DAILY READING
God's Promises Delivered
By Elaine Pierce
I was surprised that today's scripture reading seemed to be backwards: shouldn't we read Jeremiah chapter 31 before chapter 36? One commentator I read said this about the book of Jeremiah:
The events of chapter 36 account for the patchwork quilt shape and nonchronological order of the book of Jeremiah. For instance, if this book were in chronological order, chapter 45 would come in between 36:8 and 36:9. [Serendipity Bible for Groups].
The bulk of today's reading is from chapter 36, and we read about how the King Jehoaikim burned every scroll that Jeremiah prepared for him. These scrolls contained words of the Lord, and they urged the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the Lord. Jehoaikim and his attendants "showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes" when they heard these words (v. 24). But Jeremiah rewrote the scrolls, with the help of his loyal scribe, Baruch.
King Jehoaikim thought that he did not have to listen to his prophet, and he ignored God's warnings to repent. Read the rest of this chapter to find out what happened to him. Suffice it to say, he died a terrible death.
But let's not end this devotion without a look at Jeremiah 32:37-41. We, like the ancient Israelites, often go astray. We follow our own way, and we fail to live our lives in service to God. But a day will come, God tells us, when He "will forgive our wickedness and will remember our sins no more (v. 34)." God will make a new covenant with us, and we know that covenant has been made through Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. We won't need to refer to this covenant on a scroll or in a book. Read these words and meditate on them:
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time.....I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, now the Lord, because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest," declares the Lord. (v. 33-34).
What a day that will be! Plan for that day, pray for that day, live for that day. It is coming - he has promised, and he always keeps his promises.
PRAYER
Lord, I am so often slow to obey and quick to find fault. Help me today to thank you for all you have done in my life and all you will do. You are the potter; I am the clay. What a day it will be when ALL will know you - and rejoice in your presence. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Elaine, I read this twice this morning. Thank you. What a perfect picture of hope for our tomorrows.