Friday, February 3rd 2017
Jeremiah 12:1-17
Jeremiah 12 speaks about a recurrent theme in the Bible (it's the main subject of Habaquq), which deals with our main questions.
1. Why does the wicked prosper ? (1-4)
God is righteous and no one can object to his works. But the prophet asks: why does the wicked prosper ? The wicked needlessly occupy the country. They are hypocrital because they speak friendly words (2b, 6c) but without the heart. Jeremiah knows that God looks at the heart. Jeremiah is honest before God (3b). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:17). God even listens to the judgment pronounced by his servant because his heart is righteous. The country will be devastated because of the evil of the inhabitants. The nature moans because of the sin of mankind (Rm 8:22)
2. The answer of God (5-6)
Then God answers Jeremiah. It is not that. God gives difficulties to the righteous for their good. The various adversities create a proven faith for God's glory (1P 1:6,7)
3. God's judgment for the wicked (7-17)
God calls the country a lion which is degenerated into a bird of prey (8,9). The unfaithful shepherds are responsible for this desolation (10; Jn 10:12). The unproductiveness strikes the country. Judah and all his impious neighbours will be chastised. But there is hope among the calamity: if they repent, learn and take a vow before the God of Israel, they will be restored. If not, all will perish.
Prayer: Lord, you are righteous, finally you will judge. Make me persevere and repent before the God of Israel.
Bottom line: don't doubt Him
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