January 28, 2023: Haftorah - Jeremiah 46:13-28
This week's Haftorah reading is from Jeremiah 46:13-28. As the book of Jeremiah comes to an end, we see ELOHIM’S justice and power on display, as well as His mercy and grace. Join Dr. Jeffery Myers as he hones in on the narrative of the prodigal son, and how ADONAI will do whatever it takes to bring His children back to Him!
Follow along in the AUDIO PODCAST, by clicking on the play button below, and reading along with the notes, as you listen to today's Haftorah:
Lion of Judah Speaks: Haftorah Portion – Jeremiah 46:13-28
Jeremiah 46:28 says, “Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares Adonai; for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” We have said it many times that Adonai will do whatever it takes to bring His children back to Him. The timing is His, which in reality is an act of grace and mercy that He doesn’t react right on the spot. Like the narrative of the prodigal son, the son left to fulfill his own desires and the father remained on the property. The son set the timing for his own return. The heart of that son needed to be changed! He not only needed to return on his own, he also needed to desire to stay after he returned home. He had to come to his own senses. To drag someone back without them having a heart change would just delay the process. Elohim knows this very well since He has created us and knows us very well. The father waited at the edge of the property to welcome back his son. The father didn’t go into the darkness to chase his son in desperation but remained a light, a lighthouse, to guide his son to return. It might seem like Elohim doesn’t care, or doesn’t respond or move fast enough for us, but He does keep His word. He’s still calling and desiring so much more than what we’ve given. We must not ever overlook the years of mercy He is possibly extending to us.
As the book of Jeremiah comes to an end, we see in detail what will take place as Babylon prepares to destroy Egypt. We see Elohim’s justice and power on display, as well as His mercy and grace. This is important for us to hear, as well as it was for them. Elohim’s consistency in His plan gives all of us hope and renewed confidence in Him. In due time, we will return to Him. In due time, our children and grandchildren will return to Him. We just need to be confident in the process of Elohim. Yes, when we stray, there are consequences but when we overcome, He will protect. If we feel abandoned, He will rush in and rescue us. When we are discouraged, the Ruach will remind us of Elohim’s promises. He never fails! He changes not! He will perform His word and His purpose will be performed for the benefit of His children. He will protect His children and judge His enemies, our enemies.
Elohim has some final thoughts as Jeremiah’s book comes to a close. HaShem has a few things to say to the surrounding nations. These nations have not escaped Elohim’s judgment for their own sin. Egypt is the first nation spoken about. Two world powers will face off…Assyria was already demolished and the Babylonian empire was on the move to becoming the most powerful nation. Egypt is caught by surprise and defeated. Nebuchadnezzar is the victor. Elohim is always right…which is no surprise, He had warned Judah not to go to Egypt. He knew they would be defeated but they chose to act in their own willfulness anyway. Sound familiar?
The Ruach Ha'Kodesh leads and guides us as we surrender to the will of our Father but self rises up and tries to rule and reign in our lives. We should know better, be better, and be aware of our own devices that cause us to fail, but we are not! Over and over again the trap is set and we step right into it becoming ensnared by our own desires. Elohim’s word is always right! History shows the defeats Elohim had warned against in the lives of Israel and ourselves. The cost of their disobedience is front and center. In the end, Judah is punished for their own blatant sinfulness in not following Elohim and His word. Is that where we are? Do we blatantly choose not to follow Elohim or be obedient to His word? How do we maintain a relationship with Him and at the same time ignore His commandments? Yeshua said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The fruit of our love and commitment is evident in our obedience. The discipline for disobedience is not always immediate because He extends His grace and mercy. Chapter after chapter, moment after moment, in this case being 20 years, the plan of Elohim and His discipline unfolds. It was a long time for Yah to move on what He said…but He did!
The punishment that fell on Judah was extensive but in the end was going to bring about the purpose of Elohim; to drive them back to Him! In order to do that, Elohim had to strip them of everything in order to finally turn them around. The prodigal had to sit among the pigs, eat what pigs ate before he came to His sense. Where are we sitting and eating? I said it before, when we stray, there are consequences!
The judgments that follow over the next few chapters will focus on a theme that is consistent with the entire book of Jeremiah. Number one: The judgment of Elohim is not unwarranted. Whom Elohim loves, He disciplines! Judah’s rebellion is horrific. They rejected Elohim’s counsel and His wisdom at every turn. They continued to fall deeper and deeper into their own sinful ways. They served false gods and turned from their Creator. It is easy to judge Judah as we look back seeing their mistakes. However, it’s not as easy to see where we have faltered and failed Elohim, walking in our own idolatry and lusts.
Sometimes we need a different perspective…a hog pen, for example. Number two: The wrath is not without remedy. Elohim has a beautiful plan of restoration for His people. He is always desiring reconciliation, repairing the breach which we created. He is still waiting on us, just get up and run back to the Father! He is waiting at the edge of the property. Follow the light home! Though they deserved death, as we do, He allowed them to go into exile. He now begins to show them exactly what He has in their future. Halleluyah…repentance is always available even in our darkest times.
A full end shall be made of the nations that oppressed Yah’s Israel, as Egypt and Babylon; but mercy shall be kept in store for the Israel of Elohim, they shall be corrected, but not cast off; the correction shall be in measure, in respect of degree and continuance. Nations have their periods; the Jewish nation itself continues and will continue to the end of time; in that this promise is to have its full accomplishment, that though Elohim corrects her, He will never make a full end of it.
It’s time we all awaken to our own selfish ways before judgment comes to our house. Judge yourself lest you be judged!
Shabbat Shalom Mishpocha,
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Have a blessed and powerful Sabbath! Worship Yeshua and give Him all your praise! Prepare yourself as His Bride. See you at the Kehillah. See you at the altar!
Shalom Aleichem