VERSE FOR TODAY: " This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says, "Listen!" (Jeremiah 19:15, New International Version)
HYMN FOR TODAY: "Trust and Obey"
When we read sermon texts of many of the church leaders in the past, the subject matter is often the condemnation of God upon the people for their sins. A frequent subject of Sunday and revival sermons was the judgement of God. Today, however, we are much more likely to hear sermons on the love of God. Love seems to tickle our ears more readily than hellfire.
I have frequently heard preachers say, "God loves you just as you are." Jeremiah seems to agree God loved the nation of Judah, and the people of Jerusalem sinful as they were, or He wouldn't have sent Jeremiah to speak to them. But he also point out tha there is a dark side to that love. In words of Julia ward Howe, God was trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored." To put it plainly, though God loved the sinful people of Judah, He did not want them to remain on their sin. God sought repentance and a changed heart from them. He reminded them in a powerful way that they must pay attention to His Words.
For me, it is comforting to know that God loves me. But it is challenging to know that He wants me to walk close enough to Jesus so that the nature of Jesus rubs off on me. To refuse is, in Martin Luther's words, "neither safe nor prudent."
PRAYER THOUGHTS: In our own preoccupation with happiness and the good life, helps us to be ever aware that the sunlight of Your Love is bright when we are close to You in heart and spirit. Teach us, O God, to listen to Your Words. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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