CHARISMATIC HOUR (16/03/21)
Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement
Topic: IN THE SWELLING OF JORDAN (Part 1)
Text: Jer.12:1-5
The prophet Jeremiah had been threatened by some men (Jer.11:18-21) and that made him to complain and question the Lord (Jer.12:1-4). And the Lord gave him a proverbial response which had to do with the overflow of River Jordan.
We shall look at
(A) The Propelling Allegations Of The Prophet (B) The Proverbial Answer Of The Lord
- THE PROPELLING ALLEGATIONS OF THE PROPHET
An allegation is a statement affirming or denying certain matters of fact that one is prepared to prove. The prophet made an observation that could propel one into wrong doing. He had wondered why the wicked prosper and are happy. (Jer.12:1-2; cp. Job 12:4-6; Ps.37:35,36; 73:2-13; Pro.3:31).
The same observation appears to hold in our dispensation as the wicked are in juicy positions of the private and public places controlling funds and power; enjoying shelter and security.
How be it, the believer is required neither to envy such nor desire to be like them, as their end is lamentable.
- THE PROVERBIAL ANSWER OF THE LORD
The Lord made reference to two proverbs: running with footmen and contending with horses; and the condition of being in the land of peace versus the state of being in the swelling of Jordan (Jer. 12:5). Both proverbs mean the same.
The River Jordan is known to experience an overflow of its banks during the time of harvest (March or April) due to the melting of the snow in Mount Hermon (Jos.3:15). Such rise in water level is accompanied by tremendous swiftness of the flowing water. So the Lord was rebuking the prophet saying “if you cannot bear at this time of relative peace when you are secure, how will you cope when the enemy whose activities will look like the swelling tide of Jordan?” (Pro.24:10).
The child of God is required to understand that –
- God is on the throne, and is in charge of affairs of mankind (Dan.4:32; Ps.75:6,7).
- God knows all that His children pass through (Matt.10:26-31).
- God expects His children to do the needful at the time of challenge – pray. (Matt.7:7,8; Ps.57:2) and be vigilant (Pro.4:7; Matt.10:16).
- God expects His people to have faith in Him (Mk.11:24; Jer.9:23,24).
The state of the nation is akin to the swelling of Jordan with terrible insecurity (but our security is in the Lord), and the Lord would have us pray in faith, act with wisdom until our desire is achieved.
HSCF: 149;248
