Day 230

When Things Go Wrong

Read: Jeremiah 11-13

The concept of covenant is a very important one in the Bible. In fact, the Bible is the story of two covenants, the old one with Israel and the new one with the church. Covenant describes a relationship between God and humanity. God will be faithful to his side of the relationship and he calls upon us to be faithful to our side. But Israel constantly broke the covenant; she was unfaithful to God. Occasionally she would repent, only to turn back to the same old sins her forefathers had committed. Now as a result she is in serious trouble.

To be faithful does not mean we escape trouble. In chapter 12, Jeremiah is complaining to God. The wicked are still prospering, while Jeremiah is having difficulties. Instead of comforting Jeremiah, God basically said, “You haven’t seen anything yet.” Still more difficult times lay ahead for Jeremiah. God does not promise that life will be easy. But he calls us to faithfulness, promising that in the end all will be well.

Jeremiah sometimes used visual aids to make his point. Commanded by God he takes his waistcloth and places it in a damp place. As a result, it becomes soiled and moldy and then he wears it as a sign to Judah that God will “spoil the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem” (13:9). The message to ancient Judah and to us today is “Be not proud . . . Give glory to the Lord your God” (vv. 15-16).

PRAYER
Father, give us grace to be faithful and humble no matter what difficulties we must endure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.