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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You asked your people, “Do you not fear me? Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea…though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it” (Jer 5:22). Your mighty power is seen in your control of the earth, and I honor you as the Majesty on high! I come before your throne with reverence and awe, and I say from my heart, “Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives rain in its season” (Jer 5:24)! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of Jeremiah’s ministry as your “prophet to the nations” (Jer 1:5). Earlier, you had shown Jeremiah a vision of a boiling pot, tilting toward Judah from the north. It symbolized the armies of Babylon, which would soon come and besiege Jerusalem (Jer 1:13–16). You now gave Jeremiah a vivid experience of what that future judgment would be like. “In that day, declares the Lord, courage shall fail both king and officials. The priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded” (Jer 4:9). The people would hear of the enemy and panic: “Our hands fall helpless; anguish has taken hold of us, pain as of a woman in labor” (Jer 6:24). The devastation Jeremiah saw was so great that he cried out: “My heart, my heart—I writhe in pain! My heart pounds within me! I cannot be still. For I have heard the blast of enemy trumpets and the roar of their battle cries” (Jer 4:19 NLT). Why did you paint such a terrible picture of the coming destruction of Jerusalem? Because you wanted your people to repent! “O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you? Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jer 4:14; 6:16). This teaches me that you are always reaching out to sinners, calling them to return to you. If I would be like you, dear Father, I will do the same. Give me a burden for the lost! May your words so fill me that I am compelled to proclaim the gospel! The work may try my soul as it did Jeremiah’s, but help me to press on to win the lost for you! Reflection The next time I think I’m too small and insignificant to make a difference, I need to remember what you said to Jeremiah: “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city” (Jer 5:1 NIV). Request Father, no matter what anyone else does, I want to be that one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth! Help me to stand firm in the faith and to be a godly example to my family and friends. Thanksgiving Thank you for the warning you gave Jeremiah for all the nations (Jer 6:18–19). If I’m wise, I will learn from the destruction of your people, for your judgment is coming to all the earth! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Would Be True” — Howard A. Walter. Meditation Verse: Jeremiah 6:16. |