Saturday, August 25, 2012

Jeremiah 46-48

Daily Reading
Jeremiah 46-48

Daily Thought

He who flees from the terror
    shall fall into the pit,
and he who climbs out of the pit
    shall be caught in the snare. ~Jeremiah 48:44

Out of the frying pan, into the fire, you just don't mess with God. God has used the enemies of Israel to discipline his children, and he now turns his attention toward these same enemies: the Egyptians and the Philistines, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, and finally Babylon. Lest they exalt themselves against the God of Israel, the Lord executes the judgment he promised to those who would harm the children of Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3). 

God wields a just sword against those opposed to righteousness, but even then, Jeremiah's  compassion cries out and questions, "Ah, sword of the Lord! How long till you are quiet? Put yourself into your scabbard; rest and be still!" (Jeremiah 47:6). The answer follows immediately, "How can it be quiet when the Lord has given it a charge?" (Jeremiah 47:7). These nations desired neither grace nor God, and thus, the sword.  To forfeit justice is to cheapen grace; grace is only beautiful if justice is true.

Daily Prayer

Righteous God of Justice, You are holy. Thank You for salvation, because I deserve Your wrath. My righteousness does not measure up - it is as filthy rags. And my unrighteousness, well, I'm good at that. You have covered my sin by the blood of Your Son. There is, therefore, now no condemnation because the righteousness of Your Son is now mine. Praise God.

Amen

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