In contrast to the Rechabites, who listened and obeyed the words of their forefather Jonadab (chapter 35), this chapter highlights the callous and defiant attitude of king Jehoiakim and some of his officials (not all!) to the word of the…
Author: Rick and Linda Reed
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 35)
Chapter 34 focused attention on the fickle king and people of Jerusalem; chapter 35 introduces the faithful Rechabites. Where Zedekiah, his officials and people vacillated in keeping their covenant promises, the Rechabites were faithful to their covenant promises. Where the…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 33)
Chapter 33, which marks the final section of the “Book of Consolation” (30-33), contains a second message from the LORD given to Jeremiah while he was imprisoned in the courtyard (1). This indicates the message was given in the tenth…
Wise Men (and Women) Still Worship
This Christmas I’ve been reflecting on Matthew’s account of the Magi who came to worship the infant Christ. Worship was the sole purpose of their long journey: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we…
Christmas in the Psalms
This morning in my devotional time, I read Psalm 22. Not your traditional Christmas reading. In fact, it seems much more suited to Good Friday. In this psalm, David laments the suffering he is experiencing and cries out for God…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 32)
In the midst of the Book of Consolation, we have the record of a land purchase that Jeremiah made from his cousin Hanamel. But this is more than a historical tidbit about Jeremiah’s purchase of a plot of land in…
Prayer Update December 14, 2018
Yesterday I (Rick) taught the final preaching class for this semester. My heart rejoices in knowing these students have a great confidence in God's Word and a growing competence with God's Word. I believe they will serve the Church well…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 31)
This chapter is the high-watermark of the “Book of Consolation” (30-33) and the book of Jeremiah. It could be the high point of the entire Old Testament! It contains an extended description of the joyful re-gathering and resettlement in the…
Prayer Update December 7, 2018
I'm writing this update from the Hespeler Library. Linda and a group of Heritage students are downstairs leading an ESL (English as a Second Language) class for new Canadians. It's been a wonderful way for Heritage students to serve the…
Leaders are Readers
Here's a post I recently wrote for the Heritage Seminary Blog. One of my seminary profs, Dr. Howard Hendricks, was known for his pithy, memorable statements. Here’s one of my favourites: “Leaders and readers.” I’m convinced Dr. Hendricks had it right. To be effective…