10.27.09
Encouragement From Jeremiah
I have been reading through the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. If I want to be honest I have to admit it is a very depressing book. God is fed up. He has had enough. He is tired of the Israelites, His chosen people, turning their backs on Him. Do you want to know how mad God is with this rebellious people? Take a look at these verses: Jeremiah 7:16, 11:14, and 14:11. Three times God commands Jeremiah to not even pray for the Israelites. Can you imagine that? God Himself telling someone not to pray for someone else! I don’t know about you, but if I made God that mad at me I would be VERY worried! I hope you can begin to grasp the gravity of the situation that God’s people are in. They have walked far away from God. Their lives are filled with greed, immorality, injustice, anger, selfishness, lies and murder. However, even in this situation there is hope. Take some time and look at Jeremiah 16:14ff; 23:3ff; 30-31; 32:36ff; and chapter 33. In these passages we find God promising to restore Israel. Yes, He is going to severely discipline them. Yes, He is going to allow their sin to cause pain and suffering. But, He will restore them.
Maybe you have been walking the same path the Israelites did. Maybe God is in the process of disciplining you right now. Let me encourage you to turn to God and say, “I’m sorry.” He is waiting to restore you. He wants to wrap His arms around you and tell you that He loves you. No matter what you have done God will never abandon you. He will let you walk away. He will discipline you if you go to far. But, He will never leave you or forsake you if you belong to Him. This has encouraged me this week and I hope it will encourage you. We serve an awesome God!!
Tammy said,
October 27, 2009 at 11:59 am
Jeremiah was the book I read while on vacation in August. Yeah, big bummer! I too love the thought that no matter what, God loves us and wants restoration. Thanks for the encouragement!
P.S. The gizzards vs. livers debate is leaning towards the gizzard side. The gizzard people have just never had ‘em like momma use to make them….pan fried with bacon and onions. Mmmmm Mmmmmm!
Thomas said,
October 27, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Livers. definently livers.
Dean Reynolds said,
October 27, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Great thoughts to ponder. Praying for you my friend! And yes it is gizzards, hands down. Max can cook me some of those anytime too!!
Marie Taylor said,
October 27, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I have to say livers, although I love gizzards also, but livers are the best. Thank you so much for giving us so much to ponder, pray about through your blog. Marie
Thomas said,
October 28, 2009 at 9:04 am
livers hands down livers.
Tammy said,
October 28, 2009 at 9:45 am
OK, so I guess I was a little unclear. I meant to say that the gizzard people have never had LIVERS like momma used to make or they would be liver people too. I am definitely voting for livers!
jack said,
October 28, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I WOULDN’T TOUCH EITHER ONE WITH A TEN FOOT FORK
Marsha Wicker said,
October 29, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I like both. My Mama made gizzard stew with onions and gravy. Yum-m-m-m
Joe Lage said,
October 30, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Thank you for the words of encouragement! That came at just the right time for me… I love how God knows what we need to hear, and when and who we need to hear them from.
p.s. about this whole livers gizzards debate… I have never eaten’ either and do not plan on it EVER! So don’t feel to pressured into trying them. We’ll except you for who you are in Gods eyes, not what you eat… (What goes into your mouth is not as important as what comes out of it…) Your friend,
Joe Lage
Chris Moore said,
November 15, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I know my response is far from immediate, but I feel that Jeremiah is a beautiful word of encouragement. I think Jeremiah is a man we can draw much understanding from. His character is steadfast in the face of never having things go right. What’s more, He was called to preach to the dry bones with promise that those words would not return void. Though he did not see this return fully in his lifetime, the words He spoke were the very words of God and still have impact on our hearts thousands of years later. As dreary as Jeremiah may seem, much like Ecclesiastes or a few of the minor prophets’ writings, they speak of something deeper; something that does not necessitate excitement and cheer, nor exclude them, but something that stays true through all expanses of emotion. The word of God is living, in thick and thin, hard and easy, down-trodden and lifted-up. Christ’s call rings clear.
Thanks for the word. And thank you for utilizing this blog. I personally have not had the opportunity to hear you preach, though I look forward to it. I would also love to discuss your views on Old Testament Soteriology in relation to grace, law, and promise. Thanks again.