Jeremiah
34-36; Psalm 119:137-144
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As
I was reading this section of Psalm 119 today I could imagine the words coming
from Jeremiah.
“Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they
are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your
words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your
servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your
precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is
true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your
commands are my delight.
Your statutes are forever right; give me
understanding that I may live.”
This
was not just a job for Jeremiah to do … it was his life. He dedicated his whole life to listening
to God and spreading God’s message.
Because God’s message was not what people wanted to hear at that time, they hated Jeremiah and tried to harm him and imprison him. But just as God told him from the very
beginning, He was with Jeremiah and He protected him. In chapter 37 when the king had commanded for Jeremiah to be
arrested it says that God had hidden him.
It
seems like such an amazing thing to be chosen to be the spokesperson for
God. But at the same time, I can’t
imagine the toll it took on Jeremiah to constantly be hated and ignored. I can’t imagine how he felt watching
His people and nation get destroyed because they wouldn’t listen.
He
had to cling to God’s promises and trust in His Word and His plan. No matter what stress or hardship or
abuse he experienced he could find delight in God’s Truth. It sounds a little strange to find joy
in commands and laws. But there is
such freedom, joy, peace, and wisdom that come when we follow God’s way.
Praying
today: God, “The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand
it so I can live to the fullest.” (Psalm 119:144
The Message)
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