Justice With Compassion
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 46 and Psalm 48 (NIV)
(Philip Oh,Chairperson, Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC))
READ:
Jeremiah 46 and Psalm 48 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
What a huge book Jeremiah is, with 52 chapters of prophecies, warnings and assurances – chapter after chapter! Difficult reading, at least for me!
Chapter 46 is no different – v13 tells us that it is a message from God to Jeremiah about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon to attack Egypt, described as a beautiful heifer in v20.
The chapter describes the clash of the 2 giants, one from the north (Babylon) attacking another in the south (Egypt).
There is also a clear assurance for Jacob (Israel) hidden in v28:
“Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you,” declares the Lord. “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”
The assurance is that God will not destroy Jacob (Israel) totally, even though she deserves it (like other nations around her), but will and must “discipline her in due measure”. We read that even though God is a God of justice, He is compassionate.
The other passage for today’s BRD is Psalm 48 where v1 says “Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.” Reading Psalm 48 takes my thoughts straight to the familiar hymn of the same name!
APPLY:
Israel is God’s chosen nation. Even though there were massive nations, many times larger and more “significant” than Israel dominating that scene, God assures His chosen nation of His continued love and care for them.
Although God is a compassionate God, He is still a God of Justice.
In the same way, we as the tiny nation of Singapore, the “little red dot” – tiny in comparison to the nations and struggles of the world – Ukraine-Russia war, US-China cold war – God assures me that we are His beloved, His beloved sons and daughters that will receive His continued love and care, with “discipline in due measure”.
From Jeremiah 46 I am reminded that I must be prepared to receive the discipline and punishment for my sin, with the assurance that it will be meted out in “due measure” according to God’s sovereign will.
DO:
For me, I recognise that I must live by the consequences of my actions but am encouraged that my Abba Father in heaven is compassionate. He loves me beyond what I can understand, and is always there for me!
As a Disciple, I will continue to strive to read His Word for us daily, practise the spiritual disciplines of Examen and allocate time in silent retreat with our Abba Father.
I will play this hymn “Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise” again and again as I take my morning walk and exercise. It will give me the right perspective for my day!
PRAY:
Dear God, I thank you for the Bible that helps me to hear from you! Help me to keep the discipline of daily devotion, of evening Examen and periodic silent retreat. May these spiritual disciplines allow me to be your disciple today and forevermore! In Jesus’ Name I ask. Amen.
