Gone Before

{Jeremiah 10}

Our steps always end up going the wrong direction, no matter how hard we try…
Because “the way of man is not in himself.”*

Our only security is to follow the footsteps of Him who has gone before.

Embedded for centuries they stand unsullied, undamaged. They are engraved on a path strewn with rocks, sprinkled with blood and hedged about by thorns. Yet to the one who will closely examine the narrow track, they are there—ready to feel the tread of yet another soldier plant their feet firmly in their impress.

They will endure forever—a testimony to the One who has gone before…

*{Jeremiah 10:23}

His Glory; Our Song

{Jeremiah 9}

Heart-melting…
Thorough testing…
Lessons in true wisdom…
The hidden gift of adversity…

Yes, these are His means for shaping soldiers. True soldiers.
And it is when we are smelted in His crucible that we learn our human wisdom is futile.

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom… but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me…” {Jeremiah 9:23, 24}

When we know Him, all apparent hardships become fodder for glory’s blaze.

His glory is our song.

False Security

{Jeremiah 8}

“Peace, peace,” they cry, “when there is no peace.” {Jeremiah 8:11}

The perceived security of being God’s chosen people is crumbling silently beneath their feet.
They have put their trust in the wrong places.

Horses and human wisdom will ultimately fail. Only One is safe to trust; only One will never let us down.

Throw off the false security of being a professed “Christian” and grasp the never-failing hand of the One who never fails…

Humanity may fail us. Heaven will not.

The Test of Discipleship

{Jeremiah 7}
 
“Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments of God that proves the sincerity of our professions of love.”* 

 
The people were commanded to obey, yet not in a dictator-like way. The call to obedience was but an earnest plea to do what would be in their best interest.

“Yet they hearkened not…”

Discipleship is shown through obedience.
Keeping His commandments proves our love.
Transformation of character evidences our genuine commitment.

A true disciple will obey.
No questions. No delays.



*{Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 146}

Reprobate Silver

{Jeremiah 6}

A metal of value and worth, instrumental in trade and commerce, the worldly “mark of a man,” the proof of his wealth—yet the children of Israel were likened unto reprobate silver? Spurned, despised, worthless?

Yes. Most definitely.

We, as God’s people, are the instruments of trade with the earth, the ambassadors of our King—to reveal to the world in our deportment, words and actions His character. Yet we have defamed His name, marred His reflection, defiled His character.

Only He can recreate us into an element of perfection and beauty otherwise we shall be cast away as worthless silver…

Oh, may I not be found as reprobate silver, but precious and purified gold…

To Find One Faithful…

{Jeremiah 5}

“If you can find a man… I will pardon it.” {Jeremiah 5:1}

Just one. One individual with only two qualifications: execute justice and seek truth.

Could that be so hard to find amid a nation of professed people of God?
One earnest seeker and honest citizen?

Yet they had repeatedly neglected their spiritual relationship with their heavenly Father. They were not upholders of justice or seekers of truth. And because they had so completely spurned His gift of mercy, consequences must follow and His protecting hand be removed.

A high price to pay for disobedience.

I want to be one found faithful…

Raising the Standard

{Jeremiah 4}

What has become of our standards? Our morals? The things our ancestors gave their lives for?
They hang tattered and neglected in moth-infested closets, forgotten by this generation.

“Set up the standard toward Zion…” says the faithful prophet.

We would do well to heed his plea.

...

Restoration of our standards can occur.
Our lives can reflect the King of Zion.

Under the marching orders of the Commander,
                                    we must unfurl our banners,
                                                hold the standard high,
                                                            march unashamedly
                                                                        live for one purpose alone—

… to show Christ to the world.
   
We are in His army. Let us hold the standard high.