Jeremiah 16-17; Colossians 4:2-18
Psalm 118:17-29 contains several important truths that we need to apply to our daily lives and practices. We see here that the LORD “chastens” us (verse 18), which only means that He disciplines us – developing, refining, and stretching our character – so that we might grow more like His Son. Discipline is the “daily gate” through which He ultimately leads us to righteousness and salvation. A more important principle we can learn here is that God is able to reverse any situation that is inconsistent with His will. We see this clearly in the cornerstone motif (verses 22-23). Notice – “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (verse 22). The Lord isn’t limited by either the builders or the building materials. Whereas, the builders [i.e., the Israelites] rejected their Cornerstone [i.e., their Messiah], God completely overruled them and established Jesus Christ as the capstone of our faith – whether the builders liked it or not. Earlier, when we read the book of Esther, we saw that “the king’s edict was to be carried out by the enemies of the Jews, but on that day the tables were turned” (cf., Esther 9:1). Who turned them? Certainly, the tables did not turn themselves; by His unseen hand, “the LORD has done this” (verse 22). God answers prayer. He turns the tables however He likes – just like “He directs the heart of the king like a river – wherever He pleases” (cf., Proverbs 21:1). He takes us from our sins and makes us righteous. The Psalmist also informs us that “this is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (verse 22). We should “thank God, praise Him, and exalt Him” because “all His ways are good, and because His love endures forever” (verses 21-29).
Again in Jeremiah 16-17, we see some of the heartbreaking details of God’s revelation to Jeremiah about His continued judgment upon Israel. He told Jeremiah, “I have withdrawn my blessing, my love, and my pity from this people” (verse 5). Why? God answers this question – “It is because your fathers forsook me … and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They did not keep my law … and you have behaved more wickedly than your fathers” (verses 11-12). Under such circumstances, about the only thing that God can do is to pour out His wrath. Yesterday, we asked the question, “Who wants to live in a land like that?” Yet, our own land is quickly becoming like ancient Judah. Culturally and nationally, we are standing close to that invisible line where God withdraws His forgiveness for sin, and His wrath begins. And if He so judged His chosen people, how can we think He won’t judge us in like manner? In chapter 17, we read a major truth from Jeremiah – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (verse 9). We need to understand that our Lord – the One Who turns the tables – is our only hope!
Colossians 4:2-18 emphasizes the importance of prayer, which enables us to be “watchful and thankful” (verse 2). At the end of this section, Paul honors a host of fellow workers who assisted him in his ministry, and then He closes this book with the bittersweet request that his readers “remember his chains” (verse 18). This is a good exhortation – we need to “remember” to pray regularly and faithfully for those Christians who still live throughout the world “in chains” today – whatever form those chains may take. Miraculously, God can turn the tables and remove their shackles.
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