Lent 2014 - March 23

MARCH 23 – Jeremiah 7:23-24
By: Russ Hauck

23 But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

The obvious interpretation of these verses is that God is demanding obedience. But we can read this passage through resurrection eyes. Notice that verse 23 doesn’t say “Walk in the way I command you – or else!” It says “…that it may be well with you.” God seems to be saying, “I have been sending you many prophets and giving you commandments and instruction for your own good.” But the Israelites did not listen to God, or “incline their ear,” but instead “they walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts.”

Yet, even through their “disobedience,” God did not give up on his people. God kept his promise, in
spite of their (our) intransigence. God sent Jesus to live among us and to walk with us. Each and every day, we are supported and renewed by knowing that God is with us. And, with that understanding, we are always looking ahead toward the cross and resurrection… and moving forward.

Prayer
Most gracious and loving Lord, we pray that you will give us ears to hear, a will and determination to walk in your counsel, and a heart that glows with your faithfulness and love. Amen.