Readings for today: Jeremiah 21-24
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a matter of life and death. It’s not just a philosophy. It’s not just a set of abstract ideas. It’s not just a solid ethical system. Our life and the lives of those we love and the lives of those we live among in our communities rest on whether or not we believe in the truth of Jesus, follow the way of Jesus, and receive the life of Jesus. Our problem, as Christians, is that we too often forget this fundamental fact. We too often believe the gospel is an accessory to our lives rather than the very thing on which our lives depend.
Jeremiah understood this fundamental fact. He knew the reason why Judah found herself in such dire straits was because they had abandoned the Lord. They had forgotten the covenant. They no longer walked in God’s ways nor did they follow God’s commands. As such, they had lost their distinctiveness. They had lost their exalted position among the nations as God’s chosen people and treasured possession. So God treats them like He does any other pagan nation. “I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a strong arm, with anger, fury, and intense wrath.” (Jeremiah 21:5 CSB) These are hard words. Harsh words. Words that disturb us because we don’t like to think about God in this way. We don’t like to think about God’s judgment. We simply do not take Him seriously enough.
Thankfully, even in the midst of His terrifying judgment, God provides a way out. He provides a way of escape. “But tell this people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live and will retain his life like the spoils of war.” (Jeremiah 21:8-9 CSB) The way of life and the way of death. This is what God offers His people and it’s what God offers us as well. There is a way to escape the judgment. There is a way to escape the violence, famine, and plague. The people of Judah must humble themselves and surrender to their enemies. For us, the way is through faith in Jesus Christ. Through faith, we escape eternal judgment and damnation. We escape the fires of hell where a fate much worse than what Judah faced awaits all who reject the Lord.
God doesn’t just provide a way of escape. He also provides a way forward. A pathway to the future. A highway full of hope and promise. “This is what the Lord says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from his oppressor. Don’t exploit or brutalize the resident alien, the fatherless, or the widow. Don’t shed innocent blood in this place. For if you conscientiously carry out this word, then kings sitting on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palace riding on chariots and horses, they, their officers, and their people. But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by myself - this is the Lord’s declaration - that this house will become a ruin.” (Jeremiah 22:2-5 CSB) The way of life begins today. It begins this side of eternity. It begins right here, right now, in our day to day lives. Everyday we have the opportunity to treat others with justice and righteousness. To rescue those who have been oppressed. To comfort those who have been exploited. To care for and advocate for the alien, fatherless, and widow. If we are intentional about following God’s ways then He will hear and see from heaven and renew our lives and our families and our communities and our nation. But if we choose to turn a blind eye or walk away or not step into what He is calling us to then we will experience ruin. Again, the gospel is a matter of life and death.
Jesus, of course, believed the gospel was a matter of life and death. It was the reason for which He came and this is the hope Jeremiah points His people to even in the midst of all the death and destruction. “Look, the days are coming - this is the Lord’s declaration - when I will raise up a Righteous Branch for David. He will reign wisely as king and administer justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. This is the name he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 CSB) The great news of the gospel is that Messiah has come! The Christ is here! He lived. He died. He rose again. And He now lives and reigns in glory until He comes again to judge the living and the dead. Believe the truth of Jesus! Follow the way of Jesus! Receive the life of Jesus! This is what it means to be saved!
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 25-28