God speaks to me
It always amazes me (you’d think I would become more comfortable with this) when God speaks to me through His Word. Here I am, a pastor, and still amazed at the way God places Himself right in front of me.
This morning I was reading in Jeremiah 33 (this is from “The Message” version, I was reading from the NCV):
Jeremiah 33
Things You Could Never Figure Out on Your Own
While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ “This is what God, the God of Israel, has to say about what’s going on in this city, about the homes of both people and kings that have been demolished, about all the ravages of war and the killing by the Chaldeans, and about the streets littered with the dead bodies of those killed because of my raging anger—about all that’s happened because the evil actions in this city have turned my stomach in disgust.
“But now take another look. I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jerusalem will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her.
“Yes, God’s Message: ‘You’re going to look at this place, these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, “A wasteland. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here.” But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank God. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into God’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I, God, say so.
There is so much to unpack in there. But this gave new light to the hope I’ve been feeling lately.
I feel like a dark cloud has been lifted from our church. Sin was a part of what was going on here, and we didn’t root it out. So God did. And we’re feeling the effects that. The pain, frustration, and disappointment are heavy. But God is faithful, and He loves us.
He tells us plainly He (and He alone) will restore us. And that is the reason for the hope and excitement that I feel.
I can’t wait…
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