SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 30
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’ [Jeremiah 30:17]
On the one hand, God allows His people to be punished for their great shame and guilt; on the other hand, He will restore them when they are humbled.
It seems His love and His purpose (to work through Israel to bring His blessing to the earth) go beyond His justice and judgment.
The word for this is discipline – or tough love – when you know you need to be firm, but its still very hard.
God allows people to taste the fruit of their folly, but He does not abandon them to it, He will restore them again!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [Matthew 5:3-5]
Although Jesus does not explain why these people are poor in spirit, or mourning, or meek, He does make it clear that God’s love and purpose is to restore those who find themselves in tough places like this.
Again and again we see Jesus being gentle with the humble and hurting, while firm with the proud and self-confident.
So much so that one begins to wonder whether we would be better off poor and meek and discouraged.
Its not that being wealthy or successful or happy in this world are bad things in themselves, but out sinful nature makes them very dangerous to us.
They can lead to arrogance, self-confidence, independence from God and indifference to the need of others.
Wealth and success have often led people to forget God.
This is why Jesus warns the rich to let go of their wealth, not because wealth is bad by itself, but because it is very hard for wealthy people to see and seek the kingdom of God
This is why Israel is where it is right now (in Jeremiah’s time), and also why God will one day punish the nations that triumph over them.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. [Proverbs 16:18]
But blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [Matthew 5:3-5]
Should we intentionally make ourselves poor and weak and grieving?
No, but we should strive to be generous with our wealth, and to take the role of a servant (a weak role), and grieve with those who grieve.
In this way we can move towards that place where we too experience our dependence on God, and also experience His blessing.
PRAYER:
Lord, I am wealthy, I am healthy, I am very fortunate in my life. Help meto see these things in perspective. Humble me, and lift me up!
Listen to the voice of the Lord. I will bring back the people and restore them. I have heard their cries. I will break their yokes and they will serve the Lord their God. That is what it is all about. Whose service am I in?
God reminds His own that they are His people and He is their God. His purpose will come to pass. God is the Deliverer. God is in control. He accomplishes the purposes of His heart.
Why were they in this place? Because of the desires of their own heart. Yet through God’s discipline, His grace, He made a way of life for them – saving them and me. Lord, be my King and rule in my heart each day and always. May that also be true of my descendants for You are always with me and You do save those who rest in You.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!