Welcome to Day 2584 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2584– Prophecy, Idolatry, the Day of the Lord, Loyalty, Messiah – Jeremiah 23:5

Putnam Church Message – 03/09/2025

Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation

Message 9: Prophecy, Idolatry, the Day of the Lord, Loyalty, and Messiah

Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series and reviewed Prophetic Literature – God’s Call to Repentance and Restoration. We also explored how it impacted the Ancient Israelites and our lives today.

This week, we will expand our review of Prophetic Literature and focus on  Prophecy, Idolatry, the Day of the Lord, Loyalty, and Messiah. We will touch on some of the same themes as last week but from a slightly different aspect.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
From the very beginning, You have called Your people to follow You with wholehearted devotion. You have spoken through Your prophets to call Your people back to You. You have warned against idolatry, declared the coming Day of the Lord, and promised restoration through Your Messiah. Today, as we open Your Word, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts ready to respond. May we understand the urgency of loyalty to You and recognize that our ultimate hope is in the Messiah You have sent. Teach us through the voices of the prophets and guide us in faithfulness. Teach us what it means to be truly loyal to You and help us understand the depth of Your promises. May we not fall into the same mistakes as those who came before us, but instead, may we stand firmly on Your truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

Let’s climb back into our imagination station again this week. Picture yourself standing in the streets of Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah. The temple has been cleaned of its idols, and a great revival has begun. The Book of the Law, long forgotten, has been rediscovered. The priests read its words aloud, and the people tremble before Yahweh for the first time in generations.

But as you walk through the city, something troubles you. Not everyone is truly repentant. Some still carry small household idols hidden beneath their robes. Some mutter against the reforms, longing for the old days of the worship of idols that represented their false gods. The prophets continue to warn the people:

“The Day of the Lord is coming! Do not return to idolatry! Be faithful to Yahweh, for He alone is God!”

People stop. Some scoff. Some listen.

“You have turned away from Yahweh! You bow before idols, chase after the gods of other nations, and forsake the covenant of your fathers! The Day of the Lord is coming—a day of judgment for the wicked and restoration for the faithful! But do not fear, for the Lord has promised a righteous King from David’s line, one who will reign forever in justice and truth!”

And yet, many ignore the warnings.

Centuries later, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Many claim to follow God, yet their hearts are divided. Some chase after material wealth, some place their trust in human power, and some simply ignore the call of the Gospel. The message of the prophets is still relevant today. Today, we will explore five key prophetic themes:

1. The Role of Prophecy
2. The Dangers of Idolatry
3. The Coming Day of the Lord
4. The Call to Loyalty
5. The Promise of the Messiah
6. The Role of Prophecy

Expanded Narrative:

In ancient Israel, prophets were God’s mouthpieces. They were not fortune tellers, nor were they mere advisors to kings. They were men and women chosen by God to speak His Word, often at significant personal risk.

• Moses was the first great prophet, and before he died, he declared:

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15, NLT)

This pointed ultimately to Jesus, but it also set the precedent for the prophets who would come after Moses—men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

Ancient Israelite Story

Imagine you are a simple vineyard worker in Israel during the days of Elijah. The land is in turmoil—King Ahab and Queen Jezebel have led the nation into the worship of Baal, and the drought that Elijah prophesied has left the land dry and barren.

One day, as you return from the fields, you hear whispers in the market:

“Elijah has returned!”

Your heart pounds. The prophet who challenged the king, the one who called down fire from heaven, is still alive! As you approach the city gates, you see him standing before the people. His voice is strong, filled with urgency:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21, NLT)

But no one speaks.

Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel would become one of the most defining moments in Israel’s history—a moment when God’s prophet stood alone against hundreds of false prophets.

Modern-Day Analogy: The Whistleblower

Now, imagine a corporate employee working for a massive company. He discovers that his employer is committing fraud, deceiving thousands of customers. He knows that if he speaks up, he will lose his job and face retaliation.

But he chooses to tell the truth anyway.

Prophets were the whistleblowers of their time, called to speak God’s truth regardless of the consequences. Their message was often unpopular, but it was essential.

Object Lesson: The Trumpet Call

• Hold up a trumpet.
• Ask: What happens if a watchman refuses to blow the trumpet when danger approaches?
• Explain: Prophets were God’s trumpets—warning of impending danger, calling people to repentance.

Summary:

“God’s prophets were not popular, but they were necessary. They called people back to truth, even when it was hard to hear.”

2. The Dangers of Idolatry

Expanded Narrative:

Idolatry, that is, being loyal to false gods,  was Israel’s greatest downfall. Time and time again, they turned from Yahweh to worship the gods of their neighbors.

• Jeremiah warned Israel:

“Do not be afraid of the gods of other nations, even though they tempt you. Their idols are mere wood and stone, shaped by human hands.” (Jeremiah 10:5, NLT)

Yet idolatry was not just about statues—it was about trusting or showing loyalty to anything more than God.

Ancient Israelite Story

You are a merchant in Babylon, living among the exiled Israelites. One evening, you are invited to a grand banquet held by King Nebuchadnezzar. The hall is filled with riches beyond imagination—golden plates, silver goblets, and fine linen from distant lands. At the center of the hall stands a massive golden statue—an idol of the king himself.

Suddenly, the music plays, and an order is given: “Bow down and worship the statue, or be thrown into the fiery furnace!”

You watch in terror as thousands fall to their knees—but in the midst of the crowd, three men remain standing.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow. They know that true worship belongs to Yahweh alone. They are thrown into the flames, but God rescues them (Daniel 3).

Modern-Day Analogy: The Fragile Investment

Imagine a businessman who has put his trust in the stock market, believing that his financial success is his security. Then, in a single day, the market crashes. His wealth disappears overnight.

Idolatry is trusting in or being loyal to something other than God—whether it’s wealth, power, or approval. In the end, idols always fail.

Object Lesson: The Broken Crutch

• Hold up a crutch and pretend to lean on it.
• Ask: What happens if the crutch is broken?
• Explain: Idols are like broken crutches—they seem to support us, but they collapse when we need them most.

Summary:

“Idolatry is trusting in something other than God. It will always disappoint.”

3. The Coming Day of the Lord

Expanded Narrative:

The prophets spoke of a future “Day of the Lord,” a time when God would judge the wicked and restore the faithful.

• Isaiah declared:

“For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has a day of reckoning. He will punish the proud and mighty.” (Isaiah 2:12, NLT)

For the wicked, this day would bring destruction. For the faithful, it would bring renewal.

Ancient Israelite Story

The people of Judah had been warned for generations. Prophet after prophet had declared that if they did not repent, judgment would come. Then, one day, it happened—Babylon invaded Jerusalem. They laid siege to the city for two years. Eventually, the temple was burned, the city walls crumbled, and the people were led into exile.

But in the midst of the judgment, there was hope. God promised a future restoration—a day when He would gather His people once again.

Jeremiah had prophesied it:

“For the time is coming when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.” (Jeremiah 23:5, NLT)

Modern-Day Analogy: The Broken Bone

A doctor must break and reset a crooked bone so it can heal properly. God’s discipline works the same way.

Object Lesson: The Burning Field

• Describe a farmer burning a field to clear away weeds and prepare for new growth.
• Explain: God’s judgment is not to destroy but to purify.

Summary:

“The Day of the Lord is not just about judgment—it is about restoration.”

4. The Call to Loyalty

Expanded Narrative:

God desired more than ritual sacrifices—He wanted loyal hearts, believing loyalty.

• Jeremiah wrote:

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT)

Ancient Israelite Story

It is the time of King Hezekiah. He was one of the kings loyal to Yahweh. The mighty Assyrian army, known for its cruelty and brutality, has already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, they stand outside Jerusalem’s walls, demanding surrender.

Inside the city, fear grips the people. Many wonder if they should make peace with the Assyrians. Others whisper that perhaps the gods of Assyria are stronger. Some even suggest offering tribute to Assyria’s gods, thinking that perhaps, like the nations before them, they can survive through compromise.

But Hezekiah does something unheard of.

Instead of surrendering, he goes to the temple and prays:

“O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Bend down, O Lord, and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord, and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s defiance against the living God.” (Isaiah 37:16-17, NLT)

That very night, God sends an angel to strike down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. The next morning, Jerusalem wakes up safe—not because of an army, but because of their loyalty to Yahweh.

Modern-Day Analogy: The Soldier’s Vow

Imagine a young soldier who has trained for years, preparing to defend his country. But when war comes, he is offered a bribe by the enemy. If he betrays his homeland, he will be rich and comfortable. He must choose between loyalty and compromise.

In the same way, we are constantly tempted to compromise our loyalty to God. The world offers wealth, approval, and comfort, but at the cost of spiritual compromise.

Object Lesson: The Two-Faced Coin

• Hold up a coin with two sides.
• Explain: Many Israelites tried to worship Yahweh AND other gods.
• Ask: Can you serve two masters?

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters. You will hate and love one another; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Summary:

“True loyalty to God means trusting Him completely, even when compromise seems easier.”

5. The Promise of the Messiah

Expanded Narrative:

The prophets foretold the coming of a righteous King—the Messiah.

Ancient Israelite Story

It is the year 586 B.C. The unthinkable has happened after two years of attacks; Jerusalem has fallen. The temple lies in ruins, its golden treasures plundered by the Babylonians. The last king of Judah has been blinded and led away in chains.

The people are in shock. They believed that Jerusalem would never fall. They believed that God’s presence was with them as long as the temple stood. But now, all seems lost.

But amid despair, a whisper of hope remains.

The prophet Jeremiah, who had warned of this very day, now speaks of restoration. He declares a prophecy:

“For the time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.” (Jeremiah 23:5, NLT)

Even though the throne of David has been broken, God’s promise has not failed. The Messiah will come—a King not just for Israel, but for the entire world.

Modern-Day Analogy: The Lost Inheritance

Imagine a young man whose family has lost everything. His father’s business collapses, and their home is taken away. Everything that was once secure is now gone.

For years, he struggles. But one day, he receives a letter from a lawyer—a distant relative has left him a great inheritance. Suddenly, his future is restored.

Israel believed they had lost everything, but God’s promise remained. The Messiah would come, bringing not just restoration—but salvation.

Object Lesson: The Sealed Letter

• Hold up a sealed letter.
• Ask: If you received a letter saying you inherited a great fortune, would you open it?
• Explain: The prophecies of the Messiah were like a sealed letter, waiting to be fulfilled.

Summary:

“The Messiah is our ultimate hope—God’s promise of redemption fulfilled in Jesus Christ.”

Application: Applying This to Our Lives

Understanding the lessons of the prophets means nothing if we do not apply them. These takeaways are the keys to truly living out what we have learned today.

1. Do Not Ignore God’s Warnings

Ancient Israelite Story:
A farmer in Judah sees cracks forming in his well. He notices the water is lower than usual, and the soil is drier. The neighbors tell him, “It’s nothing—just a dry season.” But then a prophet arrives, warning of a famine to come. He pleads with the people to store grain and prepare.

Some listen. Others ignore the warning, continuing life as usual.

Then, the famine strikes. The land withers. The wells run dry. They could have prepared to survive but ignored the warning and suffer greatly.

Modern-Day Analogy:
A coastal town is warned of an approaching hurricane. Meteorologists issue urgent evacuation orders. Some residents leave, but others stay, convinced the storm will turn.

The winds come, the floods rise, and the homes of those who ignored the warnings are swept away.

Application:
God’s warnings are never empty threats. When He calls us to repent, He is not trying to frighten us—He is trying to save us. The Israelites thought they had plenty of time. But when judgment came, it was too late.

Summary:

“Ignoring God’s warnings does not delay judgment; it only ensures we are unprepared when it comes.”

2. Loyalty to God Requires Action

Ancient Israelite Story:
A young Hebrew man in exile is pressured to bow before the golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar. His neighbors whisper, “Just bow and move on. You don’t have to believe it. Just do it to avoid trouble.”

But he refuses. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he stands firm. When he is thrown into the fire, he expects death—but God rescues him. His loyalty is tested, but because he stands firm, his faith is made stronger.

Modern-Day Analogy:
A Christian businessman is offered a promotion if he is willing to cut corners and be dishonest. It’s a chance at success, at providing for his family, at securing his future.

But he chooses integrity, even though it costs him the promotion.

Application:
Loyalty is not a feeling—it is a decision. It is choosing to stand for God, even when it is hard, unpopular, or costly.

Summary:

“True loyalty is proven in difficult moments, not easy ones.”

3. The Messiah’s Coming Changes Everything

Ancient Israelite Story:
The Israelites sit in exile in Babylon; their temple was destroyed, and their city was in ruins. They have lost everything. Yet the words of the prophets remain:

“The Lord will raise up a righteous descendant of David. He will restore what has been lost.”

Though years pass, a remnant of Israel still clings to the hope of the Messiah. They live with expectation, knowing that their suffering is not the end of their story.

Modern-Day Analogy:
A man is sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit. For decades, he waits, hoping for justice. Then, one day, a lawyer finds new evidence that clears his name.

His chains are removed. He walks free. His suffering was real, but it wasn’t the end.

Application:
The Messiah’s coming changes everything. Jesus has already come once to set us free from sin. And just as Israel waited for His first coming, we now wait for His return.

Summary:

“The Messiah is not just a figure of the past—He is the promise of our future.”

Expanded Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for speaking to us today through Your Word. We acknowledge that, like Israel, we have often ignored Your warnings, placed our trust in idols, and struggled with divided hearts. Lord, forgive us.

Teach us to listen to Your voice, to take Your warnings seriously, and to walk in complete devotion to You. Help us recognize that loyalty is not just a belief but a commitment that requires action. When we are tested, please give us the strength to stand firm, even when it is hard.

We praise You, Lord, for the hope we have in Jesus, our Messiah. We thank You for your promises to remain true no matter how dark the world seems. Just as You were faithful to Israel, You are faithful to us.

As we leave this place today, let us not be hearers of the Word only, but doers. Let this message shape our decisions, our relationships, and our daily walk. May we be a light to those around us, pointing them to the One who has fulfilled all prophecy—Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.

We eagerly await Your return, Lord. Until that day, strengthen us to remain loyal and steadfast.

We pray all this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Next week, we will continue our Old Testament Orientation and move on to the Books of Wisdom: Knowing God and Being Loyal to Him. Our core verse for next week is Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.