PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 49-50
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Do to her as she has done to others.” (Jeremiah 50:15)
Imagine how the Ukrainians currently feel about the Russians.
Jeremiah is speaking on behalf of the crushed people, against their crushers.
The nations of Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor and Babylon were all crushers.
It was a survival of the fittest world, and the weak are being trampled.
God is not going into a senseless rage; God is angry at violence and injustice.
Here Jeremiah is announcing that God will treat them as they treated others.
God’s Law urges people to do to others as they would have done to them (Matthew 7:12).
Forgive us as we forgive others… (Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:21-35).
The way we measure (judge) others will be how we are measured… Matthew 7:1-2).
If God will treat us as we treat others, what about grace?
Grace has already been given to us; God wants us to share it with others.
Jesus has welcomed us by grace; but those who are graced need to grace others!
In the end, if we refuse to receive and share grace, God will give us what we want.
These words are challenging me to think about how I think, speak and act toward others.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to think carefully about how I am treating others. Help me to love them as I would want to be loved, and how you have loved me!
“My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray…Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is his name.” Oh the responsibility of shepherds, of leaders. We need to pray for our leaders – that they may seek justice, what is right and fair, defend the cause of everyone fairly and not favour the rich and powerful. Yet despite the punishment meted out and prophesied for the various peoples – God is there to redeem his people! Even if we don’t experience God’s power – He is – and he cares what happens – God’s providence is real. I thank God for all his provisions to me and for opportunities He gives me to serve. Lord help me to be faithful – to bring the hope of Jesus in all circumstances – even while travelling and meeting people as I go!
Do this and live! That is what the Master said.
However the people have gone their own way and did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. They made themselves gods, ignoring the word of the Lord. As God’s people, we need to live like Jesus, and as far as it depends upon us, live at peace with all mankind. I need to share that peace, that love which the Lord gave me. I need to be His instrument of peace showing His love and grace, doing what the Lord desires us to do daily in His name.
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.