Jeremiah speaks of God’s judgment - “I’m bringing disaster and
widespread destruction ...” (Jeremiah 4:6). This message comes to us as a
word of warning, a plea to the people to return to the Lord and find
His mercy - “So put on sackcloth, mourn and cry because the Lord’s
burning anger hasn’t turned away from us” (Jeremiah 4:8). This is the
call to repentance. We read of God’s burning anger, and we wonder,”Is
there still the hope of God’s blessing?” God is speaking of His judgment
- “Nation of Israel, I’m going to bring a nation from far away to
attack you,declares the Lord, I won’t destroy all of you” (Jeremiah
5:15,18). God’s Word concerning the threat of judgment is a call to the
people to honour Him as God: “Pay attention to My warning, Jerusalem,
or I will turn away from you. I will make your land desolate ...”
(Jeremiah 6:8). The ministry of Jeremiah differs from the ministry of
the false prophets. They say, “Everything is alright!” He says, “It’s
not alright! (Jeremiah 6:14). Jeremiah calls upon the people to make a
new beginning with God - “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask which
paths are the old reliable paths. Ask which way leads to blessings. Live
that way, and find a resting place for yourselves” (Jeremiah 6:16).
We have come here to praise the Lord. Why do we praise the Lord? "Lord my God, You are very great." God is great in power. His power can impress us, but it will not save us until we are touched by a special power - the power of His love. God is great in holiness. His holiness (Isaiah 6:3) shows us our sin (Isaiah 6:5). It's His love that brings us salvation (Isaiah 6:7). When we see the greatness of His love, we can truly say, "Praise the Lord."
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