October 24th-26th - Reflection

Video
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e3f5653861492444a068

Readings
Jeremiah 44:24-50:46
Jeremiah 50:6a - My people have been lost sheep...
2 Timothy 2:22-4:22
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Titus 1:1-16
Titus 1:4b - Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Psalms 94:1-98:9
Psalm 95:6 - O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
Proverbs 26:6-16
Proverbs 26:11 - Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who reverts to his folly.

Reflection
Jeremiah had it tough. He had some hard news to tell people. Jeremiah brought news most people would not want to hear. Open and honest and to the point information about how they were acting wrongly and what the consequences would be for their actions. Jeremiah, it seems to me, had to take a stand. It was almost as if Jeremiah was the only one taking a stand. Instead of telling the people what he thought they might want to hear and make them happy, he told them what God wanted them to know. Do we do the same today?

Unlike Jeremiah, we have the advantage of knowing some more of the story. We know of a Savior in Jesus Christ who came in our likeness and saved us from our sin. We will never have to stand alone to proclaim God's favor. Jesus has already taken that stand and took it in a most profound way. Jesus took a stand in our stead. Knowing this, why aren't more Christians moving forward with the wonderful gospel message, boldly and proudly? Why aren't more Christians responding to this love that God has shown?

We have an awesome gift staring us in the face. We have not only the Word in Scripture, but we also have the Word made flesh in the life of Jesus. It's time to stand up and proclaim loudly, clearly, boldly and proudly the love of God to all the world. Your neighbor needs to hear it and so does everyone in your life that God loves them so much that He gave His only Son so that each one of us could have eternal life. It's time to respond to this love of God in praise and thanksgiving and honor. It's time to stand up!

Prayer
Lord, You have graciously given all of us the most wonderful gift. Thank You. I gladly go out this day in Your Holy Name to fulfill what You have planned. ---Amen