Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 27:1-10
1 Peter 3:1-7
Old Testament -
Song of Songs 4:1-7
Jeremiah 50
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Jeremiah 50:4-6
4 "In those days, at that time," declares the LORD, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the LORD their God. 5 They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. 6 My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place."
Insight:
God's plan for redemption is the deeper theme that runs below and beyond all of Jeremiah's words of judgment. When reading the Old Testament prophets, it can be a little wearisome reading all the woes. It's important to find the silver thread of hope and redemption that winds its way through the prophetic tapestry. God's desire was (and is) to move people from straying to seeking, from rejection to relationship, from corruption to covenant, and from roaming to resting.
Response & Action:
God is the source of life and blessing. Those who wander away from Him are bound to suffer loss and hardship. I need to be careful about who I follow, because some "shepherds" and "leaders" are going the wrong way. I must also be careful to not let pride or self-confidence cause me to lose sight of my need for God. I need to seek God with my whole heart, and turn my face toward Him.
O Great Shepherd, show me your ways and draw me to yourself. Don't let me stray from you, but instead, help me to find my path, my hope, my stability, and my rest in you. Lead me into truth and life through your Word, your Spirit, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: John 10:27-28
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
Resources:
Following After God
by Daniel Hill
