Weekly Guide：Week 83
August 25, 2019
Forward
We continue to read the Book of Lamentations this week.
May you all be renewed in the Lord’s word each day!
Question
How did Jerusalem experience the anger and fury of God’s judgment?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Jerusalem tells of God’s fury in His judgment of the city and her people, He has shown no mercy to all.
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Jerusalem’s prophets did not point out her sins, but said so many foolish things, false to the core, to put her into slavery.
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Jerusalem’s enemies derided her and rejoiced over her suffering.
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Lift up your hands and cry to your God, pour out your hearts like water to the Lord.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - Facing the consequences of sins, the prophet called upon the people to repent and cry out to God. What shall I do when I suffer in sins?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Where to find hope in suffering?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Jerusalem tells of her suffering as if she was in a dead end without hope.
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She found a ray of hope when thought of the Lord’s endless compassion.
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It is good to both hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord, examine ourselves, repent and turn again to the Lord, and lift our hearts and hands to him in heaven.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - One would find a ray of hope in suffering just by changing one’s direction. I may find myself falling into a dead end of suffering. How shall I face that situation and find the heavenly hope?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What change did Jerusalem experience?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The dignified people of Jerusalem became obscure, the loved became despised, the master became slave, and the merciful became cruel all because of the suffering.
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The people of Jerusalem looked for their allies to save them in vain. Their king, the Lord’s anointed, whom they relied on was captured and unable to save himself.
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But the Lord’s salvation would come, those who oppress His people would be punished.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - It was a great challenge to Jerusalem’s identity for what she had experienced. Even though, she held firm believe that by God, the “exile for her sins will end at last.” Where did that faith come from? How does it remind me and help me face the environment and the ever-changing circumstances I’m in?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the Judah pray to God for mercy?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Prayers express all the sufferings they experienced in front of the Lord.
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Prayers admit all that was the consequence of their sins.
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Prayers called on God to turn them around to give them joy they used to have.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - The prayer to call on God was not to remove the suffering but to repent and to turn themselves around. What do I call on God for in my prayer? What should I pray for?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What did Ezekiel saw beside the Chebar Canal?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The heavens were suddenly opened to Ezekiel and he saw visions from God.
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He saw, in this vision, a great storm coming toward him, driving before it a huge cloud glowing with fire, and in the fire there was something that shone like polished brass, from the center of the cloud were four living beings, the sky spreading out above them, and high in the sky above them was what looked like a throne.
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On the throne was the glory of the Lord and upon it sat someone who appeared to be a Man. From his waist up, he seemed to be all glowing bronze, dazzling like fire, and there was a glowing halo like a rainbow all around him.
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And when he saw it, the prophet fell face downward on the ground.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - The prophet described to us the glory and the majesty of God and the four living beings following Him closely. How may I join in the Lord’s glory by the precious blood of Jesus Christ? What do I know of my identity and value through Ezekiel’s description of the Lord’s glory?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What power and responsibility did God give to the prophet?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Spirit of the God entered into the prophet, sending him to the rebelling Israelites the message from God. Let anyone listen who wants to, and let anyone refuse who wants to, for they are rebels.
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The prophet obeyed God’s command and ate the scroll full of warnings and sorrows and pronouncements of doom to give its message to the people of Israel. It tasted sweet as honey.
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Even though the Israelites were hard, impudent, and stubborn, God made the prophet’s forehead hard as rock. Accompanied by the sound of a great earthquake, the Spirit lifted the prophet up and the hand of the Lord was strong upon him.
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After the prophet sat, overwhelmed, for seven days, he was appointed by God as a watchman for Israel, to send warnings to the wicked and good man who becomes bad, or the prophet would be responsible for their sins.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - God gave the prophet the power and authority to face the enemies when he answered His calling. Jesus gave us the authority to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them (Luke 10:19.) And, whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in heaven (Matthew 16:19.) From Ezekiel’s experiences, what conviction do I have in the great commission the Lord Jesus had bestowed upon me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the prophet foretell the end of Jerusalem?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Because Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was attacking, King Zedekiah asked Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord.
+ Jeremiah answered: The Lord would fight against Jerusalem with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm in furious anger and in great wrath that whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians will live.
+ The prophet scolded the house of the King of Judah that they must hear the word of the Lord, administer justice, rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.
+ The prophet warned the Judah king and people that they must hear the word of the Lord, do what is just and right, rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.
+ Foretold that Shallum son of Josiah would die in the place where they have led him captive.
+ Foretold that woe would come to Jehoiakim.
+ Foretold that Jehoiachin would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the Babylonians.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The prophet tried to persuade the Judah king and its people to do what is just and right, and not to be greedy. We may often unknowingly trapped by greed as the world does and forget what is just and right. Let me examine myself to see if I have been following the world instead of His word. How has the Holy Spirit reminded me to turn back to His way?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God give people hope in His righteous judgment?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of God's pasture!
+ God will raise up for David a righteous Branch.
+ Concerning the false prophets and their punishments.
+ Those who are cynical of the prophets will be punished.
+ The Lord likened those Judah who would be looked after and receive His grace to the good figs. He also likened the Judah king and the rest of the Judah who would become abhorrent, be reproached and ridiculed by the nations to the bad figs.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God saved a remnant from the exiles of the Judah, to give them a heart to know Him, and bring them back to the promised land, to be His people, and return to Him with all their heart. God saved us by His grace. How may I know God more each day of my life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the prophet's foretelling of Judah's exile?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The prophet rebuked the Judah for not listening to the Lord for twenty-three years.
+ Foretold the Judah would be taken in exile to Babylon for seventy years.
+ When the seventy years are fulfilled, the land of the Babylonians would be made desolate forever.
+ God's judgment likened to a cup filled with the wine of His wrath.
+ Shepherds shall weep and wail for the people.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - The prophet asked the shepherds to weep and wail because the people would be scattered and slaughtered. Do I weep and wail when I see those around me whose souls are yet to be saved? Do I have a heart to love all like God loves the world?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Jeremiah attacked by the priests and the prophets?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Early in the reign of Jehoiakim, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah to tell him to stand in the courtyard of the Lord's house and speak to all the people of the town of Judah to tell them everything the Lod had commanded him to say.
+ As soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, "You must die!"
+ Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: "The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city."
+ The officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets: "This man should not be sentenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God."
+ Uriah heard Jeremiah's prophesy and King Jehoiakim struck him down with a sword.
+ Ahikam supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - God commanded Jeremiah to tell His wrath and not to omit a word. Jeremiah followed but was attacked. It is not easy to speak for God. What encouragement can I get from Jeremiah's example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Jeremiah prophesy about the king of Babylon's yoke?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Early in the reign of Zedekiah, the Lord had Jeremiah make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on his neck.
+ Jeremiah prophesied any nation or kingdom would not serve Nebuchadnezzar would be punished with the sword, famine, and plague.
+ Jeremiah advised Zedekiah: "bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live."
+ Jeremiah prophesied the articles from the Lord's house would be carried away to Babylon.
+ Hananiah predicted the articles from the Lord's house and the exiles of Judah would soon be bought back.
+ Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah: "May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied."
+ Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it then prophesied the Lord would break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.
+ Jeremiah prophesied that Hananiah had broken the wooden yoke but in its place, he would get a yoke of iron and he would die that very year because he had preached rebellion against the Lord.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - It is an embarrassing for Jeremiah to go see Zedekiah and the officials of the nations wearing a yoke on his neck. Have I ever been embarrassed serving the Lord? How may I overcome this feeling?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the differences between Jeremiah's prophesy and other prophets'?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jeremiah sent letter from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, asked them to Pray to the Lord to seek the peace and prosperity of the city they were in exile.
+ Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have.
+ When seventy years are completed for Babylon, the Lord will come to you and fulfill His good promise to bring you back to this place.
+ The Lord said about Ahab and Zedekiah: "They are prophesying lies and will be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon."
+ Shemaiah prophesied lies and would be punished.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Is it reasonable when the Lord told those who were in exile to pray for the city they were exiled in? What does this remind me of? How should I pray for the place and country I live in?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the apostles, being filled with Holy Spirit, preach?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Peter preached again and about five thousand men believed.
+ Facing the high priest, Peter fearlessly spoke of Jesus as the only way to Salvation.
+ All believers prayed together were filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
+ God's grace worked in all believers that they shared everything they had and there were no needy persons among them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jesus is the corner stone and sets standard for all believers to follow. Do I often reflect my own conduct upon the examples set by Jesus?
+ **Fidelity** -It is a unique characteristic of early church that all things were shared. Would I assist financially those who are struggling in their livelihood even if it means lowering my own comfort level?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Where would the early church go when it faced deception, imprisonment, and complaints?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The outcome of deceiving the Holy Spirit puts our hearts in awe and fear.
+ The Lord enabled the apostles to perform many signs and wonders. More men and women believed and added to their numbers. Those who were sick or tormented by impure spirits were healed.
+ Prosecution could not stop the apostles. To the opposite, they were encouraged and preach more.
+ A Pharisee named Gamaliel wisely asked others not to fight against God.
+ As disciples increased in number, the needs of church grew. So, seven were chosen to "wait on table."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Peter and the other apostles said: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" Have I obeyed human beings due to peer pressure for my conduct in work or life?
+ **Fidelity** - Gamaliel wisely pointed out what comes from God cannot be stopped. Have I been oblivious of God's hand behind the scene due to my ignorance, perspective, or personal interest? Let me humble myself and seek God's will often.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Stephen proclaim Jesus until martyred?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God enabled Stephen to perform wonders and signs but he was falsely accused for blasphemy.
+ Filled with Holy Spirit, Stephen declared to those in Sanhedrin that they were living in sin just like their ancestors, always resisted the Holy Spirit, prosecuted prophets, betrayed and murdered the Righteous One.
+ Stephen martyred.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Stephen, falsely accused by all, had shown us the aspects of angel. As a follower of Jesus and the light and salt of the world, do I reflect God's glory?
+ **Fidelity** - Before being martyred, Stephen asked God to forgive those who falsely accused him. Would I pray for those who are against my faith? Can I forgive them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What changes to the church came about from persecutions?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ All disciples except the apostles were scattered from Jerusalem.
+ Philip preached in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian eunuch.
+ Saul on the way to Damascus hunting for disciples was met by Jesus Christ.
+ Ananias was sent by the Holy Spirit to put his hand on Saul. Saul regained his eyesight and was converted.
+ Saul preached to the Jews to prove Jesus is Christ.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Philip was able to explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch and baptized him for he followed the guidance of Holy Spirit. We won't hear God's calling and walk with Him if we don't give ourselves up to be close to Him and used by Him. Do I often seek for His presence? Am I willing to be a vessel of His?
+ **Community** - Even for Saul, a person whose only goal was to wipe out the disciples, could be turned around by God and become His vessel. Pray to the Lord to open my eyes, my mind, to grant me faith to preach to those who stand in the way of truth!
+ **Fidelity** - Ananias heard the Holy Spirit's calling and put his hand on Saul who was infamous for his persecution of the disciples. Am I willing to let the Holy Spirit lead me serve in areas I don't have the courage to? Pray to the Lord to strengthen me when I have little faith!
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the gospel spread to the Gentiles?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ By Jesus' name, Peter healed a paralyzed and raised a dead.
+ Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to preach gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Holy Spirit poured onto the Gentiles for the first time.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Cornelius appeared to be a perfect man for he was devoting, God-fearing, gave generously to those in need, and prayed to God regularly. However perfect in our eyes, he still needed salvation from Jesus! We are often being self-righteous for our good conducts and become judgmental of others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind me, to show me the not-so-pretty side of myself.
+ **Fidelity** - Jews consider the Gentiles as impure, unclean, and unworthy to be associated with. But, led by the Holy Spirit, Peter was willing to go into their house to preach gospel to them. Are there people around me need to hear the gospel? Pray and ask God to help me surrender myself, to rid of all my prejudices, to see their needs, and preach gospel to them.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the church reach unit on the question of gospel to the Gentiles?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Peter explained how the Holy Spirit went into the Gentiles so that everyone understood that God's salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
+ Gospel spread to Antioch and a great number of Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas co-worked with Paul for a year, taught and brought up a great number of disciples.
+ Led by an Angel, Peter escaped from prison miraculously.
+ James executed, Peter imprisoned, Herod eaten by worms as he did not give glory to God.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Herod executed James and imprisoned Peter to please the Jews. Am I doing anything to please people but against God's will? Pray and ask God to help me to put Him first.
+ **Fidelity** - Barnabas, filled with Holy Spirit, was quite reputable in Jerusalem's church. However, he was not arrogant but valued Paul's gifts and invited him to co-work together. Am I humble when I serve? Do I value my co-workers' gifts and repect their strengths?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses