JEREMIAH 5,6

Jeremiah 5-6 February 4, 2010

I have missed two weeks. My left knee has be surgically replaced with an artificial device. Recovery and rehabilitation is progressing with some discomfort and complications. I could have done without the first two weeks. They were painful and not much fun. Monday (2/15/2010) I begin out patient therapy to achieve full use of the new knee. Right now it is still somewhat painful, stiff with limited range of motion and weak. Perhaps I will not complete the write ups for the missing weeks. Sorry about that missing information. I hope you all continue to read along and study the material anyway. The intermingling of Jeremiah and Corinthians should prove to be very revealing. It especially reveals the constant and unchanging nature of out God and Creator.

In Jeremiah 5-6 we hear again about how the Israelites turn away from God when then begin to fall back on their own understanding. They erroneously believe they can control their own lives and pick and choose their own gods. The fleshly life is appealing to them. They forget who created them and took care of them as individuals and as a nations for these many years. We can be very critical of their actions. But, we should be reminded how very much like them we are. God has a reason for our existence and is very jealous. While he loves us (His creation) very much, He will not tolerated disobedience. His wrathful judgement is inevitable. And because He loves us and will not be turned away form His objectives, He will allow and even cause the penalties of disobedience to be meted out on His people.

We may think that His actions are unjustified and not necessary. But, He is the sovereign creator and He will not be thwarted in His will to achieve His final objectives. His actions are often about our salvation. Remember it is His will and His alone to determine and choose who will be saved and who will be rejected. It is not our choice. We can fight His will, but, we cannot overcome or overturn His will. Therefore, I believe His actions are about much more than salvation. His plan and His goals are mostly about building His Kingdom. He desperately wants us to be part of the building and part of the end result of His plan. In His efforts, He only withholds one thing. And, that is the final choosing to be on the team. He will not put us on the team using His infinite power. He is leaving that choice to us.

As you read and study Jeremiah and Corinthians, see if you can see how He is calling you and I to be on the team.

I pray that my decision to have my knee replaced (an elective procedure) is in God’s will. And, as a result of the surgery I will become a more effective member of His team. How do your daily actions and decisions affect your ability to choose to be a faithful and effective member of God’s team?