No Sacrifice is Too Great

O. T. #1746  "No Sacrifice is Too Great"
July 31, 2020
Jeremiah 9

LET IT GLOW

When the Lord called us into the ministry, we had to move off to college and seminary away from family, friends, and home church, our house and dream car, in order to be obedient. At the time, it was the hardest thing we had to do, but now we would not trade those experiences we had for anything. God gave us new churches, friends, and families. Now, years later, we don't consider it a price to pay to be obedient. The blessings have far outnumbered the sacrifices.

We might feel sorry for Jeremiah who became the weeping prophet for God. He lived in turbulent and agonizing times during the spiritual and moral decay of his society. He had to deliver messages of fierce judgment that his people were facing. Jeremiah was willing to do God's will, although it came at a high cost to him-sacrificed freedom, forfeited family and reputation, endured misunderstanding, ridicule, persecution, imprisonment, and mockings. In spite of it all, Jeremiah remained faithfully obeying his God, no matter the cost and adjustments he had to make.

Are we willing to sacrifice it all in order to remain in God's will? So be sure to understand that there is a cost to obeying our God, too. If we are to be used in God's service, we must expect to make adjustments in our life.

Is God asking us to make adjustments  while we follow Him? Are we willing to face hardships and opposition so we align our life with God's will? Jeremiah had deep satisfaction of knowing he was a faithful and beloved servant of God. Our reward will be the same when we choose to fully obey Christ, regardless of the cost.

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

Do we weep over loved ones that wander into a sinful lifestyle? Do we weep over the loss of things so we are following Jesus?
Jesus gave up everything, all, in order to provide us with salvation. Are we willing to give up all so others can receive His salvation?
Is Jesus our all? Nothing is too great to sacrifice for our Great Savior!

LET IT GROW

Jeremiah's righteous soul was so offended by the sins of Judah that he wanted to get away from them, even if it meant living in a shack in the desert. But God did not require that. God had every right to judge the people of Judah, for their sins included:

• lying, so no one trusted them, even family;
• taking advantage of brothers;
• slandered friends;
• fooled and defrauded each other;
• utterly refused to acknowledge God;
• speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their heart to kill them.
• idolatry and adultery. (verses 3-9)

That is why Jeremiah wept over the land which he loved.
Does this sound like our modern day nation?

Do we cry over the sinful state our nation is in now?
Will we ask God to forgive us of our national sins and send us revival?


LET IT GO
Our God has done great things. He can do it again. We just need to follow His Word.
Thanks be to our God who can heal our land.