Two Baskets Of Figs

"Then the Lord asked me, "What do you see Jeremiah?" "Figs" I answered, "The good ones are very good, but the poor ones are so bad they cannot be eaten." (Jeremiah 24:3)

The Old Testament prophets were given illustrations in the messages they were to give to the people on behalf of the Lord. Here Jeremiah is shown two baskets of figs. One basket held very good figs, that had ripened early. The second basket held poor figs that couldn't even be eaten. What did these two baskets of figs represent in Jeremiah's day; and what application can we find for us today?

The good basket of figs, shows us how God feels about His people.
Even though He has to discipline us (as He did the nation of Judah) He still loves us, and wants His best for us.

God told Jeremiah: "Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good , and I will build them up, and not tear them down. I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart." (Verses 4-7) 

Our great God, may have to break us of our pride, and selfishness, in order to restore us. He wants us to have a new heart towards Him, and His will for our lives.

The bad basket of figs were to show how God was displeased with the leaders of Judah. They led the people into severe disobedience, and because of that, God would bring judgment, as we see in (Verses 8-10)

When we disobey God, and worship other things instead of Him.
And when we participate in worldly, sinful activities, there will come judgment, You can count on that!.

The two baskets of figs, shows us, what are relationship with God should be, and want it is not to be. And the choice is ours.
Where are we, in the will of God for our lives? GP

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Not Peace, But A Sword

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) 

If Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" as the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed in (Isaiah 9:6) why does He say here in the Gospel of Matthew, that He doesn't come to "bring peace, but a sword"?

I believe the answer lies in our response to live obediently to His Word. There have been those who because of their refusal to obey the Lord's will, have not found peace, but war. It is a war against the human will.

There will be conflict in the family, if some of the members want to live for themselves, and for the world, and others, want to live for the Lord.
And there is conflict when we place anything before our love for the Lord. And conflict comes, when we try to serve the Lord, but we spread ourselves too thin, and we make people upset, because we cannot live up to their expectations. The more we do, the more we will be expected to do. And the moment we say "NO", we will have a bunch of people. who are not very happy with us.

There are times when we have to use a sword to cut off the the things that are not right with the Lord, with others, and ourselves. It will not always contribute to peace. Just because we do the right thing, does not mean that it will be the popular thing.

Yes, Jesus will provide peace, as long as we abide by His teaching, and His Will for our lives. Jesus is our Savior, but He also is our Lord. And conflict with His will for our lives, will not bring peace, but unfortunately, will bring a sword. GP

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