Friday February 26, 2021

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-11

“This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Correct your ways and your deeds, and I will allow you to live in this place.”

Jeremiah 7:3

Reflection: God is merciful. Under the refuge of God’s Mercy, all can rest in complete safety. Even as He chastises those who have gone astray, we see the perfect Mercy of God Who calls out to those who have sinned against Him. God is merciful, but does not wait forever for the unwilling to return to Him. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God speaks of a time when those who reject His Mercy will be subject to His Judgment.

The place where we are protected from God’s Judgment is in His Mercy. For His Mercy is what has prompted God to save His people in the first place. Temple buildings, religious symbols, and rituals are not saving acts that ensure our salvation. They are not in and of themselves our source of refuge and strength. Instead, these things are mere reminders of the God Who, by His Mercy, saves. And so, instead of faithfulness to places and rituals, God looks for His people’s faithfulness to Him: fruits of repentance, signs of His covenant which are evident in the way that His people treat Him and others. Through those who receive God’s Mercy, His faithful Love is shown to others. Stealing, murder, adultery, and lies have no place among His people. Neither does the worship of other gods, which diminishes the love that should be shown to the Lord. God protects us in the shelter of His Mercy not so that we can take advantage of His blessings, but so that we can choose to be more faithful to Him.

Prayer: Merciful God, You deserve all praise because Your Compassion upon Your people never fails. Even when we go astray, You remain faithful to keep Your promises. Thank You for Your great Mercy. Thank You for being so Good. If it weren’t for Your Mercy upon me, I would be lost. By this Mercy, Lord, please help me to remain faithful to You. Teach me and train me to show to others that blessed relationship that we share. Move me, Lord, to reflect towards others the Love of Christ that You’ve first shown me. I ask all of these things in thanks and praise to You. In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): 2 Timothy 2; Jeremiah 7-8; Psalm 122