Reflection
The Lord God restores us through His Son Jesus Christ. From among His people, God rises up His own Son to lead and rule over them. Jeremiah tells Israel of a time when the people will be carried away into captivity by surrounding nations as a result of their sin. Because the people choose to reject God and set themselves apart as His people, there would be a time when they would no longer be able to worship and live as God’s people freely. God would confirm the choices they had made against Him through His just and righteous punishment.
But Jeremiah’s prophecy does not end with the punishment of God’s people. Instead, he tells of a time when God would then restore the land which had been destroyed by other nations. His people would rebuild upon it and flourish in it. At this time, says Jeremiah, there would once again be sounds of thanksgiving and celebration to God. This would all be done through a ruler Who would be “one of them,” One Who would be able to “approach” God, and “risk His life” to do so. When Jesus Christ comes centuries after this prophecy, He fulfills the words of the prophet, appearing as a man from the line of Jacob, establishing a kingdom of His people on earth, approaching His Father for the sake of His people, and risking – and losing – His own life for us. By Christ, God establishes His Promise to Israel. Without Him, the people are left in ruin. But by Him every one of His own is restored to thanksgiving and celebration in His Presence. In and through Jesus Christ alone, we are God’s people, and He is our God.
Prayer
Father, it is by Your Mercy that we are pardoned. It is by Your Grace that we are set free. It is by Your Son that Your Love and Righteousness meet together in perfect harmony. Thank You for Your Son Jesus. Thank You for His Perfect Work. Thank You for the Sacrifice He gladly gave for me. Keep me from straying away from You, Lord. I have read and seen the futility of living for my own gain. Teach me and train me to turn over my whole life to You for Your sake, that I would enjoy Your Presence in fullness when we one day meet face to Holy Face. I pray these things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ my Savior, AMEN.
Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): James 5; Jeremiah 29-30; Psalm 133
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