In Jeremiah 9:1-26, the prophet, began his lamentation because he saw the inevitable catastrophe coming to his country and people. God pronounced judgment over Jerusalem, and when God says something, He does it.
What they would face wasn't something that was going to
happen by accident or by chance, was going to be designed by God. It was not just one of those terrible and
inexplicable things that happen from time to time.
What they would face was going to be the direct judgment of
God. And it was this realization that was causing Jeremiah such sorrow. They
were bring this catastrophe on themselves.
It was not God being vindictive, it was them bringing this on
themselves.
The cross should be a revelation to our dull senses of the
pain that sin has brought to the heart of God our Creator. But, like in the time of Jeremiah, people
continue to ignore this fact.
When there comes the calamities that are sure to result from
our separation from God, it is said that God and “His soul [is] grieved for the
misery we bring on ourselves.' 'In all [our] affliction [God is] afflicted”. (Judges 10:16, Jeremiah 63:9)
Read Jeremiah
9:1-26,
tIt is about the prophet's sorrowful lament. Focus especially on Jeremiah
9:23-24.
Why are those words so relevant even to us today?
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither
let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his
riches: But let him that glorieth glory
in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which
exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in
these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
- People gain success and riches, but if they do not know God it is ultimately fruitless when it comes to death and eternity. All the riches in this world are worthless it you do not have a relationship with God.
- Wisdom, might, and riches all have their place, but to rely on these things, especially amid catastrophe, or when death looms, is fruitless, meaningless, and empty.
- People are told what really matters, and that is to know and to understand the loving kindness, the justice, and the righteousness of God.
- There is nothing else. Nothing can give us hope and comfort when everything earthly fails us.
What does the Cross tell us about the loving kindness, the justice, and the righteousness of God?
- God gave us His everything in order to save us. He gave his Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly sacrificed His life for us in order that we may be saved. All we need to do is repent and believe.
