Sunday, August 31, 2014

On 9-7-14, Jeremiah 30:1-3, 18-22 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as A Vision of the Future

A Vision of the Future
 Jeremiah 30:1-3, 18-22
International Sunday School Lesson
September 7, 2014
                                                                                 
                                                                     

Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

It is important to have a bright spot in your future for without it many would not go on.  The alternative to not going on at all is to operate as an automaton.  This is to say someone is acting more like a lifeless and soulless machine.
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed severe depression might find that a good example.  To borrow from WebMD these people have, “A constant sense of hopelessness and despair.”  They find it, “difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities.”  Without hope and with constant despair come the resulting actions and inactions and God knew as this time of exile came to an end the people of Israel needed to start looking up and looking ahead.
Once again they would be restored to their land (verse 3).  Yes, the cities and mainly Jerusalem would be rebuilt (verse 18).  Yes, there will be joy and bounty (verse 19).  Yes, their number will grow once more because children will once again be something you’d want to bring into the world again (verses 19-20).  One must never deny the importance of being able to feel honorable and that will return (verse 20) and they will be led not by a foreigner but their own (verse 21).  But most important, “So you will be my people, and I will be your God.” (verse 22).
The people of Israel in their guilt knew that their exile was a result of their action and that God had let them suffer by turning away.  That final verse 22 show this time was coming to an end and they indeed had a bright future to anticipate.

For Discussion:
1.      Yes, this can be applied to Christ and a time that is coming yet as well!
2.      Discuss how God’s absence or presence in our life affects us.
3.      Discuss the scripture of the Bible that we can look forward to that can help us anticipate a bright future.
4.      Discuss why these particular promises would be so important to the people of Israel.
5.      What happens to people and their relationship with God when they are suffering or have no hope?
6.      Discuss the prophet Jeremiah.

Upcoming Lessons
9-14-14    Hope for the Future or Restoration, Jeremiah 31:31-37
9-21-14    Anticipation of a New Future or A New Future, Jeremiah 32:1-9, 14, 15
9-28-14    Future Peace and Joy or Improbable Possibilities, Jeremiah 33:1-11

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

1 comment:

  1. Excellent article. I know my future is promised so I don't have to worry about things here!

    ReplyDelete