PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 33-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord…
‘Freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine.” (Jeremiah 34:17)
There comes a point when God allows us our freedom to choose folly.
He “gives us over” to the desires of our heart (see Romans 1:21-32).
This is not God being mean; this is God honouring our freedom.
But with that freedom comes consequences, and they are often not pleasant.
Jeremiah warns the people that sickness, suffering and death will result.
In the bible ‘punishment’ is not God being mean or vengeful.
Punishment (judgment, hell, etc.) is the natural consequence of rejecting God.
When we stubbornly choose our own way, God eventually allows us our freedom.
Our world is experiencing the consequences of such ‘freedom’.
In fact we’re learning that freedom from God is actually bondage and misery.
Life is not better without God; it can’t get better until we go back to God!
The freedom of submission to God is better than freedom from submission to God.
Living with, like and for God is the key to love, joy, peace… the freedom of God!
PRAYER
Lord, I have seen the truth of this. Going my own way only seems to promise ‘freedom’ but actually makes life worse. Better to be your slave, than the slave of any other pleasure or thing.
Reneging on their actions to free their slaves – the people of Jerusalem are judged by God. God’s judgement on them is coming He says through his prophet. Yet, God promises a day when Jerusalem will also be restored – and a prophecy that points to Jesus – the Prophet, priest, and King that will rule forever on the throne of David. We see the big picture – we read about what happened and we see things happening today. The Gospel goes out – Jesus is alive – hearts are turning. Our struggles with COVID, war and unrest and inflation – serve to remind us that this is not the whole story – sometimes we have it too good and we forget what is really important. Holding on Jesus at his word and living for him!
There is a constant refrain – ‘This is what the Lord says’ and ‘The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.’ Do this and live. However, the people listened to the tune of their own hearts and did not listen to His voice. Our disobedience has consequences and those consequences are God’s way to bring us back to Him if we/I but listen to His voice saying ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ That is true happiness.
1. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
still you’re there right beside me,
and nothing will I fear as Iong as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.
2. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.
I will not forget your love for me,
and yet my heart forever is wandering.
Jesus, be my guide and hold me to your side,
and I will love you to the end.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.