Justin Houtz

Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5

DateVersionReading Plan
August 24, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Jeremiah 33-34

Observation & Interpretation

Jeremiah 33

  • God will restore the fortunes of Judah
  • God will fulfill His promise and cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David

Jeremiah 34

  • The LORD through Jeremiah told Zedekiah that He was giving the city into the hand of the king of Babylon
  • Zedekiah would be taken captive but not die by the sword. Rather, he would die in peace
  • Hebrew slaves were to be set free at the end of seven years, but this was not obeyed
  • God would act in judgment against the people for transgressing the covenant

Application

God is gracious to redeem and restore, but also holy, righteous and just in all His ways. Thus, there are consequences for transgressing against Him. May the hearts of His people be set in turning from our wickedness and delighting to obey our Lord in what He has revealed by His Word.

Psalm 74

Observation & Interpretation

  • The psalmist asks the LORD to remember His congregation, have regard for the covenant and not forget the clamor of His foes who rise against Him.
  • As with Jeremiah 34, the psalmist refers to God’s covenant, asking the LORD to not let the downtrodden turn back in shame, but rather let the poor and needy praise His name

Application

The LORD is faithful to His covenant and will triumph over evil. The psalmist models for us in imprecatory manner that we can plead for God to bring judgment on His and our enemies, but all the while acknowledging that in Christ we have victory over our greatest foes: sin, satan and death.

1 John 5

Observation & Interpretation

  • Our love for God is demonstrated through the keeping of His commandments and loving His children
  • The Spirit, the water and the blood all testify and agree regarding Jesus who came by water and blood
  • Whoever has the Son has life but whoever does not have the Son does not have life
  • John wrote these things so that they would believe in the name of the Son of God
  • There is sin that leads to death, but there is sin that does not lead to death
  • The Son of God has come and given understanding, so that we may know Him who is true
  • God’s children are in Him, in His Son Jesus Christ, who is the true God and eternal life. “With the phrase he is the true God, John clearly affirmed the full divinity of Christ.” (BBC)

Application

Our vertical love of God is carried out through the loving of His people horizontally in relationship and fellowship. How imperfectly we do this, but our desire is to be to love others in such a way that builds them up in Christ. In doing so, we point to the love of our gracious Lord who loved us first.

Resources