Jeremiah in July
SRC Members and friends - and all others! - I’d like to invite you to read through Jeremiah with me this month. Each week I’ll note some prominent points of interest which we can then explore more deeply on our own.
Jeremiah remains one of my favorite books in the Bible, though it is often ignored in favor of other more prominent or shorter books. But just look at how many beautiful, memorable, and rich passages we find just in the first several chapters. Consider how astonishing and profound these words are:
Before you were born I consecrated you… I have put my words in your mouth…. Ch. 1
Israel has pursued emptiness and become empty… They have forsaken me, the Fountain of Living Waters to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water… Ch. 2
I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will feed you on knowledge and understanding… Ch. 4
Stand at the crossroads and ask for the ancient paths… – ch.6
O that my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears… – ch.9
Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his strength, let not the rich man boast of his riches: but let him who boasts boast about this, that he understands and knows Me… ch. 9
If you have run with the footmen and they have tired you out, then how can you run with the horses…? Ch. 12
Your words were found and I ate them and they became to me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart… ch. 15
The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart… ch. 17
Heal me O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved… ch. 17
Go the Potter’s house…. – ch. 18
I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope… - ch. 29
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. - ch. 29
Don’t miss chapter 17 in reference to God’s sovereign grace and your assurance of salvation. “Heal me and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved” the prophet cries. Notice that salvation and wholeness are God’s initiative and when he acts his work is certain to be accomplished. If God acts to save, then salvation is certain: “Save me and I will be saved…” The outcome of God’s work in our lives rests not with anything in our disposition but with the power of the One who acts on our behalf to deliver. The patient recovers not because he or she is a good patient but because the Great Physician is so excellent: “Heal me and I will be healed.”
Keep a pen and highlighter handy as you read through Jeremiah. These are words to let sink down deep into your soul to renew your mind, assure your heart, and strengthen your faith. Thank you for reading along with me.