Lenten Reflection March 17, 2022

JEREMIAH 17: 5-10

LUKE 16: 19-31

Jeremiah was called to prophecy by God 600 years prior to Christ to proclaim Jerusalem’s coming destruction. Israel had forsaken God by worshiping idols and burning their children as sacrificial offerings to these idols. Israel had deviated so far from God’s laws that they had broken the covenant. Jeremiah was guided by God to proclaim that the nation of Judah would suffer famine, foreign conquest, plunder and captivity.

Jeremiah condemned idolatry, the greed of their priests, false prophets, and placing their trust in mortals.

Jeremiah is a wake-up call for us today 2,800 years later. Do we place our trust in mortals such as politicians, celebrities, news show hosts, and our own flesh?

The Lord said to Jeremiah, “cursed are those who trust in mere mortals.”

The byproduct of trust in mortals are anxiety, fear, division, judgment, addiction, greed, pride, envy, wrath and lust. All of which are curses to man.

God also told Jeremiah, “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord.”

The byproduct of trusting in the Lord is peace, joy, love, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All blessings.

Who will you trust today? The Creator of heaven and earth Who created you and me in His image and Who created every living thing, or will you trust your own flesh and mere mortals?

The choice is yours.

Jesus tells us in Luke 16:31 that “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

Dear Heavenly Father,

I place all my trust in You. Your will is perfect. Your plans are perfect. Your timing is perfect. Thank You for shaping, forming, growing me into the person You intend for me to be. We know all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. I declare Your word made flesh, Jesus, as my Lord and Savior.