Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ who leads to New Vision

Jeremiah 30: 1-10
Vs. 10: For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them.

Jeremiah, known as the 'weeping prophet', is one of the major prophets whose ministry began in the 13th year of the reign of King Josiah in Judea. He continued his ministry throughout the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. This prophecy came to Jeremiah just before the destruction of Israel and God asks him to prophesize the destruction of Israel and Judah due to their unholy living. God commands Jeremiah to write down the words that will be spoken next indicating that it talks about a distant future after the days of Jeremiah. 

Mercy and covenant faithfulness triumph over the judgment and wrath of God
As we read the book we feel that God has cast off his chosen people. When we turn our ways away from the will of God, we invite trouble into our lives, either immediately or in the distant future. We seldom realize it until everything goes out of control. Though God foretold the great trouble for the people of Israel and Judah, yet He also promises to save those who obey Him. Hence the second part of the book is also called 'the book of Consolation' as it describes the abundant blessings and redemption for the people if they turn to God and that they would be restored to the promised land. In spite of all the transgressions we have been through, we have a God whose mercy and covenant faithfulness triumphs over all the wrath and anger for going away from Him.

God has forgiven many of the leaders in the Old Testament in spite of committing mistakes - King David for instance. We are all weak in our flesh and are probably even suffering the consequences of many wrong decisions we took in the past. Though the troubles we are in today may last long, but they will never last forever. Jesus' blood purifies us of all our sins and we have the chance to accept our mistakes and turn away from it. Living according to the Will of God promises a life filled with peace and contentment. We need to become more and more conscious each day to identify even the slightest deviations from God's command. It clearly will be evident in the intentions behind our actions which no one else can discern except ourselves. But God knows it all. If our intention is not right, it is better to seek forgiveness from God and never take that step. Let us together work towards restoring the world that God wants us to in our hearts first and in the world around.
 
Prayer
Lord, help us build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Amen
 
Thought for the Day
"If your world today seems confusing, be comforted by the words of the Prophets of God who have told you what the future holds for you as a Child of God" - David Jeremiah

Dr. Elizabeth Jacob
The Mar Thoma Church. Staten Island

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