Topic: On Whose Side Art Thou? [Friday March 18, 2016]
Text: Jeremiah 9:12-26
Key Verse: “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that her understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24).
Israel, in the days of Jeremiah, thought and acted in ways completely opposite the principles of Jehovah God. For instance, dating back to the time of Abraham, circumcision stood as a symbol of Israel’s covenant relationship with God (Genesis 17:9-14).
But at the time of Jeremiah, they had forgotten the spiritual significance of circumcision, even as they continued to perform the physical ritual. The practice became as superficial as that of the pagan nations whose act was at variance with God’s command. This led God to put “circumcised” Israel and uncircumcised heathen nations like Egypt, Edom, Moab and Ammon in the same bracket of uncircumcised nations. Israel was “uncircumcised in the heart” (verse 26). As a result of this spiritually defective heart condition, the people had wrong priorities in serving Him.
They admired fallible man and his so-called virtues. They honoured human wisdom, power (strength), kindness and riches. These were short-lived carnal considerations. So, the Lord admonished Jeremiah to urge the people to get their priorities right. God puts higher premium on knowing Him personally and living a life that reflects His love, righteousness, justice and mercy. “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight. . . ” (Jeremiah 9:23, 24).
We must examine ourselves to ensure that we are circumcised in the heart. When we have such a purified heart, it will be impossible to operate at cross-purposes with the heavenly vision
Thought for the day: Right priorities are those patterned after the similitude of the Saviour’s.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 33-34
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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