Jeremiah

I am still making my way through Jeremiah.

My immersion in the book has allotted me a bitter taste of Judah’s rebellion against God, and also mingled God’s unrelenting judgment with the sweet flavor of His mercy. He ever continues to call His people to return to Him.

Observations (continued…):

1) God’s absolute and perfect holiness is past my understanding, yet infinitely central to Who He is. Though I can’t put my mind around its essence, this book solidly affirms the seriousness and fearful ramification of God’s incomparable perfection.

This spotlights for me the wonder of His grace in the gospel. The gaping magnitude of my sin, a breach of his holiness so vast it is indescribable, is covered by the infinite righteousness of Christ. And He gives it to me…freely.

2) God’s purposes prevail amid humanity’s deepest depravity. Judah’s continual violation of God’s demands and her whoring after other gods result in Babylon’s siege and subsequent captivity of the nation of Judah. This pagan nation, acting of its own evil agenda and free will, is ultimately one of God’s pawns in a big picture intended to display his covenant love and faithfulness. And even Judah's (Israel's) unfaithfulness will eventually set the stage for a grafting of Gentiles into God's family

This reality highlights the grand splendor of God’s power and brilliance, enabling even the evil intentions of man to work toward His righteous end. Do I need fear any act of man, any evil even of Satan himself? My darkest, unspeakable fears, in the end, are hostage to God’s intentions for His glory and my good.

3) Jeremiah’s most popular verse, 29:11, is not a present declaration, but a future promise. It speaks of a reality over 70 years into the future: First, however, Judah would endure exile and captivity. Have I lusted after its promise (of welfare & prosperity) for me in my life right now?

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me, and come and pray to me. And I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

The present is so often my primary concern and most intense focus. God’s perspective sees and his design wraps the present into His grand design for the future . Fulfillment of what is best often foregoes a pleasant today for a richer tomorrow. May I rest content in His timetable, and not force God by demanding tomorrow’s intended blessings be today’s unripe fruit.