PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 21-22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?” (Jeremiah 22:16).
King Josiah was committed to doing what what right and just.
Jeremiah says his concern for the poor and needy proved that he knew God.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
For Jesus the Law of God is to love for God and people (Matthew 22:34-40).
This is what we need to focus on, if we want to live a God-honouring life.
Who are the ‘poor and needy’ that I encounter everyday?
Not just those far away, but even those I meet at work, at school, or next door.
Spirituality is not primarily about doing religious rituals and practices.
To know God is to genuinely love and serve God by loving and serving others.
“For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,
cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)
Being kind, helpful, patience, encouraging, generous – this is ordinary spirituality.
Do we need to rethink (repent) how we think about faith, religion and knowing God?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to know you better today but seeing you and serving you in the people I meet. For whatever I do for the least of these, I do for you!
Choices: “See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” By their choice to forsake “… the covenant of the Lord their God and have worshiped and served other gods” they are not condemned to be overrun by the Babylonians and taken into exile. Jeremiah’s prophecy of doom and gloom was a difficult message no one want to except – yet neither did the people turn and show remorse – so their condemnation is sure. A lot of innocent people has lost their loved ones, their livelihoods because of an aggressor – is there hope for the many believers who are clinging to their faith right now? It is not earthly weapons that will change the aggressors mind – so I pray that God will convict him and confront him to see the error of his ways! Lord I pray for all the innocents whose blood is spilled – like Abel’s blood – it cries out to you – and so also to us your children!
Our eyes see what is around us just as the children of Israel saw what was around them. Our eyes can lead us astray and desire what we see. That affects the heart – the heart that gives life and meaning. All too often we strive after ‘false’ gain, serving ourselves and not the Lord. How often do we not read that this is what the Lord says or desires? I need to listen to His voice and follow Him, being an instrument of His peace. Not my way but His always.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.