APRIL 18, 2023
READ: Jeremiah 32 (Focus vs. 37–44)
MEMORY VERSE
“I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them.” Jeremiah 32:42
BACKGROUND
Sara lost her mother when she was just fourteen years old. She and her siblings lost their house soon after and became homeless.
Years later, Sara wanted to provide her future children with an inheritance that could be passed down from generation to generation. She worked hard to purchase a house, giving her family the stable home, she never had.
Investing in a home for future generations is an act of faith toward a future you don’t yet see. God told the prophet Jeremiah to purchase land just before the violent siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 32:6–12).
To the prophet, God’s instructions didn’t make a lot of sense. Soon all their property and belongings would be confiscated.
But God gave Jeremiah this promise: “As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them” (v. 42).
The prophet’s investment in property was a physical sign of God’s faithfulness to someday restore the Israelites to their homeland. Even in the midst of a terrible attack, God promised His people that peace would come again—homes and property would be bought and sold again (vv. 43–44).
Today we can put our trust in God’s faithfulness and choose to “invest” in faith. Although we may not see an earthly restoration of every situation, we have the assurance that He’ll someday make everything right.
By: Karen Pimpo
INSIGHT
Interestingly, while Deuteronomy 6 commanded Israel to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (v. 5), in order that “it may go well with you” (v. 3),
Jeremiah 32 describes God as lovingly caring for His people that way- “with all my heart and soul” (v. 41).
Only God could give His people the “singleness of heart and action” to follow Him so that all would “go well for them” (v. 39). God’s “everlasting covenant”—God’s commitment to “never stop doing good to them” (v. 40)—was their only source of hope.
By: Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What causes you to lose sight of God’s faithfulness? How can you “invest” in light of the restoration He promises?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“The Lord is trustworthy in ALL He promises and faithful in ALL He does. Psalm 145:13b niv
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…we (too) can put our trust in God’s faithfulness and choose to “invest” in faith. Although we may not see an earthly restoration of every situation, we have the assurance that He’ll someday make everything right.
PRAYER
“Dear God, help me to invest today for the future I can’t yet see.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“HE HAS NEVER FAILED ME YET” Alvin Lemar
When I was a child, I did childish things
My life was church and all it brings
I’d always hear the old folks sing
“He’s never failed me yet!”
I heard this phrase and I trusted so
That one day, I would come to know
The truth in which these words do hold
He’s never failed me yet
With years of life came test and trial
And nights when tears replaced the smile
Though God was right there all the while
My soul was not at rest
But I lived to tell that I made it through
So instead of singing ’bout the blues
I bring you news to encourage you
He’s never failed me yet
When clouds and the valleys come
Set your eyes on the Risen Son
Pray the eyes of your heart be filled with light
And watch the blessed day break the night
Like the three Hebrew boys that day
Ooh, forced to take their fate (faith) to flames
I, too, have had the choice to break
And serve the world instead
But I stood on the Word and did not bow
Endured the steps the Lord allowed
I came out stronger shouting “WOW…
God’s never failed me yet!”
God is not like men who lie
Nor like the son of men who die
His truth will always be alive
It never will be dead
So try Him for yourself and see
Those who believe, they shall receive
I pray that day, you too can say
“He’s never failed me yet”
Can you help me?
He’s never failed me yet
He’s never failed me yet
He’s never failed me yet
I’m grateful for those simple words
That I so often overheard
Though many memories drift like birds
Some still I can’t forget
They come back ringing right on time
Like bells so heavenly, they chime
That old-time phrase, now mine-oh-mine
“He’s never failed me yet”
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
2 Samuel 3-5
Luke 14:25-35
Luke 14:25-35
