October 13
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14
Praise God for air conditioning. Imagine living in Florida without it. It would be brutal. Yet the enjoyment of earthly pleasures can easily become the all-consuming pursuit of our lives. Pursuing our own personal happiness and ease is one of the highest values in our day and age. This longing for comfort is not new. Jeremiah speaks against the kings and elites in his day who were only concerned with their palaces and comfort. They were unconcerned with justice and the needs of others. Jehoiachin's father was a king who cared for the "poor and needy" while Jehoiachin simply cared for himself. This lifestyle places Jehoiachin under God's judgment. Notice how judgment is described in 2 Thessalonians 1. "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and the majesty of his power." To live for ourselves means that we are failing to live for God and places us in opposition to him.
2 Thessalonians encourages a way from this self-centeredness and to consider how Christ's return should transform our lives. Since Christ is coming back we should live with an eternal perspective rather than living for temporary comforts. Therefore, we are commanded to love those who are "poor and needy." We must consider those who may be overlooked in our society and may be falling through the cracks and consider how we can help. This may mean volunteering at Helps Outreach, Saint Matthew’s House, or coming alongside single parents in the church; but what it certainly means is that we can't turn a blind eye to those in need. To put ourselves first in life is to live for something far too small.
Father God, give me eyes to see those who are hurting and how I can best respond. Help me not to only be concerned with myself and my family but to care for all who are made in your image. Give me a soft heart and help me to be about your work today. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you respond to the needs of the "poor and needy"?
Praise God for air conditioning. Imagine living in Florida without it. It would be brutal. Yet the enjoyment of earthly pleasures can easily become the all-consuming pursuit of our lives. Pursuing our own personal happiness and ease is one of the highest values in our day and age. This longing for comfort is not new. Jeremiah speaks against the kings and elites in his day who were only concerned with their palaces and comfort. They were unconcerned with justice and the needs of others. Jehoiachin's father was a king who cared for the "poor and needy" while Jehoiachin simply cared for himself. This lifestyle places Jehoiachin under God's judgment. Notice how judgment is described in 2 Thessalonians 1. "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and the majesty of his power." To live for ourselves means that we are failing to live for God and places us in opposition to him.
2 Thessalonians encourages a way from this self-centeredness and to consider how Christ's return should transform our lives. Since Christ is coming back we should live with an eternal perspective rather than living for temporary comforts. Therefore, we are commanded to love those who are "poor and needy." We must consider those who may be overlooked in our society and may be falling through the cracks and consider how we can help. This may mean volunteering at Helps Outreach, Saint Matthew’s House, or coming alongside single parents in the church; but what it certainly means is that we can't turn a blind eye to those in need. To put ourselves first in life is to live for something far too small.
Father God, give me eyes to see those who are hurting and how I can best respond. Help me not to only be concerned with myself and my family but to care for all who are made in your image. Give me a soft heart and help me to be about your work today. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you respond to the needs of the "poor and needy"?
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