Today’s Reading:
Jeremiah 12:1-3
“You, O Lord are [uncompromisingly] righteous and consistently just when I plead my case with You. Yet let me discuss issues of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are those who deal in treachery (deceit) at ease and thriving? You have planted them they have also taken root; They grow, they have even produced fruit. You are honoured by their [hypocritical] lips But [You are] far from their heart and mind. But You, O Lord, know me [and understand my devotion to You]; You see me, And You examine the attitude of my heart toward You. Drag out the faithless like sheep for the slaughter [O Lord] And set them apart for the day of slaughter.”
(Jeremiah 12:1-3 AMPV)
Why do the ways of the wicked prosper? Why does injustice seem to trump justice? Why are those who publicly flout the law so little concerned about doing so? Why does everything seem to go well for those who have no fear of God? The scandalous prosperity of the wicked has been an old-aged question that greatly perplexed many faithful of Israel (Job 21:7-15, 24), David (Psalm 37), Asaph (Psalm 73); and (Habakkuk 1:1-4). Also, the same questions keep ringing in the minds of many Christians today, especially the serious-minded ones.
It is an ancient, and widely held belief that the wicked could never prosper (Psalm 1), considering the curse always rained on them. That, only the righteous would take root and become a sturdy tree. But then the question arises, who is righteous or wicked? Can we humanly decide this? Only God is the right Judge. It is not as if Jeremiah is challenging God, but he just cannot relate the relationship between wickedness and thriving prosperity. And to make matters worse, the people concerned often use God’s name, but have no place for Him in their hearts (v.2).
However, Jeremiah’s experience, as well as that of others like him has challenged this assumption. Life was very difficult for him despite his love and obedience to God. Although, when he called for God’s judgement, he knew it would ultimately catch up with the wicked, he was impatient because he wanted a quick judgement. In response, God did not give him a doctrinal answer, instead, he gave a test that if Jeremiah could not handle the present injustice and felt like quitting, how would he deal with harder injustice which is ahead (v. 5). God asked him to take courage if he was to withstand harder struggles yet to come. It is normal to protest injustice against those taking advantage of others. But when we protest, we should bear in mind that no one is without sin, including the one protesting, because if God were to lay out judgement each of us deserves, no one would be able to stand (Isaiah 64:6). Note that to speak out or prayerfully protest is good, I say prayerfully, to avoid unnecessary loss of innocent lives. God further asked him to fear not only his neighbours but also members of his family (v. 6), because it is when the trial comes that one would know who really loves one.
Many like Jeremiah today who could not stand continued wickedness would want immediate punishment for the wicked. We grieved over terrible human suffering, injustices, oppression and persecution we witnessed. God is asking us that, if we think the situation is so bad, how would we cope when the situation gets tougher and unbearable? This is the situation in which the plight of people is today in our nation Nigeria. We should note that it is not all of God’s answers to prayer that are palatable, nice or easy to swallow. Any Christian who has experienced war, bereavement or any serious illness can bear witness to this. It is a very bad experience to handle. But the wise thing to do as a believer is to still stay put, committed, continue to dwell in God’s secret place and abide under the shallow of the Almighty. Even in a deplorable situation, when things get tougher, and when answers to our prayers do not bring immediate relief. The fact too is that creation also suffers the consequences of human sins, yet we say the Lord does not see us. The Lord is telling us that we need patience and endurance for us to withstand the struggles in the world. The Lord will intervene at his timing, until then, we keep on learning under the hardship, get stronger, and stronger, and also get mature.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all the people.
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth (and save us), in Jesus’ name.
O Lord, preserve me and all mine from all evil; and preserve my soul, in Jesus’ name.
O Lord, preserve my going out and my coming in now to the end, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and of my cup; maintain my lot and secure my waters, in Jesus’ name.
O, Lord reconcile Christian family and home for the purpose for which You have established it, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, our Saviour, Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob; rescue the captives of the mighty, and deliver the prey of the terrible, deliver even the lawful captives, in Jesus’ name.
Our Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, snatch the leaders, and Your Church from the grip of the world, its evil systems, and tyrannies of sin, in Jesus’ name.
King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle; take pre-eminence in the helm of affairs in the seat of power in our nation Nigeria, in the upper and lower legislative in the Federal and State governance, make them sensitive to the plight of the masses they govern, in Jesus’ name.
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