This chapter has a few themes: a condemnation for the sin of God’s people, a reminder of who God is and why we should trust in Him, Jeremiah prays for deliverance, and finally a reminder to keep the Sabbath day set aside for time with God.
” ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water… and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.’ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’ ” (v5-10 abr)
Did you know that the visible attitudes and behaviors people express are outward representations of their inner beliefs, experiences, and perspectives? If someone is defiant, ornery, quick-tempered, etc., this stems from deep within. It’s also true that if someone is the generous, kindhearted, loving, etc., that also stems from their beliefs / perspectives. This is why when we have Jesus / the Holy Spirit within our heart, and believe in helping build Christ’s kingdom, our outward expressions are often much different than someone who doesn’t believe those things.
This passage reminds us that even though our attitudes and behaviors cannot grant us salvation, they do directly correlate to our experience of blessing / curse in this lifetime (and in eternity). Let’s remember that God, our benevolent and generous Creator, longs to bless us beyond our imaginations, and will one day blow our minds with the ultimate blessing of His full presence. In the mean time, God still blesses us and our neighbors if we honor, glorify, and obey Him.
Just a reminder that we can fully share God’s blessing with those around us (in fact, it is requested of us) because God’s blessing is far too bountiful for any one person to receive it all. This blessing includes (but is not limited to) the forgiveness available to us through Christ Jesus’ blood. Why wouldn’t we want to share that with someone? All it costs us is a little effort.
Father God, our Holy Creator and Most High Lord, we thank You for Your immense and overflowing blessings. Thank you for sharing Yourself and salvation with us, so we may share You with our neighbors. May we never stop spreading the kingdom message and blessings to those who are poor in spirit. In the name of Jesus our King and Savior we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training