Tag: Jeremiah 5

The Whole Council of God

In 2 Kings 22:8-13 and 2 Chronicles 34:14-21, we read about a significant moment in Judah’s history. During the reign of King Josiah, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law in the temple. This discovery had a profound impact on Josiah and the nation. Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, recognizing the severity of Judah’s deviation from God’s commandments.

This narrative draws a powerful parallel to our contemporary experience. Just as the Book of the Law lay hidden and neglected in the temple, we often have Bibles in our homes that we rarely open. Even when we do engage with Scripture, we may limit ourselves to familiar and comfortable passages, such as the Gospels or certain New Testament epistles, neglecting the full breadth and depth of God’s Word.

Josiah’s reaction to the rediscovered Scriptures emphasizes the transformative power of engaging with the entirety of God’s Word. The Scriptures were not just historical documents for Josiah; they were alive and active, revealing God’s will and calling His people back to Him. This same dynamic is available to us today. When we restrict our reading to only certain parts of the Bible, we miss out on the comprehensive revelation of who God is and what He desires for us.

The rediscovery of the Book of the Law led to a national revival. Josiah read the words of the Law to all the people and renewed the covenant with the Lord, pledging to follow Him wholeheartedly. This act of seeking and valuing God’s Word brought about significant reform and renewal in Judah. Similarly, when we fully engage with Scripture, allowing all of its parts to speak into our lives, we experience personal and communal transformation.

A real-life example of this might include committing to read through the entire Bible, not just the parts we are most comfortable with. This could involve a structured reading plan that ensures we encounter the full scope of God’s Word. By doing so, we gain a more complete understanding of God’s character, His plans, and His purposes. We are reminded of His holiness and justice, His love and mercy, and His call for us to live in a way that honors Him.

Just as Josiah’s discovery of the Book of the Law led to a revival in Judah, our renewed commitment to seeking God’s Word in its entirety can bring about spiritual awakening and transformation in our lives and communities. Let us follow Josiah’s example, valuing the whole of Scripture and allowing it to shape our hearts and actions.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How can you commit to reading the entire Bible and not just the parts you are most comfortable with?
  2. In what ways has reading less familiar parts of the Bible transformed your understanding of God?
  3. How can you encourage others to seek and value the fullness of Scripture?

Making Priorities a Priority

In Jeremiah 2:32, God laments through the prophet, “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.” This verse captures a powerful metaphor, comparing the people’s forgetfulness of God to something unthinkable — a bride forgetting her wedding ornaments. It underscores the idea that we naturally remember what is important to us, and it calls into question the priorities of the people of Israel.

In our own lives, this principle remains true. We do not forget the things that hold significant value to us. We remember birthdays, anniversaries, important appointments, and treasured possessions. These things occupy our thoughts and are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Similarly, our relationship with God should be at the forefront of our minds, guiding our actions and decisions.

However, just like the people of Israel, we too can become forgetful. Distractions, busyness, and the pressures of life can cause us to neglect our relationship with God. We might find ourselves going through the motions of faith without truly engaging with the heart of it. This forgetfulness doesn’t happen overnight but creeps in gradually, leading us to prioritize other things over our time with God.

Reflecting on Jeremiah 2:32 challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we giving God the attention and honor He deserves, or have we allowed other things to take precedence? Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our actions reveal what we truly value. If we treasure our relationship with God, it will be evident in how we live our lives.

To combat forgetfulness, we need to be intentional about cultivating our relationship with God. This can include setting aside regular time for prayer and Bible study, engaging in worship, and surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who encourage us in our faith. By making these practices a priority, we keep our focus on God and remain grounded in His presence.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What are some ways you can remind yourself daily of God’s presence in your life?
  2. Are there areas where you have allowed distractions to take priority over your relationship with God?
  3. How can you cultivate a deeper, more intentional relationship with God in your daily routine?