Jeremiah: Against the Tide
We started a new series today called, "Against the Tide". We will be living in this book and looking in depth at the life of Jeremiah for the next few months. I know that might not seem that interesting to most, but this is a book and life story I am eager to dig into. Jeremiah withstood an immense amount of scrutiny. He stood up and said what was right even when it was painful. There is some great truth in this book that we can all learn from and in the end I pray deepens us.
One of the reasons he was so unpopular is that he spoke a message of truth. In other words, he pointed out other peoples' blemishes... and who likes that. He shared God's message encouraging people to admit fault, seek repentence and then be restored. One of the hardest parts of his message was that God's judgement was coming, even if they repented. Yet, the promise to make them whole, to restore and recreate was always there.
One of the most prominent Biblical teachings is how God's judgement and discipline breaks people and nations down, uproots and even tears down so that he may recreate, restore and renew. That at the core is the salvation story. Jesus, died so that death could be conquered and he is "the firstfruits of the new creation."
I feel a little long-winded here so let me finish by encouraging some discussion. I'd love to hear any thoughts on what we've been talking about or really anything that's on your heart.
ben
Many of the judgements thrown down at this time seemed to be thrown at nations as a whole. Was truly the entire nation deserving of the judgement? Is there such a thing as inheriting the sins of our fathers?
Today's readings hit a note that I've been personally struggling with. Not everyone is selected to be a prophet. I'd love it if God came at me with his vision for what I'm supposed to be doing however I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear that answer.
Isn't it interesting that this challenge of Planned Parenthood comes up, unpopular and surely vocal, I guess since my college years I've been one to support choice but I'm not so sure NOW that my opinions were shaped with God's will in mind. Do I sit back with a whatever happens will happen attitude or do I step up and do something?
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That was a really great analogy. I was actually able to share that whole concept with a complete stranger on a fishing dock later in the afternoon!
I found it interesting that Jeremiah 1:8 and 1:19 (NIV) says "I am with you and will RESCUE you." I did a little research and most other versions say "deliver" instead of "rescue". (I am wishing I knew Hebrew at this point.) Either word works for me, because God has reached out and saved me. And He has His hand reached out to save you too.
God, deliver us, rescue us, from evil. God does. He is right there with a hand reaching out to offer us His unending grace, rescuing us with the eternal love of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the depths of sin we find ourselves drowning in, God won't let go. Grab hold.
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"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" - God's hand, God's plan for Jeremiah seems so HUGE and yet a plan is in his mind for each of us too. Don't know where I was going with that but its the verse that echoed in my mind driving home this evening. (Comment this)