SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 10:17-25
OBSERVATION:
1. There are 3 voices speaking: God announcing judgment (17-18), the people of Israel experiencing judgment (19-22) and Jeremiah pleading for mercy (23-25).
2. These 3 voices represent important themes in our relationship with God, themes that are seen elsewhere in the Bible as well.
3. Theme #1, that God is in control, and all that He does is right or good, whether we like it or agree with it or not (“I will bring distress on them”, 18). He is God, and He is good, and everything He does is for a good purpose.
4. Theme #2, that we are to surrender to God in His right and good purpose, again whether we like it or agree with it or not (“this is my sickness, and I must endure it”, 19). The best place for us to be is in submission to God and His good purpose.
5. Theme #3, that I am free to honestly and boldly petition God for mercy, for help, for a change in His plans (“correct me, Lord, but only with justice”). Having surrendered to God and His authority, we may nevertheless boldly state what we desire, what we need, even if it sounds presumptuous (was Jeremiah implying that the Lord would NOT correct them with justice?).
6. Jesus shows us these three themes in Gethsemane when He submits to God’s purpose, pleads for another way, yet in the end accepts God’s will.
APPLICATION:
1. I need to continually remind myself (until it is a stronghold in my heart and mind) that God is always right and good, and His purpose is always for the best. The best place for me each moment is surrendered to Him, yet I am free to boldly and honestly state my will, my desire.
2. In terms of my future, in terms of dealing with sickness or struggle (my own or those that I know and love), in terms of my circumstances, etc. Each day I must surrender again, and to honestly lay my petitions before Him, trusting that He will do what is right and good.
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that my life is not my own, and that it is not for me to direct my steps. Correct me Lord, but only with justice, not in Your anger, lest You reduce me to nothing. I surrender to You… Amen.