“For I said to your ancestors when I brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt, ‘If you obey me and do whatever I command you, then you will be my people, and I will be your God.'” Jeremiah 11:4 NLT
This is a verse regarding the Israelites (and our) relationship with God. If they obey His commands and act in accordance with them, they will be defended, protected, and blessed by the Lord. This is a prevalent theme throughout the OT between the Israelites and God, but as I was reading today’s chapter, the verse that followed this one provided me with a new perspective.
“I (God) said this so I could keep my promise to your ancestors to give you a land flowing with milk and honey – the land you live in today.” Jeremiah 11:5 NLT
As much as God made this covenant with the Israelites so that they could look back on it and remember their side of the deal, it was just as much and possibly more so, for the Israelites to see God’s side of the deal – His promise.
It is good to focus on and remind ourselves of our obligations and duties towards the Lord, but may we also take the time to reflect on God’s promises, His goodness, and His mercy. After all, it’s His promise of eternal life when we act in wilful obedience to Him and His commands.
Lock Your Wings 
This stood out for me: “I was like a lamb being led to the slaughter. I had no idea that they were planning to kill me! “Let’s destroy this man and all his words,” they said. “Let’s cut him down, so his name will be forgotten forever.””
Jeremiah 11:19 NLT
When we hear things we don’t want to hear we tend to blame the messenger. The truth that hits close to home often causes us to look to blame others before examining our own actions. May we seek to take criticism well so that we may grow into the people God desires us to be.
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