Give Thanks To The Lord No Matter What

Jeremiah 29:1-9

Jeremiah 29:1–9 KJV 1900

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon; 2 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;) 3 By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying, 4 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. 8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord.

In today’s politically correct environment where you have to be so careful to keep from offending anyone, we might all have to give reports like this fourth grader who reported on the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday. ”The pilgrims came here seeking freedom of you know what. When they landed, they gave thanks to you know Who. Because of them, we can worship each Sunday, you know where.”

As crazy as this may seem. It is becoming more and more of a reality in today’s world. We have a lot to thankful for. We need to be thankful to God for everything He has given us. Because of people like the pilgrims who were willing to give up everything to be willing to worship God in Spirit and in truth. To live out

John 4:24 ESV

24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Jeremiah is writing to a group of exiles who are now living in Babylon. They are waiting for the prophecy of Hananiah to come to pass. This prophecy spoke of King Nebuchadnezzar being destroyed and the people would be able to go back to their homeland.

This prophecy was very dramatic. God had spoken to Jeremiah. There was judgement decreed by God against Judah. This judgement was brought on by years and years of rebellion against God. But God is good and he made a way of escape.

He told Jeremiah to make bands and yokes and wear one along with sending one to all the rulers of the neighboring nations. He tells them to serve Babylon. They have been given over to him because of their disobedience and the only way to survive is through serving King Nebuchadnezzar.

This seemed quite absurd. To seek refuge with your enemy. This is exactly what God told Jeremiah.

Hananiah comes in and gives a prophecy that everyone wanted to hear. God would break the yoke of Babylon within 2 years and the people would return. He turns to Jeremiah and breaks the yoke. Everyone cheers and even Jeremiah celebrates. Then God speaks to Jeremiah and tells him this is all a lie and if they do not serve Babylon, then they will be destroyed by famine, sword, or disease.

Jeremiah writes a letter to the exiles and tells them to live in Babylon. Plant gardens, build houses, marry and grow families. And above all, have peace. We can be thankful no matter where we are. In the best of times and the worst of times. God does not change. We change. Our emotions fluctuate and our circumstances change. God does not change.

After 70 years, they are allowed to come home.

John Winthrop, the pastor and governor of the first Puritan settlement in North America spoke in his last sermon before they set sail.

John Winthrop, the pastor and governor of the first Puritan settlement in North America spoke in his last sermon before they set sail.

“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. “

John Winthrop 1630

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Micah 6:8 ESV

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

We have a lot to be thankful for. The salvation offered to mankind is at the top of the list. I challenge everyone to make a list. Make a list Thursday morning before the parade, if you watch it. Start Thanksgiving out right. In praise to our God. I made a list.

Salvation purchased by Jesus Christ

My husband

My children ( which I was not supposed to have)

My parents and siblings and their spouses and nieces and nephews

Northside Assembly - I am very thankful for my church

A roof over my head and food to eat.

Your list may look different, but the point is we give thanks to the Lord no matter what.

Conclusion:

Galatians 5:1 ESV

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Praise God. As the Puritans stepped foot on North America and were do thankful that they made it and now they were free from the church of England, so we are free from the slavery of sin if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Praise God. As the Puritans stepped foot on North America and were do thankful that they made it and now they were free from the church of England, so we are free from the slavery of sin if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Give thanks to the Lord no matter what.