As we have heard in the book of Jeremiah, God the Father has had many challenges in getting his message through to people. 600 years after King Jehoiakim burned the scroll of his prophecy, God had GOOD news he wanted to deliver - “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” And instead of writing it down on a scroll, God sent his son Jesus to deliver the message personally. The response was the same. The regime tried to destroy the message, this time by killing the messenger, crucifying Jesus on the cross. Problem solved – no more promises of good news! But God and Jesus found a work-around! God raised Jesus to new life on the third day, and now Jesus carries the message directly to the hearts of his followers, through the words of his followers, and the biblical record of his life, death, and resurrection.
We HAVE the scroll of God's promises written for us in the Bible, and we are blessed to live in a country where you can read them aloud. And this GOOD news helps us deal with the BAD news we would rather avoid. As followers of Jesus, no matter what circumstances we face in this life, the future is bright with the light of resurrection. No matter what tribulations we dread coming up, they will be temporary, and what will be permanent is bliss. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be sustained in the grace of Christ, and we will be welcomed into the Father's house forever.
Gracious God, help us to hear your words of correction clearly in your word and in the circumstances of our lives. Keep us from evil ways, in Jesus' name, amen.