SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 22
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This is what the LORD says: 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. For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. [Jeremiah 22:3-4]
Is God judging them because they didn’t follow all the technical religious rituals in the Law of Moses? — NO!
It is because of how they lived selfishly and cruelly, without regard for others.
When God mentions Josiah, the wicked king Jehoiakim’s father, He notes: He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD. [Jeremiah 22:16]
This what it means to know God, this is what the covenant is all about!
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. [Matthew 23:23-24]
Jesus stresses the “more important matters”, yet do we value them like Jesus or God does?
Too often as Christians we pursue worldly wealth, and offer a few token acts of charity or kindness on the side.
It should be the other way around: we ought to pursue justice, mercy and faithfulness, and keep worldly gain and pleasure on the side.
Today some Christians suggest that their wealth is a sign of God’s blessing for their good lives, but wealth is not the sign of God’s blessing – mercy is.
The person who is known for compassion, mercy, gentleness, generosity, etc, this is the person who is living in the love and blessing of God!
This is the person who knows God.
Are our priorities as churches and Christians mixed up?
We are rich, and we are religious, but do we know God in the way that God describes – He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?”
Kindness, fairness, grace and generosity are not things we do in our spare time, they are what we are to be doing all the time, wherever we are (at work, at home, at school).
They are the “more important matters” as far as God is concerned.
PRAYER:
Lord, have I become worldly, am I missing the point? I want to know You like this, in a way that makes blessing and serving others the main thing, not just a sideline!
This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right.
Keep the main thing the main thing. God’s Word. And then I am reminded of Micah. And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God. Carry out His commands
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.
Then you shall live. You will blessed since you are a blessing for others. You are a SonSeeker. But when you become a SelfSeeker, it will be your ruin. Man was created to be a servant and therefore servanthood is the magic word – working as for the Lord and not selfhood – working for self.
I am also reminded of another passage – work with honest hands so that you may be able to give – work to share – work to give away. Work to be a blessing.
What an example God sent for His people. Let’s walk in His footsteps.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.