Finding Grace in the Wilderness

The People of God Set Priorities
Bearing One Another's Burdens
Treasure in Clay Jars

Jeremiah 31:1-6 The Message

31 “And when that happens”—God’s Decree—
    “it will be plain as the sun at high noon:
I’ll be the God of every man, woman, and child in Israel
    and they shall be my very own people.”

^2-6 This is the way God put it:

“They found grace out in the desert,
    these people who survived the killing.
Israel, out looking for a place to rest,
    met God out looking for them!”
God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.
    Expect love, love, and more love!
And so now I’ll start over with you and build you up again,
    dear virgin Israel.
You’ll resume your singing,
    grabbing tambourines and joining the dance.
You’ll go back to your old work of planting vineyards
    on the Samaritan hillsides,
And sit back and enjoy the fruit—
    oh, how you’ll enjoy those harvests!
The time’s coming when watchmen will call out
    from the hilltops of Ephraim:
‘On your feet! Let’s go to Zion,
    go to meet our God!’”

 

For Reflection

I searched
  among the finest cabinets
  and discovered common wood.

I searched
  among successful people
  and found empty rewards.

I searched
  among the learned
  and saw folly.

I searched
  among the libraries of time
  and detected dust.

Weary from travel.
   I, disillusioned by failure,
   collapsed in despair.

Resources spent.
   I, drained of strength,
   shadowed in hopelessness.

Cowering in darkness.
   I, staring.

 

Into a murky pool
A rising sun reflects
Unexpected grace.

Pray

that you will find grace in unexpected common places.  Pray that you will recognize God looking out for you.