Happy New Year! I hope that this post finds you each doing well and enjoying your day. It’s about time for me to head back into the office for a new semester, and I will admit that I will miss my extended morning quiet times. I have been enjoying coffee with the Father and studying in his word. This morning’s Bible reading was in the first six books of Jeremiah, and something that struck me was how often the phrase, “declares the Lord” was stated. Well of course, you might say, this is a book of prophecy. But the thought that ignited in my mind was why didn’t the people to whom Jeremiah was speaking respond? I highlighted 36 times where the scripture expressed this statement or a “Thus says the Lord” phrase. To me, it sounds as if the message Jeremiah was bringing was of utmost importance! However, the people did not respond to it as we read in scripture. They were deeply rooted in the evils and sins of the world around them. Taking a step back to consider this, the Lord was not seen as an authority in their lives as expressed in chapter five, verse 12:
“They have spoken falsely of the Lord and have said, ‘He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us, nor shall we see sword or famine.’”
Jeremiah 5:12 (ESV)
The next thought that came to mind was to ask myself – does this apply to me? We are blessed to live on this side of the cross under the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:9). However, do we fully see him as the authority in our lives? We are not called to be a perfect people. We are called to have hearts that long for heaven (Romans 8:18) Our path to glory can only be guided by the one who created it – God. We are so blessed to have the full inspired revelation of scripture at our fingertips to guide us (2 Timothy 3:16). We have the birds eye view from Creation to the Cross and on into the early church. The entirety of these accounts should be guided by the statement, “Declares the Lord” accompanied by a conviction of his authority to act on his promises.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Giving God the Glory 