Our lessons for the week close the thrilling book of Jeremiah. The chapters 40 to 45 have to do with the Jews who were left in Babylon after Zedekiah’s captivity, and their flight into Egypt. It is interesting indeed to note the strong, faithful work of the prophet in connection with all this, and the insincerity of the Jews themselves. The vast mass of them had come to that place where they seemed to be unable to discern between right and wrong. Their promises were nothing, but the discernment of the Spirit of God laid bare the very secrets of their hearts; and when they came to Jeremiah for advice he knew that they desired only such advice as was in harmony with their own wishes and purposes. Instead of taking his advice and remaining in the land, under the king of Babylon who would have given them every necessary protection, so long as they heeded the voice of Jeremiah, whom the king had learned to highly esteem, they chose rather to go down into Egypt. In that country many went hilariously into idolatry. Yet again, Jeremiah predicts the futility of their plans by prophesying the defeat of Egypt and pointing out the very place where Nebuchadnezzar would set his standard in the capital of Egypt.
Chapters 46 to 51 inclusive are prophecies against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Damascus, but above all others, against Babylon, the kingdom which had perverted all the other kingdoms of the earth, not simply regarding Babylon in her ancient empire, but using that Babylon as a type of mystical Babylon.
Our New Testament lessons cover Acts 2 to 8. Let it be noted that we have given but two chapters for October 2, Jeremiah 50 and Acts 7, as both are long. Read carefully and thoughtfully all this wonderful week’s reading. Note the power of God with the apostolic church; what is the reason of it? Think of the conditions that brought it about; consecration on the part of the disciples, simple trust in the power of God’s word. Note also the boldness which this simple trust gave to the disciples; how the words of Peter ring out despite all the threatened persecution: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to harken unto you rather than to God, judge ye;” “for we can not but speak the things which we saw and heard.” And again, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” Such preaching of the word brought persecution; it also brought saved souls into the church of God. Note this emphatic truth, taught plainer than by words, that souls are saved to serve.
