Through the Bible: JeremiahSample

God’s Judgment and God’s Purpose

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: You saw the great disaster I brought on Jerusalem and on all the towns of Judah. Today they lie deserted and in ruins because of the evil they have done. They aroused my anger by burning incense to and worshiping other gods that neither they nor you nor your ancestors ever knew.

Jeremiah 44:2-3 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

We can see in this passage that the Israelites refused to learn any lessons from all the destruction their sins caused, namely their idolatry. To fail to learn from failure is to assure future failure. Our past is our school of experience. When challenges and difficulties strike us, it forces us to examine our life and we should take a close look at God’s instructions for us and be willing to humbly apply what we find there. We also can learn some insights about God and His plan for His people. God loves His people and wants everyone to come to Him. God is holy and He will not tolerate sin. God’s judgments are based on fairness and justice. God does not delight in judgment but in salvation. God is impartial and He judges everyone with the same standard. Therefore, we should come to God with reverence and fear and obey Him. 

Prayer

Father God, please help us in our weakness, and to lean not on our own understanding but come before You with reverence and fear. Help us to walk into Your will and purpose. May we live a holy life that is pleasing to You and glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.