happens today.

Colossians 3:8-14 — God calls for a married man to leave and to cleave (Genesis 2:24). God commands separation then adoption (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). God calls for a Christian to put off and put on. Otherwise, it will be seven times worse (Matthew 12:44) if you put off but don’t put on, separate but don’t adopt, leave but don’t cleave.

Colossians 3:16 — Why do I embed songs that relate to Scripture? So I can help you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly through “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs!”

Psalm 78:38 — The Old Testament “God of Wrath” was so “full of compassion” that He “forgave their iniquity and destroyed them not.” Just once? NO … the Scripture says “many a time!” Thank God for His mercy!

Proverbs 24:27 — Build the revenue side of your operation (“the field”), then you can build the expense side (“thine house”).

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.