February 28: THE COMMAND TO PERSEVERE (part 6)
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, “Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.’” Jeremiah 30:1
Slow down, beloved, and consider what is being said here. The word that came to Jeremiah is Jesus. Scholars readily recognize that He appeared to numerous Old Testament personalities in a bodily form. These appearances are called “Christophanies”. This is a legitimate teaching, to be sure, for Jesus Himself said to the scribes and Pharisees: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58 – see also Exodus 3:14). Here, we have His voice only. It would not have been audible to others. Jeremiah’s close relationship with the LORD was the only aspect of his life that enabled him to hear His voice.
This chapter comes directly on the heels of the famous letter that went from Jerusalem to Babylon (see chapter 29). This letter was addressed to the Jews who had been carried away captive by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. King Zedekiah was left to reign in Jerusalem, having been appointed king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:17).
‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.’ Some translations say ‘Write thee all the words…’ The instruction is for Jeremiah to write with his own hand about the restoration of Israel, as opposed to dictating to a scribe. Chapters 30 and 31 are especially relevant to the divine concept of restoration. To benefit from the prophecy of this restoration, it is crucial to understand the meanings of names. The Hebrew name, here written the LORD, is the immortal, invisible Almighty who needs only to speak a word for something to happen. It is the name YHWH (also transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah). The word god means judge (Psalm 82; John 10:34). Our God is the ultimate Judge! His opinion, based entirely on reality, is the only opinion that is pure and unspoiled. In the end, it is the only opinion that will matter; and His people will be in full agreement with Him by their own choice.
“‘For behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 30:2a
The name Israel, when translated, means overcomer with God. After the northern kingdom of Israel rejected the corrections of the LORD, the southern kingdom of Judah was still left. These that were left were called Jews, taken from the name Judah, meaning gratitude and praise. There is a spiritual application of these names to Christians, (meaning little Christs). It is essential to understand the Biblical application, based on the context. In these last days, our world is under a dark cloud of Babylonian teachings. Those who overcome her deceptive influences, made possible only through Christ, will be in that grand, heaven-bound parade that begins with the shout of the archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16 – see also John 14:3).
“…be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
More clarity: Genesis 18:14; 32:28; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; 18:27; John 15:5; Acts 11:26; Romans 2:29; 2 Corinthians 3:2-8; Galatians 3:7-8; Revelation 2:7, 17, 26; 3:5, 12; 21