For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.’” vs. 7
Jeremiah 31:7-9
It’s hard to determine the context of these verses, but it seems likely that they are part of an oracle that was proclaimed shortly after the leading families of Judah were taken to Babylon to live in exile. Not everyone was taken, some had fled to Egypt, but others continued to live in the ruins of Jerusalem. And they never stopped hoping! Some continued to gather for worship and sing praises to the Lord, hoping against hope that a remnant of Israel could be saved and one day the exiles would return. Everything had been destroyed–but their faith remained. The story is touching, and a reminder of the resiliency that has always been a part of our heritage as God’s people. That confidence or trust in God is one thing that endures, even when every other part of our lives has fallen about. We are ravaged by death, divorce, disease, and natural disasters, and still we keep looking to God for our deliverance. That faith gene, or whatever it is, seems indispensable for our continued existence, and will doubtless endure for all generations. It’s the one part of our essence that is indestructible, and that’s something that should make all humans sing aloud with gladness.
Thought for the Day: Could my faith ever be destroyed?
0 Comments