READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 51-52, Hebrews 9
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 22:1-23:20, John 12:37-50
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The contrast is intentional and clear. In Jeremiah’s words of today’s reading, we are reminded of the power of God. He made the earth—all the world and all the heavens. He brings forth thunder, hangs the clouds in the sky, lightens the sky with lightning, and sends forth the rain. He is indeed the maker of everything (Jer 51:19).
Meanwhile, fallen humanity worships false gods that are manmade, worthless, and lifeless. In Jeremiah’s day, the false gods of Babylon could not compare to the true God of Israel. Indeed, worshiping the gods the craftsmen had made was only folly.
It’s not much different when you and I worship the temporary, elevating things like wealth, possessions, power, and prestige over God. We, too, fall prey to the worship of idols that cannot free us from the bondage of sin or give us life everlasting. We, too, sometimes give priority to fleeting “stuff” while neglecting or ignoring the God who made everything. That choice simply makes no sense.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: When was the last time you saw the power of God in a storm?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, show me my idols – and break their power over me.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Lamentations 1-2, Hebrews 10
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 23:21-24:20, John 13:1-20