He is unfailing love. He will heal. He wants us to return. He wants to give us gifts. He is just. He protects us. He will deliver. He speaks. He satisfies. He doesn’t finish us off. He forgives. He is powerful. He is the foundation.
In evangelism we often describe how a holy judge cannot just forgive sin and still be just. Transgression must be punished. Here in Jeremiah God makes that same point clear. Israel has been wayward, evil and unjust to the poor, going after false gods and claiming God does not see. “Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the Lord.
Just as the prophets often needed deliverance from enemies and Paul asked for prayer that he would be delivered so too many of our brothers and sisters around the world need deliverance. I am ashamed to say I often do not pray as if I were right there with them. I too have idols to serve such as work quotas and the esteem of colleagues. I need to destroy these oppressive false gods and obey the only true God
4:1-2 challenged me today. In my returning to God, when I realize I’ve sinned or fallen away in some regard, I (myself) have to remove the idols. He doesn’t. It has to be decisive, unwavering commitment to the Lord, in truth, justice, and righteousness. It cannot be from false pretenses or with alternative motives. It is strictly to make Yahweh the Lord of my life, to say that there is no other.
The picture of physically removing idols is not obvious in our culture, but nonetheless we have things (activities, relationships, alliances, obligations, addictions) that we put before Him, and sometimes we need to do something physical to make a change reminding us who we really say is Lord of our lives. It will look different for each of us! Thinking about this today as the Lord showed me something I’ve been putting too much energy & worry into. It’s mostly in my mind—how do I remove that idol then? Praying for you all today!
I’m convicted by Jeremiah to have no other gods. I too often run to food instead of praying. Oh Lord, circumcise my heart and may i be set apart for you! In relationship with God, not “religion”.
Amen! Thank you for this. I struggle on the same thing.. running to food for comfort and my heart needs to be aware that it’s comfort and stronghold is Jesus and no other! Thank you sister!
I have LOVED reading Romans with you ladies. I’ve never given it my full attention (I’m sure I missed stuff even this time around!). and now tomorrow is our last chapter in Romans and I’m not ready for it to end! I’ll have to revisit after we finish the Bible at the first of the year :)
Rom 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
May I reach out to people in my life with this as my foundation, my core. If Christ is with us and in us, if we “put on Christ, “(Rom 14:13) then we can pray that the full blessing of Christ is apparent in our actions. Happy Thursday Friends!
God is good! Thank you God for covering me in your presence. I love you!
He is unfailing love. He will heal. He wants us to return. He wants to give us gifts. He is just. He protects us. He will deliver. He speaks. He satisfies. He doesn’t finish us off. He forgives. He is powerful. He is the foundation.
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. – Romans 15:33
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“I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” Another awesome example of humility.
In evangelism we often describe how a holy judge cannot just forgive sin and still be just. Transgression must be punished. Here in Jeremiah God makes that same point clear. Israel has been wayward, evil and unjust to the poor, going after false gods and claiming God does not see. “Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the Lord.
12Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say,
“‘Return, faithless Israel,
declares the Lord.
I will not look on you in anger,
for I am merciful,
declares the Lord;
I will not be angry forever.
❤️
Just as the prophets often needed deliverance from enemies and Paul asked for prayer that he would be delivered so too many of our brothers and sisters around the world need deliverance. I am ashamed to say I often do not pray as if I were right there with them. I too have idols to serve such as work quotas and the esteem of colleagues. I need to destroy these oppressive false gods and obey the only true God
4:1-2 challenged me today. In my returning to God, when I realize I’ve sinned or fallen away in some regard, I (myself) have to remove the idols. He doesn’t. It has to be decisive, unwavering commitment to the Lord, in truth, justice, and righteousness. It cannot be from false pretenses or with alternative motives. It is strictly to make Yahweh the Lord of my life, to say that there is no other.
The picture of physically removing idols is not obvious in our culture, but nonetheless we have things (activities, relationships, alliances, obligations, addictions) that we put before Him, and sometimes we need to do something physical to make a change reminding us who we really say is Lord of our lives. It will look different for each of us! Thinking about this today as the Lord showed me something I’ve been putting too much energy & worry into. It’s mostly in my mind—how do I remove that idol then? Praying for you all today!
❤️
I’m convicted by Jeremiah to have no other gods. I too often run to food instead of praying. Oh Lord, circumcise my heart and may i be set apart for you! In relationship with God, not “religion”.
Amen! Thank you for this. I struggle on the same thing.. running to food for comfort and my heart needs to be aware that it’s comfort and stronghold is Jesus and no other! Thank you sister!
Jer 3:14. Anyone know why God says He will “take one from a city and two of a family and bring you to Zion”. Instead of all of them?
I think it’s referring to the fact that when the Israelites end up in captivity, only a remnant return, both to God and to Israel.
I have LOVED reading Romans with you ladies. I’ve never given it my full attention (I’m sure I missed stuff even this time around!). and now tomorrow is our last chapter in Romans and I’m not ready for it to end! I’ll have to revisit after we finish the Bible at the first of the year :)
It is our duty to spread the word of God – amen!
Rom 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
May I reach out to people in my life with this as my foundation, my core. If Christ is with us and in us, if we “put on Christ, “(Rom 14:13) then we can pray that the full blessing of Christ is apparent in our actions. Happy Thursday Friends!
God’s power is so unmeasurable, so glad to know the one true King!! I am forever grateful for His endless love!