The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

FORGETTING WHERE YOU COME FROM

God’s people forgot all that God had done for them. They became proud and arrogant, and God loved them too much to let them remain in that pitiful condition. Sometimes hard words are required to break a hard heart, and that is exactly what God provided here.

God’s people, living in Jerusalem, had forgotten where they came from. God reminded them of their hopeless past and all that he did for them to bring them to where they were: he had rescued them like an abandoned newborn child, unwashed and left exposed to the elements to die. A baby like that is utterly dependent upon the mercy of another to intervene and save, and God reminded them that he alone had rescued his people and given them life and blessing.

Centuries later Jesus spoke harsh words to the self-assured people living in Jerusalem. He warned them against the dangers of taking their right standing with God for granted. Jesus even went as far as to tell the religious leaders that they did not align themselves with God, but Satan (Jn 8:44) — harsh words for hard hearts. Because of their sin, the religious leaders in Jesus’ day had once again become like a helpless infant, abandoned and at the mercy of the elements.

Believers today also do well to remember God’s mercy to them in Jesus’ work on the cross. Remembering where they came from and understanding where they are in Christ leads believers to humility and gratitude.

Jesus, protect me from the sin of self-assurance. I know that without you, I would be nothing. Amen.