THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 21-23
“He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.” (Jeremiah 22:16)
In this section Jeremiah repeats God’s desire for justice and mercy for the people.
“Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)
If the kings, and prophets, and people, did this, all would go well for them.
God’s judgment in through Jeremiah is because of their corrupt, immoral, cruel ways.
God is not being petty or tyrannical, vindictive or mean.
God’s love for all people has finally led to this outcome: He will stop them.
It is not ‘the observance of Law’ that God desires, but ‘the outcome of Love’.
“Is that not what it means to know me?” (Jeremiah 22:16)
Jesus is the ‘righteous branch’ (23:5-6) that knows and shows this Love.
Jesus stands up to the Law-keepers, to show them how they missed the point.
Jesus defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.
This is what it means to know God like Jesus did (1 John 2:3-6)!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You have made it absolutely clear what it looks like to know God, and to show God to others. May my heart reflect Your love and concern for the poor and needy, and for the cause of justice!
‘This is what the Lord says. ‘
Hear His Word.
Do what is right and good.
Obey His commands.
Do this and live . . . the other choice is death.
Worship God alone. There is non other.
See how God has dealt with His people in past days?
Do I see how He is speaking to me today?
God is faithful to His people if they but listen.
He continues to gather His people.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
2
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
3
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
4
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.